EDBE 8F83: Blog

Student-centered learning  Schools now-a-days are moving towards more student-centered methods of teaching and learning.   That is, teachers are adapting instructional approaches and strategies with the intention of catering to different learning styles and interests of students.   The role of the teacher in a student-centered classroom is to facilitate and engage students in learning.   i.e. rather than simply making students take notes, the teacher allows students to be active in learning and discovering concepts.    The role of students in these classrooms is to take initiative of their learning, be inquisitive and challenge the teacher.   i.e. do not simply accept information presented to them by the teacher as correct, but ask questions and critically analyze information given to them.   One method to engage students interest would be to present them with a problem that promotes curiosity.   This will promote thinking in the c...

  Throughout my postgraduate degree, I have heard various views on implementing technology in classes.  Many teachers are scared that students may get distracted, and lose focus when given technology to use during lessons.  However, I have also heard of many benefits involved with implementing technology in the classroom, and various methods to promote on-task behaviour.   For example, in one of my placements, a teacher told me that one of her strategies to ensure students don’t engage in off-task behaviour with regards to their mobile devices is to have students place their phones face down on the desk.  She found that this worked for her class because it then became obvious when a student would reach for their phone.  She also told me that when she incorporated handheld devices in her teaching, students would be far more likely to engage in learning.  I believe that incorporating technology in the classroom has outstanding potential to ai...

Math is for Everyone I found this weeks lesson particularly interesting because I learned that all students could succeed in math.   The fact that the brains are constantly forming new connections based on our experiences is rather interesting.   Prior to this lesson on brain plasticity, I was taught that a student’s potential to understand a given subject is a result from their genetic disposition (nature), but could be somewhat improved by nurture (i.e. teachers, environment, support, etc.).   The video helped me realise that it is possible to help a student improve substantially in mathematics through practice, and support.   I think that this class helped me understand just how much power a teacher has on a student’s ability and confidence to succeed.   Teachers are seen as leaders, and so have a huge influence on their students.   I also think that educators have an influence on students because they are generally as possessing expertise, skil...