Many things spring to mind when looking at this statement. I see this as an opportunity whereby learners participate in class in such a way that they are enjoying what they are doing while learning effectively and by themselves. Us as teachers should really just be facilitators and mediators where we slightly guide them in the right direction, if we want to see true learning take place.
No lesson learnt is greater than one you've learnt yourself.
By this I mean, a learner will remember something a lot easier and carry that lesson with them a lot longer if they actually figured it all out by themselves. The article by Wills was a brilliant example of this. She simply set out a set of instructions (the bowl of water and the "do not wet the floor" sign) and let it act as a guideline to teaching the children about keeping calmer and getting in the right state of mind for the lesson. I believe its all about being sneaky with being an effective pedagogue because you need to think up ways to gently nudge learners in the right direction so they can learn certain things for themselves. Many teachers still feel very much like they need to stay in control and just tell them outright "move the tables and keep quiet!" but learners don't respond to that. They respond better to something if they think its fun or their idea. So in Wills' example, they thought it was fun, so it was easier to handle and activated their brains in a way that prepared them for the lesson. I feel that teachers who do not take the time to think of fun ways to aid in students learning effectively are lazy and narrow minded, and should probably consider retiring early.
With "how teachers should be" in mind, that brings on the video that was watched. Firstly I want to say "YOH!!" That was a lot of talking and a lot of content for a little 5 minutes. At first I thought, "Yay! 5 mins! This will be quick and easy!". Well, oh boy was I wrong. I had to rewatch that video and take notes and I honestly did not know Australians, or New Zealanders could talk that fast (phew).
Anyway, besides the point, I really loved the check list they had of how teachers should:
- Be accessible and available to the students
- Create an environment of open communication where a students concerns and worries can be heard
- Provide a solid education in foundation skills (like reading and writing)
- Show empathy and understanding for a student's current circumstance and provide them with the tools to facilitate a positive outcome
- Intervene (as professionals) when students experience bullying and harassment
- Promote "pro-social bonding" which can be done by remembering personal events such as birthdays, family occasions, or just by letting your personality shine through.
This really just screams out that it should bee all about the learner and what is best for them and their learning. By taking all of these points to heart and applying it to your character and teaching style, you will definitely be a lot closer to achieving meaningful learner involvement than those teachers that stay in their boxes.
Well, that's my short say...
I'm Miss Moore, and remember to keep your eyes on the board!
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