My biggest complaints of the traditional classroom, as I experience it in 1997-2002, (Oh my goodness I'm so old)especially in the area of
maths, is the lack of relevance of the content, and the lack of ability of
teachers to satisfactorily explain the concepts presented in multiple ways so different
learners could understand.
I believe many
maths and scientific concepts are much more easily grasped if they are depicted
visually, which is possible today as there are some great programs for graphing and
modelling that show concepts and applications of advanced maths that is
impossible to show on a whiteboard.
So many people I know learn by doing, which is why many of
them have ended up hating Maths and Science as so often it is taught by the
teacher standing up the front and talking. Realistically I don't think this style of teaching works for anyone as it goes in one ear
and out the other, I think by being very aware of the consequences of boredom,
encouraging creativity (especially in traditionally non creative subjects such
as maths and science, how do you think Einstein came up with his theory!!) and
using technology to its fullest extent, it could be the start of a great
engaging pedagogy for Maths and Science.
When you combine the main messages of all three presentations basically I came to the conclusion that it would be negligent of a teacher not to integrate technology into my basic pedagogy. Therefore in order to make teaching my career, I will need to constantly update my technological skills, in order to stay relevant and engage my students and help prepare them for the future.
If you are looking for me I'll be on the net practicing and researching my technology classroom integration skills wish me luck!
I love the personal flavour of your reflection Marissa. it adds a reality check about traditional teaching that will carry you into great pedagogy. Despite the appeal of the research, behaviour management experts and the accounts of great pedagogy, traditional teachers use ICT --- and are proud of their skills --- for menial content delivery and organisation of tasks... It is about changing pedagogy and beliefs, and you have made that leap already, awesome.
ReplyDeleteIt's clear to see how your own educational upbringing has influenced your pedagogy. Your pedagogies rank high with my own, maths was always thought of as being the boring textbook work when I was in school, so I am passionate about making it fun/enjoyable. I can't wait to see what examples you come up with, good luck!
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