Inspiring Pedagogy

As a learner, I have never been able to learn a thing by memorization. I  am excellent at recalling totally incorrect facts, but once I have been able to really think about a new topic, mold it to what I already know and what I think it all means I start to feel excited.

So when I read through the following eight pedagogs I was initially overwhelmed but then I realized that they made sense, and actually describe (albeit more eloquently than I would write) what I would like to achieve as a teacher.

1. Facilitating deep knowledge through higher order thinking: Asking questions that students to give much more than a yes/no or simple factual answer.

2. Facilitating collaborative learning in which conversations are important

3. Supporting students in knowing how they learn best

4. Planning learning that is problem-based, and situated in real life contexts

5. Is relevant to students, and connects to their background knowledge

6. Supports learning that is owned, controlled and managed by students themselves

7. Is socially supportive, engaging, and values cultural knowledges

8. Is supportive of the development of active citizenship, and strong group identity.

I did a wee bit of web searching to help get a better understanding of the topics, and found this interesting link. How to encourage higher order thinking at home . My daughter started school this year and I have been trialling questions like these to hopefully find out a little more about what she has been up to.


I also found an interesting blog post and associated video which demonstrates how effective pedagogy can be applied.Inspiring pedagogy
 

 

 

 

Edutopia how the brain learns best

One of the main reasons I want to study teaching is that I have really struggled with traditional learning approaches. I have a very short attention span, and while I love to learn, I found many classes at high school, and most of my university learning to be very boring. Thus I have a strong interested in understanding how the brain works.

So, I haven't finished watching the video yet. I've had to watch the first 30 mins twice because i found it too hard to concentrate the first time. I was hearing but not retaining what was being said. The second time round I am really interested in the concept of creating a safe learning environment, and the flight fight freeze responses when students are stressed. 

I am also surprised with the white board idea, simply because I actually spoke with a colleague about a similar concept this morning. Instead of using white boards, there is a  electronic clicker technology where by the moderator can put up questions on an interactive white board and then the participants answer using their clickers. I'm not sure whether it can also be used to gauge individual responses but the moderator can use it to modify the content, providing more information if the participants are not understanding the topic, or moving on if concepts have been understood.