Week 4-1 Post

1. Week 4-1: Leave a 30-word micro session summary.

 Teacher-directed instruction is primarily guided by the teacher, and includes direct instruction and lecturing. Student-centered instruction is focused on students having more responsibilities to guide their learning. Some approaches include collaborative learning, project-based learning, and discovery learning.

2. While I have been exposed to a variety of teaching styles, most of my classes have included elements of teacher-directed instruction. Even in my art and English classes I have benefitted from being taught information in small, sequential units. I took a jewelry class and whenever we started a project, my teacher broke the lesson down into segments. This was beneficial because there were many complex steps to the projects. I also learn well independently and like problem solving on my own. Also, having concept maps and outlines really help me understand what material I need to focus on and prepares me for taking quality notes. However, this teaching approach can get repetitive and boring. Passive listening can impede my learning, and I feel disconnected from my teacher and peers at times.

3. Teacher-centered instruction has its historical roots in factory work and production. In the education setting, this approach creates a system where the teacher is the manager and the student’s role is to produce products (e.g., grades). This approach also encourages teachers to teach all their students in the same way and “spoon-feed” the information. However, learning environments need cooperation and collaboration. While I tend to prefer to learn and work alone, I understand the importance of collaborative/collective learning. It encourages deeper thought. It also allows the teacher to understand if his or her students are really learning because students have a richer social connection with the teacher and amongst each other. I also do not think teacher-centered instruction prepares everyone for the work place. Being able to problem solve with others is a valuable skill. 

4. The fact that 50% of high schoolers across New England aren’t college and career ready shows how we need to change our education model to incorporate student-centered teaching. This type of teaching model can help students who need to be more motivated and engaged in their learning. Student-centered teaching incorporates students’ skill and interests into learning. This video gave four approaches to learning: learning is personalized, learning is competency-based, learning happens anytime, and students take ownership. These can enhance students’ learning experiences because they improve the student/teacher relationship, allow students to learn at an appropriate pace, encourage learning outside the classroom, and can make students feel more responsible and involved in their learning. Student-centered learning allows for more creativity.

5. I think project-based learning is the most effective and practical because it challenges students to solve problems and prepares them to be functioning adults. Students have to demonstrate what they’ve learned, which can be done through a portfolio, play, poster, book, demonstration, etc. Demonstrations of work can apply to any grade level and enhances collaboration and communication skills. Also, this hands-on approach to learning means that students learn in a more in-depth and meaningful way. In the video on project-based learning the students felt rewarded when they figured out concepts and didn’t mind failing a few times before they succeeded. The students were more motivated and engaged doing a project than being lectured in a tradition classroom setting. This approach can apply to all classes, however, it might be more challenging for large classes.

6. Do you have any questions or concerns about course learning? 

Not this week!

7. Week 4-1 Activity Completion Check

(Copy and paste the table below into your blog refection)

	Modules	Topics  & Activity	Check ✓ if Completed
Week 4	Week 4-1 *Due by August 7 at 10:59 am	1) Week 4-1 Reading Quiz	✓
		2) Week 4-1 Discussion Forum: one initial response & two peer feedback replies	✓
		3) Week 4-1 Personal Blog Reflection	✓

#8. Social Blog Activity: visit your peers' blogs and provide two feedback comments!

Maggi Busey’s Blog

Hi Maggi,

Great summary of learning from the social constructivism perspective. I liked how you described the ZPD and the role of the MKO. Your point about the struggles of implementing this approach to younger grades is interesting. There wasn’t much in the reading about how younger children socially interact and learn from each other. They can’t have conversations the same way older children do, but maybe they demonstrate things for each other in small groups through actions and their limited language skills. But you’re definitely right that we are social creatures and learn from each other!

Great post and thanks for sharing!

Elizabeth

Erin Rodriguez’s Blog

Hi Erin,

Nice summary of Vygotsky’s theory, and the visual of the Zone of Proximal Development is really helpful! It shows how the leaner is still responsible for their learning but is given additional help when needed. The teacher is aiding the learner but not spoon-feeding them the information. 

I also understand your point about working alone vs. in groups. I’m also the type of student who prefers to work alone. However, I think working in groups enhances my communication and problem solving skills which are helpful for any job. And I agree with your point about feeling a sense of pride when I can accomplish something. Glad this aspect of learning works for you!

Great post and thanks for sharing!

Elizabeth