Another lesson that was taught was based on KSA #09: Using Varied Instructional Strategies. To me this such an important goal, but awfully difficult to actually produce. I completely understand that students all have very different learning skills and abilities, but the goal is to incorporate as many of these skills within your instruction all the time. I understand that over time as teachers will gain skills to better accommodate students, but to me its more than that. As teachers we want our students to learn and grow and try new things. But where's the line between growth and simply causing discomfort. For myself I understand that I am a very traditional learner. I learn best visually and aurally best, but tactile learning is really difficult for me. I also know that I take a long time to think through my ideas, and I like to have a plan. So for myself, or for my future students who happen to learn in similar ways, is it simply a matter of stretching that comfort zone to include activities for 'thinking on your toes' or is that not being accepting or accommodating to learner needs?
This week in our Seminar class, we had the pleasure of participating in four microteaches from our ever-talented classmates. While I thoroughly enjoyed all of the lessons, they did leave me with a few questions. One of the lessons was centred around KSA #08: Building Relationships and in particular, maintaining human dignity. The definition given for human dignity was one I truly appreciated and hope to keep in mind for the future. Human dignity is defined as 'self esteem and self respect based on being respected by others.' Now really, how simple yet complex is that?!
Another lesson that was taught was based on KSA #09: Using Varied Instructional Strategies. To me this such an important goal, but awfully difficult to actually produce. I completely understand that students all have very different learning skills and abilities, but the goal is to incorporate as many of these skills within your instruction all the time. I understand that over time as teachers will gain skills to better accommodate students, but to me its more than that. As teachers we want our students to learn and grow and try new things. But where's the line between growth and simply causing discomfort. For myself I understand that I am a very traditional learner. I learn best visually and aurally best, but tactile learning is really difficult for me. I also know that I take a long time to think through my ideas, and I like to have a plan. So for myself, or for my future students who happen to learn in similar ways, is it simply a matter of stretching that comfort zone to include activities for 'thinking on your toes' or is that not being accepting or accommodating to learner needs?
5 Comments
9/21/2013 03:18:50 pm
I would argue that you shall different learning strategies to accommodate different types of learners. The point is you do not have to put all in one lesson, but you should not miss the same group all the time. Finally, your post is awesome.
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Kurtis Hewson
9/22/2013 08:40:01 am
Great post Johannah and your question that you pose is certainly one that impacts teachers daily. I would agree with David in relation to not feeling you have to incorporate strategies for every learner in every lesson. Just ensure that certain learners are not neglected in your overall teaching approach. We just need to be ever mindful of any learners that we may not be connecting with our instruction. Great thoughts shared once again!
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Jon Koegler
9/24/2013 01:42:41 am
Great job providing both sides of the argument! As a tactile learner I have appreciated the occasional switch up in learning. It gives me an advantage one day and a challenge the next. Either way, it is better for some to experience occasional discomfort than for one student to dwindle in misunderstanding all year. Great points
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Megan Weber
10/16/2013 12:11:00 pm
I really enjoyed reading your post. We have recently learned about the different methods of learning in our education class. It is very important that teachers incorporate these different ways of teaching because it will help different types of learners. I also believe discomfort is good for some students. At first when I started my class, I felt uncomfortable at times talking to other people or getting up and moving around, but now I learn so much better than I did at the beginning. I think it is also a balancing act, balancing which students learn how and which learning methods to use.
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Brooke
11/21/2013 05:13:55 am
These are two of the most important things to teaching in my opinion, relationships and learning styles. A teacher needs to have a relationship with the students to where they feel comfortable but are respected as a teacher not looked at as just a friend. Teachers also have to get out of their comfort zone a lot to meet the needs to the students, including teaching a different way so that all learning styles are being taught.
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Johannah Wirzba
I am Junior High Language Arts teacher who has the amazing privilege of working with crazy, amazing staff and students each and every day. I hope to use this space as a way to process the many new ideas being thrown at me and grow as a learner and educator. Categories
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