Chapter 3: Views of Teaching and Learning
This chapter contained a multitude of information about various theories and methods used to teach all children. Our goal as educators is to find the best approach for the students in the class. The Humanistic approach to education; the belief that each student needs to be treated with dignity and respect should be at the core of every educator. A child needs to feel he or she belongs and is important to the teacher and the class as a community. Chompsky’s Generative Grammar theory stated children master language through a natural process of assimilation and a human instinct (Diaz-Rico, p41) rung true for me. Gardner’s theory of Multiple Intelligences is one which many educators use to plan activities. For example using Total Body Response (TBR) is a great bodily-kinesthetic activity. The use of picture icons with all new vocabulary for visual learners and an audiolingual activity set to song for those who respond and learn better with music helps to include all children. Once an activity is presented in one of the modes discussed students may be asked open-ended questions which helps to solidify the lesson presented. One of the best quotes I read was from the Brain-Compatible Learning theory, “Students remember not what they are told but what they experience. Active processing, through such activities as questioning and genuine reflection, allows learners to internalize learning in a way that is personally meaningful” (Diaz-Rico, p46). This is after all the goal, to have students make those synoptic connections so that learning becomes a life long journey rather than a short lived chore.
www.infed.org/thinkers/gardner.htm
In response to the "Juice's" James H. blog. I totally agree with his most beautifully stated stance, "Once you teach to the heart, the head will follow." Students do need to feel inspired to become engage. It is up to us to find ways to make lessons meaningful. If we do not tie the lesson to prior knowledge or do not attempt to make cultural connections, we loose the students. Teachers need to relinquish their belief that one size fits all.
ReplyDeleteIn resonse to Liz Carro's blog on chapter 3, I can see how her students, all students need a "counselor" from time to time. Teachers wear many hats. My students, as young as they are, do entrust me with information about their home lives. When asked how they're feeling, I might get a response, "I triste." When asked why, "Because my dad yell at my mom and she cry." Learning cannot take place until we discuss their feelings and solutions to the things that affect them daily.
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