I came
across the concept teacher-centered
teaching. It’s an instructional method that teachers use to organize
instruction based on their decided goals and objectives (330). These teachers
focus more on one side of the philosophy continuum, more like the traditional
way of teaching. Their roles are being the explainer, and not the facilitator. I
don’t think that there should be any teacher- centered teaching in the
classroom because I don’t think that the students are learning in a way that is
fun. Teacher- based learning goes by test scores and other assessments to see
if an individual has learned or not. The goal is to want the students to learn,
but it shouldn’t be based on the teacher’s decision, but on what the students
are interested in. Being tested doesn’t give students the ability to think
critically or be creative.
That is
when I read about student-centered
learning. It’s a learning method that organizes academic instruction around
students’ interest and learning progress (329). They believe that the role of
the teacher is to create puzzles, asks questions, and engage in conversation
with students (36). I agree with this type of learning because I feel that the
teachers are focused more on the students, instead of just getting the job
done. I think that teachers being involved gives the students’ a feeling of
security. Asking questions is also good because it lets the teacher know who
understands and who doesn’t. Student-centered learning doesn’t use test scores
as a way of who is learning. Instead, they use projects or other classroom
assignments. I liked this because students do get to think differently, and
have with it. They are also letting the facilitator know if they are or are not
learning.
Computers and other digital devices
help enhance the work of teachers in instructional
practices. Instructional practices is when the teacher interacts with the students
directly. Technology enhancements can help with using the web for class
discussion, computers for presentations, or using different technology devices
for in-class assignments or activities (30). I liked the fact that technology
can be supportive of these instructional practices. Students are able to use
e-mail for feedback, and teachers can create blogs or websites showing notes
from class (30).
references: Maloy, R. W. (2014). Transforming learning with new technologies (2nd ed.). Boston: Pearson.
references: Maloy, R. W. (2014). Transforming learning with new technologies (2nd ed.). Boston: Pearson.
There's probably a place for both teacher-centered and student-centered teaching in the big scope of things - balance is the key! :) Though we have been struggling with the misguided emphasis on the teacher-centered, standardized testing extreme these last ten years or so, the opposite extreme of allowing students to always guide their learning may lead to a lack of any standards being met. For example, students may only spend 12 years studying art and never get English, math, etc. - perhaps they don't need algebra to create beautiful paintings, but they may be better off knowing enough math to create a budget, etc. So, if the individualization could be accomplished within some teacher-focused standard, perhaps we could accomplish a mutually beneficial balance. Missed seeing a visual enhancement and/or hyperlink on this post.
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