This is my second module in my Masters program. This time around I am taking EDU510 and EDU515. I am learning a lot of interesting information that is proving to be valuable towards the future of education.
We are now coming to the end of Unit 3. Here is some of what I am learning and doing so far in my cognitive science class. Some were funny, boring, serious- whatever the case may be. The fact is that teachers have their own style when it comes to teaching and conducting a class. When we think about it and study cognitive science, seeing that we are different types of learners as well. Some of us are visual learners, some auditory learners and so on. One thing I have learned is that it is important to acknowledge the fact that we, as teachers teach differently compared to one another but we also must keep in my that our students learn differently compared to one another. In an effort to make our students comfortable and successful, we should be flexible and suit their needs. Our teaching style should accomodate that of the learning style of the sudents. Afterall, teachers are the ones who should facilitate the learning experience to achieve goals that are set. This should happen from pre kindergarten and beyond. There should be understanding that our brains are wired and even though we may think differntly from one another, we can still acieve the same "answer" or final product
In the pre kindergarten classroom, it is clear to see the many different ways that children respond to certain stimuli and react. Although, we use domains and set benchmarks for a particular age group, all children "hit" them when they are cognitively ready. Some are more visual- taking direct clues, reading body language, charts, graphics etc. while others are more auditory- listening and sensing. In order to begin to understand the concepts of basic math, some children would rather color, cut and paste while others build with counting blocks and there are others who rather watch a teacher draw it on a smart board. The point is that from a very young age, we have a preferred way of absorbing information that satisfies us and although we may not fully understand it when we are in elementary or high school, we can learn to respect and appreciate differences.
Adults and children learn differently from one another.It all has to do with the maturity of our brains- rationality, critical thinking skills grow and expand as we do.
Here are some interesting reads:
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/03/090324131554.htm
http://web.mit.edu/newsoffice/2013/laura-schulz-profile-0214.html
http://ohioline.osu.edu/hyg-fact/5000/pdf/Child_Brain.pdf
I have come to the conclusion that if a child is not learning material the way that I am teaching, I have to stop and think- what can I change about my technique that will create the child to understand the presenting concepts I am placing before him.....We can not and should not expect a child to just learn the way we teach, we have to show them we can teach in the way that they learn. (DL)
A nice video to watch
http://youtu.be/lxsv4f5SQE0
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