So what can we do!!??
We all know that face.... The face of a student who is so bored out of their minds that they could fall asleep during a class, and I don't blame them. Too many teachers today focus on their lectures and string lesson plans with no regard for the engagement of the student. And what is worse, is when students have a thought provoking question that could lead to some actually discussion, and what is the teachers response? "You will learn about that next year". Are teachers today that afraid to take risks and answer a question that engages the classroom simply because it fits a more advanced lesson? If teachers are too afraid to follow their own passion for what they are teaching and answer a question, then how can we expect students to follow their own passions and ask questions. If it is strong enough, passion is the only drive and motivation we need to excel. So what can we do!!?? Robot B-9 is right, there is some danger in this teaching method. What if you don't have time to finish your lesson? What if after hours on a question a few students still don't understand? These are good points B-9; in order to do this you must turn over your control on the flow of the lesson. This brings students and teachers together asking and answering questions, sparking interests, and allows learning to occur in the bringing together of thought and action. Yes students need structure and guidance, but they must be allowed to find their own conclusions with this guidance and not just be told to wait until next year.
8 Comments
Mary Beth
9/10/2015 06:37:06 am
I really liked your comparison in teaching styles. Could a teacher lecture about a subject or ask the students thought provoking questions about the topic so they can create their own learning.
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Ryan
10/18/2015 03:58:57 pm
I definitely believe that teachers can ask questions to guide the students in creating their own learning. Also, for me, teaching in the margins deals more with student centered learning than a teachable moment.
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Devon Smith
9/12/2015 05:17:53 pm
I completely agree with you that we should help to ignite our students' curiosities and allow them to pursue questions they may have, and at the same time, there being danger in that situation. Students may take control of the lesson in the completely wrong direction, and then what do you do? There has to be a decision made about whether you let them pursue their own learning, or bring them back to the topic you had planned.
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Ryan
9/13/2015 06:09:16 pm
There absolutely needs to be planning and organization in the classroom. I'm sure there will be times when it does not completely make sense to let go of the reins, and the class will need to be brought back on topic. I do believe there is a happy medium that can be found
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Natalia Kellamis
9/13/2015 01:42:43 pm
I really liked your formatting of this blog but I was left with a question. What, in your opinion, is the difference between teaching through inquiry and teaching in the margins. I'm not entirely convinced that they are the same thing, but I'd be interested to hear your opinion.
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Ryan
10/18/2015 04:04:28 pm
When looking at teaching in the margins and teaching through inquiry there are both many similarities. Both are involved with student centered learning. Teaching through inquiry however doesn't require teaching in the margins and can sometimes be more teacher focused.
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Nick Robinson
9/13/2015 07:32:35 pm
Everyone remembers the infamous question; "When are we going to use this in life?" Particularly in math and science, many students see some concepts as overly abstract and at times seemingly unapproachable. In order to teach in the margins and answer questions or expand on material, you really have to know the student and deliver an explanation that they'll be able to pick up on. How does one make sure that the trip to the margins really hit the mark?
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Ryan
10/18/2015 04:06:33 pm
This is when things like exit interviews can come into play to really gauge your student's learning.
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