Teaching is inseparable from learning. We can be effective teachers only if we know the real meaning of learning because only then can we know what we expect our students to achieve. If our only goal is to just prepare them to pass a test, then this readily affects our way of teaching.
In the process of learning, one picks up from what others know (such as teachers) or from one’s own experiences. There are many principles or theories that are used to accelerate the learning process. Because students’ learning styles depend on students’ preferences, information processing capability, personality, social interaction skills, diversity in the learning environment and instructional methods of their teachers.
But, it doesn’t stop there. How about us teachers? We need to cope with these “millennials” or more known as the 21st Century learners. We need to know the above-mentioned information to be able to know their needs and adapt to their ever-changing personalities. Our teaching styles also depend to these essential conditions for at the end of the day, we might feel terrible or worse, frustrated.
We understand that teaching involves transfer of knowledge, belief, skill, understanding, experience, values and preferences. As teachers, we are deeply interested in knowing the most effective methods or strategies in achieving our daily objectives as stated in our daily lessons. Of course, there is no specific fool-proof method available. But if we fail, we always look for another that can facilitate learning. In short, teaching is not just a discipline, it is definitely an ART.
The most popular, time tested standard and conventional methods such as chalk-talk, demonstrations, tutorials, experiments and question-and-answer are now things of the past. They fall short for desired expectations. Today, there are myriad of novel and more effective means of teaching.
Recent pedagogies that we can include in our teaching are “learning through games”, “collaborative learning”, and “peer teaching”. Not to mention that there are lots of e-learning like “KHAN” teaching and m-learning methods.
For instance, it has been found that “peer teaching” is very effective in teaching students with mixed capabilities. It has been identified as “Hands On, Heads On, Hearts On” strategy and is very helpful for this makes it possible for learning to continue beyond the classroom; thus, encouraging collaboration among the students.
For e-learning, there are lots to tackle. Aside from Khan, which is in trend, we can also make use of animations, video lessons, audio-visual materials, and the most advanced, virtual learning, which is yet being looked forward to by teachers and students.
After giving these options, teachers may wonder what pedagogy best suits them and their learners. Nonetheless, bear in mind that a particular pedagogy may be well suited for teaching a particular subject, or a particular lesson. Suitability of the pedagogy is dependent to the subject taught, students’ capability to comprehend and their interest to learn.
That leaves us with one more step. We just need to love what we are doing. And all shall follow.
By: Andrea S. Arangan | T-I | BNHS
