Learning is a discovery. I watch my 20 month old son, learn and discover each day. He likes to dig in the dirt, step in mud puddles, pull apart flowers. I feel as he engages in these somewhat destructive behaviors, he is actually learning! Children are naturally curious, and want to discover new things.
I think as teachers we can effectuate learning by plugging into peoples natural curiosity. I still remember a science lab I did in 5th grade. Our teachers gave us a mixture of lead, sand, sugar, and salt. In groups we had to figure out how to separate these items, using only a few items. We were all curious about this science project, and it was very memorable. This was a great activity, because it was not teacher lead, it was teacher guided, we came up with our own solutions, and tried to solve the problem. It was very empowering. As a teacher I try to think of ways that will also give students the joy of discovery.
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Learning by discovery is a fabulous way to learn. I remember in elementary doing many labs to discover properties. But what do you do when the students enter their teenage years and are not motivated to do anything? That is the point where I am at with some of my classes. They just don't care. Perhaps more discovery learning would be the key.
ReplyDeleteWhen you are forced to learn something only to learn it, it is often forgotten. I remember a few things that I learned in school but have forgotten most of it. I try to relate some experiences that most of the students have had into my lesson plans, like playground equipment from elementary school or tubing in snow. Students remember more and understand it better when it has meaning in their life.
ReplyDeleteI, too, remember several activities I did when I was in elementary school. Not that I
ReplyDeleteremember the actual topic, but I did enjoy it and I seem to remember having the
opportunity to explore and learn in my own way.
It is interesting to consider how student might learn differently when the instructor
takes a somewhat hands-off approach. The instructor shouldn't be absent, per se, but
could allow the students to try things out, think things through, and evaluate results.
This would likely lead to the students being more motivated and interested in the subject.
I would even suspect that a student that has the freedom to "discover" will be more
motivated, even if the subject matter itself isn't personally interesting, to solve the
problem presented.
I'm going to say something that is constantly on my mind but rarely addressed. As much as I like these many and varied learning styles, learning, especially case-based, problem solving, discovery type learning is more time consuming. With all that teachers are expected to cover, I feel you have been given great tools but can only use them minimally in order to cover the necessities. As a teacher, I'm curious how you feel?
ReplyDelete