... " To "get" a fact requieres only that we grasp the meaning of the words or see the data. To "get" an understanding requires more: Even after the meanings of all the words or data are clear, we maynot get their significance. We have to ask questions about the facts, connect them to other facts, and try to apply them in various situations..."
We are all clear that we need to transfer our students "understandings" in order to get them develop their critical thinking and creativity, and not only learning by heart facts about a determined content. However, How much of that do we do in our classes? how much of that happenned when we were students? We weren´t educated in constructivist classrooms, hence if we are able Now to discuss and critisize the understandings given to us is because we have learnt paying high prices.
It's true, fortunately, now we have been applying some constructivist concepts and ideas that have improved our education, however there is a lot that remains unsolved. The same as with Essential Questions, getting our students to get an understanding becomes harder to teachers who are strongly structured with the old habits of learning facts by heart without questioning, expanding or suggesting.
Thus, again, the change is is on us.
A change is really necessary in our classroom and students and teachers' minds.
ResponderEliminarI agree that change is on us,so we have to start looking at our human and material resources and if they have the disposition of making the necessary changes in our English program.
ResponderEliminarMost of us were educated in classroom where repetition and memorizing were the ways of showing evidence of understanding. Fortunately things have changed, and many teachers are interesting in finding out more participative methodologies when teaching and learning a discipline. However, I do believe , we need more economic and academic support to improve our
ResponderEliminarpractice in schools.
I agree with Erica; teachers need support from schools if they want us to improve education. Moreover, schools need support from authorities and the community in general. Even though I study and learn more and more about education, I feel I can’t improve my performance as a teacher. Students are not used to thinking critically or creatively and the system does not give us the resources to do a better job. It’s like fighting against a giant only with a sling and some pebbles in the pocket.
ResponderEliminarIt´s true. In my classroom I have all kind of learners, including several of them with special eduational needs. I try to picture how I can lead them to an effective understanding, and most of the times it is very difficult to find an answer.
ResponderEliminar45 students per class mean no more than 90 seconds each for teachers to notice whether they have an idea or opinion. How can we better their thinking and expressive skills if there is no time for them to speak?
ResponderEliminarSorry for such a delayed and pessimistic comment.