Combating the flaw of rote learning
The
21st century learner finds herself/himself growing up in an era where
knowledge, while an important component, isn't going to be the only element
that determines a smooth transition into university education and thereafter a
workplace. Problem solving, trouble shooting, applying skills etc become far
more impactful when young leaders, who take their place in the industry become
challenged with rapidly changing paradigm shifts (everything old is being
repositioned), and therefore, as educators we need to question our approach to
this 'learning teaching' process carefully. We cannot afford to focus on facts
alone, those can be sourced and researched, we need to focus on the process,
the cause effect, the alternative techniques...in short, create 'thinkers'.
Let's
begin with asking some basic questions — 'Are we 'moulding' the children to
become effective exam takers or should we instead be equipping them with
knowledge, skills and attitudes that enables them to adapt, 'think out of the
box' which leads to creation.
My
11-year-old son cannot fathom that when I was in school, the 'world wide web'
was sparingly introduced and that we did all our research using hardbound
books! Today, many schools are connected via a virtual classroom lesson with
peers in Japan and Australia! We are in an era, where genetic changes can be
affected thanks to the technological breakthroughs, and 3D printing is a
commonly used word. So how can we as educators focus on knowledge alone?
Memorising
and defining your answers as per models suggested to gain optimum marks in
examinations leads to very little benefits. Also, don't forget entrance
examinations are based on logic and critical thinking more than content.
Back
to my proposition of skills, attitudes and profiles as key elements of a
schooling foundation brings into perspective the innovative approaches devised
for the modern educator such as a flipped classroom, where a research conducted
at home is brought into a classroom and the learners with their teachers
attempt to put into action and relevance by solving questions in class. What a
novel way of addressing the problems of understanding, comprehension because
the teacher is able to guide, correct and address the problems as the child
solves the questions! 'Flipping' it around is such a useful way of coping with
every child's needs because the teacher is there to resolve the problems face
to face.
My
favourite is the differentiation approach to learning, where a teacher using
all her knowledge of learning styles is able to cope with every learner in a
classroom and allows them to progress by matching their pace, their skill sets
and enable them to reach realistic targets of achievement. This works for great
motivation, where learners are not treated generically but as individuals who
have differing needs. I remember my friend in school was able to crack a Math
paper in seconds, while I took hours to process and yet, it was different when
in an English class, what took her hours, I could read in seconds and answer.
If a differentiation model was adopted back then, she would have enjoyed
reading more, and perhaps I would not hate Math the way I do today!
Group
work, project work, assigning children to tasks that they enjoy while achieving
the bigger picture will go a long way in getting the children to stay motivated
on the task. Educators must enjoy this opportunity to redefine the teaching and
learning process.
Source | Daily News Analysis | 6 December 2016
Regards
Pralhad
Jadhav
Senior
Manager @ Library
Khaitan & Co
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