Discovery Learninddavut
Discovery Learninddavut
Discovery Learninddavut
Instructional Project 3
Part 1. DISCOVERY LEARNING:
I think that there is a place for both discovery learning and direct instruction.
I like the model of Readers and Writers Workshops based on Fountas and
Pinnells (2006) research. There is a 5-minute mini-lesson of a topic, followed
by modelling by the teacher and/or a shared piece that is worked on by the
whole class with the teacher. Students will then work on their own pieces. The
teacher will conference with individuals or small groups to see how students are
incorporating the mini-lesson, to see if further instruction is needed to deepen
leaner, or if the student is ready for new learning.
I think discovery based learning is messier in the sense that students may all
be at different points in their learning which makes it difficult for teachers to
manage and have control. I believe there almost needs to be a shift in mindset
with teacherswe need to be given the time and opportunity to reflect on our
current teaching practices and to evaluate how we are impacting students and
helping to increase achievement, especially in a 21st century context.
I also think we need to have coaches as role models who can assist us in
reflecting on our practice and to help us learn about current research and best
practice.
I can honestly say that I still have a great deal to learn about how to effectively
implement more elements of discovery based learning into my own practice.I
believe in using a multitude of approaches including discovery learning and
direct instruction.
I also believe that depending on the topic, the student and the moment in time
one or the other or a blend of both may be what makes the greatest impact
on student learning. I think a variety of approaches is needed to maximize
every students learning .
Our classroom management skills are a major factor on how much our students
learn and how satisfied we are with our role as a teacher. Research indicates
teachers skills in creating safe, supportive classrooms are a major factor
influencing students motivation, achievement, and behavior. Wang, Haertel,
and Walberg (1993) conducted a sophisticated data analysis of factors
influencing student learning and identified classroom management as the most
important factor. A decade later, issues of effective classroom management
were highlighted by research as a key to effective student learning (Shinn,
Stoner, & Walker, 2002). Further study continues to demonstrate the strong
relationship between teachers classroom management skills and student
achievement (Moore, 2009; Roesler, 2009).
There is no single method to use to manage a classroom effectively. As
different situations arise, teacher will discover that different approaches need to
be taken. The root of the problem should be the key factor in deciding on which
approach should be utilized.
I believe self-discipline approaches work the best for my classroom and there
are several different sub-versions I think work the best for my particular
classroom.
The self-discipline approach is based on the belief that students are
responsible individuals who can assess and correct their own misbehavior, and
that teachers and students have trusting relationships built on respect.
Frederick Jones found that nearly 50 percent of teaching time is wasted due to
childrens misbehavior, of which approximately 80 percent is talking in class.
Jones argument is that teachers can work on not losing the valuable time by
implementing these techniques: limits, effective body language, incentive
systems and resourceful help.Setting limits will help students know what to do
in every situation, from small matters like pencil sharpening, to big matters like
being ill. By doing this, teachers are able to have students find their own ways
of dealing with situations, without major disruptions to other students. Body
language is very effective, and easily implemented, and students usually stop
the misbehavior with mere eye contact from teachers. An incentive system
concentrates on taking away benefits from students when they
misbehave.Efficient help is important as students start to misbehave when they
start to fall behind. In Jones study mentioned earlier, he found that teachers
use an average of four minutes to discipline students when they misbehave,
and that, he says, can actually be reduced significantly. One of the ways to do
this is getting others who are more settled to help the students who are
struggling.
Part 3. REFERENCES.
References:
5) Marzano, R. J. (2011). Art & Science of Teaching / The Perils and Promises
of Discovery Learning. Educational Leadership, 69(1). Retrieved from http://
www.ascd.org/publications/educational- leadership/sept11/vol69/num01/
The-Perils-and-Promises-of-Discovery- Learning.aspx
6) Castronova, J. (2002). "Discovery Learning for the 21st Century: What is it
and How Does it Compare to Traditional Learning in Effectiveness in the
21st Century?"