Elizabeth
Harson: Ted Talk: Responding to Sugata Mitra: The child-driven education.
The “lessons”
about teaching and learning include…
In
this TED talk video, Sugata Mitra, laid out a frame work, where by, he gave the
children tools, time and opportunity to make their own discoveries and
accomplish a set goal. There was an
interest the children exhibited in the computers to learn about them. As some of the children began to make
discoveries they had a desire to share their knowledge with others. I think this is true for all children, when
we provide them with tools, time and opportunities they will make discoveries
we as teachers may not even realize. When they “know something” or have
knowledge about an interest they want to share it. I see this more so in the primary grades. I think it is extremely important to continue
this model, allowing children the time to explore with tools and give them
opportunities to discover, developing independent learners, rather than impose
information on them.
The
implications for my teaching or learning include…
As a first grade teacher, I do feel as
though I give my students opportunity to make discoveries, but the tools and
time is very limited or controlled. I
ask a lot of, “Why?”, “How did you know?” or “What made you think?” questions. After watching the results of this study, I
will be much more aware and generous with the tools and time I give my students
to make more discoveries on their own and time to share their knowledge with
their peers.
The
implications for administration of schooling include….
I think children are capable of learning
some task and/or skills independently, however, I think teachers play an
important role in student learning. They
provide opportunities and give feedback.
In this experiment, he added the “granny cloud” for praise and
encouragement which resulted in improved student achievement. As a teacher, I feel there needs to be a good
balance on how and what we teach.
I
think it is important for administrators to look at the “what and how” we do
things in schools and make a plan for a favorable outcome. Then come the challenges, the parents and/or
stakeholders and maybe even the teachers.
To change the system takes time, work, and a huge commitment from all
parties involved. Professional development
and training will also be necessary.
Do
trends or practices in international schooling have any implications for
American education and for your specific educational setting?
Yes, I do think international schooling
has implications for American education.
In some ways I think it is a competitive thing. We seek out or search for ways to improve, especially
if others are getting better results.
Liz, So many of the things you said, I agree with. In Kindergarten, I like you, feel that because of their age, I give a set of directions, but try to ask the why or how do you know. I need to be more generous with my time to allow children to explore more. Even in Kindergarten, our curriculum is becoming so demanding, that time constraints are always confining creativity. I do feel often times in international schools, where children seem to have a lot less advantages than the American schools, we are being out perfomed. I do feel that maybe these students place more emphasis on learning and maybe less emphasis on so many afterschool commitments.
ReplyDeleteMichelle, I do feel sometimes there is more focus on a curriculum and not the child. Sometimes I feel I am the only one calling "foul" on this. Each school setting is different, I wonder, do some educators really know "child development" and how important it is for us to allow each child time to develop skills, especially in Pre-K and K; and even first grade. It is my philosophy to teach children and not a book or program. Thanks for you thoughts.
ReplyDeleteLiz
Liz, I agree that understanding how children develop is essential. Brain development and its implications on education is continuously evolving. New technologies now offer us insight into neuroscience that can greatly impact how we approach education. Understanding how the 4yr old brain develops into the teenage brain should be studied by all involved.
Delete