Solving the Problems of Learning

Its pretty simples, it we want students to learn on their own, we first have to teach them how to learn. We can not expect student so just know how to carry out this process. This began me thinking, what are the best ways to facilitate this learning process of learning. The reading for this week explores individualized learning techniques, including the use of independent study. An independent study allows learner to solve problems and gather information on topics of interest to them. However, if we want this to be an effective teaching technique we first have to teach student show to study independently. In addition, for an independent study to have  merit with a student it will need to draw off of a personal interest, it is the teachers job to be insightful of these interests.

Teaching students how to study independently may me as simple as a class guided discussion of how to use a technical manual or a guided worksheet on how to complete an internet search. These are skills that teachers may take for granted that students already know, especially at the high school level. As a teacher we need reinforce these skills, even if they have already been taught to the learner. This we allow the learner to develop independent study skills that they can latter utilize when a teacher is not present.

This brings us to the idea of learning by problem solving. We all have done it at some point in time, weathers its when we  tried to fix the computer or the leaky faucet. It is our instinct to try and fix problems that we encounter, but many of us go about this the wrong way, perhaps we were never taught how to problem solve.

 When we look at the learning process we see that there are 6 distinct steps, when we then compare it to the problem- solving approach to teaching, we see that the process is very similar. So, if this is how we learn then why aren' all classrooms approaching learning with this technique? I think it is because it takes a great deal of planning on the teachers part. It is easy to assemble a powerpoint and lecture the entire class period, but quite the challenge to engage your students in problem solving  each time. Often teachers stop at the lecture portion and never complete the process with the concept of learning by doing. Even classes where we think problem solving is being utilized properly, perhaps it is not, check out this article to see the true application of problem solving in a mathematics classroom.

As I think about the tacking style that I want to one day develop and the process I want to one day carry out I know that the  problem solving method will be a challenge for me to implant. Why you ask? because a large part of my lifetime learning has been learned by lecture and power points, with little hands on application. When I think about college I see an even greater divide in the lecturing process and the learning process. I find myself planning lessons and thinking of elaborate power points already and I have to catch myself and really think about how will I make the learning meaningful to the students. How will I engage them to take charge of their learning and have me there just to facilitate and guide? I am not sure, but I do know that I am very excited to have the opportunity to co-teach an AFNR CASE course this spring, I have heard great things about the inquiry based learning approach of this curriculum and I am excited to see it in action. I think once I begin experiencing this type of learning I will see how I can adapt and change my lessons to better respond to this approach.