Social learning theories suggest that people learn primarily
through their interactions with others.
I believe that students greatly benefit from working with other
students. This theory goes hand-in-hand
with the cooperative learning method I read about in Using Technology with Classroom Instruction that Works. The first reason I believe students benefit
from cooperative learning is because students deepen their knowledge when they
teach something to someone else. I have
such a greater understanding for the courses I teach after teaching them for a
trimester. I always knew how to do all
of the math for each class but I am able to make more connections after
teaching it. I am sure that students
feel the same way after teaching a peer.
Also, students enjoy learning from one another. They may feel more comfortable asking a peer
a question instead of raising their hand to ask a question in front of the entire
class. This gives them more confidence as
well. If their answers are confirmed
with the student next to them, they may be more likely to volunteer to do a problem
on the board for the entire class.
Technology used in classrooms can also promote social
learning. Many teachers use Facebook,
webquests, blogs, Google Docs and more in their classroom. These tools allow students to work with one other
without being face-to-face. Students are
able to share ideas and collaborate at their convenience. Instead of coming up with or responding to an
idea in class, students are able to think about an idea and respond at their
convenience on any computer. In addition
to learning the material, students are also learning social skills needed for
future careers. I feel this is extremely
important.
Pitler, H., Hubbell, E., Kuhn, M., & Malenoski, K.
(2007). Using technology with classroom
instruction that works. Alexandria, VA: ASCD.
Hi Tanya,
ReplyDeleteI also make better connections with the material after teaching it. My students do too and most seem to enjoy it. For those who do not technology offers different venues to connect and allows the shyer students the opportunity to take part in projects online. Do you often have your students working in groups? I learned about some new formations this week that I would like to try in the classroom such as pair-share. It is interesting to note that my honors students much prefer to work alone although they certainly are capable of group work. My other students would rather work in groups all the time (I am sure especially during tests!). Have you designed projects that use Google docs? Thanks so much for your post, happy Friday. Petra
Tanya,
ReplyDeleteLike you, I believe that students greatly benefit from working and collaborating with their peers. When working together, students are often more engaged and enthusiastic about learning. As you had mentioned, students can also learn by teaching. Jigsaw groups are a perfect example of students learning, and using what they learn to become the teacher. With this kind of responsibility, many students take more pride in what they are doing, as they know they will have to teach and present it to their classmates.
In your post you had also mentioned that as a teacher, you gained a greater understanding for the courses you teach after having some time to teach them. I share a similar experience. As an elementary teacher, I teach a variety of subject areas. A year ago, our Spanish program was taken away but, by state law, the elementary students still needed to be exposed to a language in elementary school. Ultimately, the district and the district’s foreign language supervisor decided that Latin would be the best alternative. Moreover, the decision was made that Latin would be implemented in fourth grade and fifth grade. Needless to say, I never took Latin and was terrified. Although we were given some training, I still was not confident. It was not until after my first full year teaching the subject that I began to feel comfortable. That just goes to show, that by teaching something you can become more confident in the subject matter.
Lastly, in your post you mentioned that some teachers in your district use Facebook for school. I am looking to make some sort of class Facebook page next year, with hopes that it will strengthen the home school connection. Although I post a weekly classroom newsletter on my webpage, parents and students often do not check it. With something like Facebook, parents and students can be alerted when something is posted which I feel will prompt them to check the page. Do you or any of the teachers in your school use Facebook in that way?
Thanks for a great post! Enjoy the rest of your day.
Warmly,
Amy L.