Untitled Document
William S. Beachley
Assignment 14
Due 3/17/04
source: Rogoff, B., Matsuov, E., & White, C. (1998) 'Models of Teaching and
Learning: Participation in a Community of Learners.' In D. R. Olsen & N. Torrance
(Eds.), The Handbook of Education and Human Development -- New Models of Learning,
Teaching and Schooling, Blackwell, Oxford, pp. 388-414
1. what did you find
1.1. interesting about the article?
I found the idea that we have been sort of culturally programmed for adult-run
education and that the COL method is difficult for many newcomers to grasp,
interesting.
1.2. not interesting about the article?
I love learning about our current education system and how it can be improved
so I didn't find anything not interesting.
2. what do you consider the main message of the article?
The main message of the article is that in our culture, it is hard to see how
adult-run and child-run methods can be integrated into a Community of Learners
method of instruction instead of just being a battle of the wills, diametrically
opposed.
3. analyze your own educational experience and
3.1. provide a rough estimate in percentage points for each category
and
3.2. one example for each category (in case you have encountered all
three approaches)
Adult-Run - 80%. Until I got into higher education, all classes were lecture-based
except for Latin which involved a great deal of class participation. We were
expected to take notes and given very little to go on as far as why we should
learn the material.
Child-Run - I was never exposed to Child-Run methods. The teacher always had
total control of the curriculum, passing knowledgeto us and we were always in
the receiver role. I suppose that Art could be an example because I did have
an art class where students were very much in control over what they produced.
Another example would be writing assignments that have no guidelines. I certainly
had a few of those. I'll change never to 5% now that I've thought things through.
COL - 15% - I was exposed to this most notably in college and graduate school,
in this class and several others that involved collaborative work. I am grateful
to have been exposed to this as I think it is one of the most important things
I have learned. I really feel a difference in my perception of a goal when I
am working in a group. I feel smarter and more capable when I am involved in
collaborative activity and I never would have guessed it would be that way before
I tried it. I felt before the being a part of a group would just slow me down,
but I would totally disagree with that now.
4. which technologies are used / can be used / should be used to support
4.1. adult-run education
LCD-projectors, chalk boards, overhead projectors and other visual aids supporting
a lecturer.
4.2. child-run education
The internet (creative sites that encourage active contributions from a community
of children), systems like Squeak and Swiki, Arts and Crafts and Music(applications
like Photoshop, Flash, Dreamweaver and music production software).
4.3. community of learners education
Here I would say that Squeak and Swiki also apply as well as the whole range
of systems that support active participation from students.
5. analyze our course from the three dimensions:
5.1. adult-run education
Some aspects are adult-run such as lecture slides and assignments.
5.2. child-run education
The assignments allow a great deal of flexibility to express our own experience
so the assignments can be considered child-run.
5.3. community of learners education
Swiki, group projects, class discussions, PiTA Board role-playing sessions.
6. which possibilities do you see to effectively integrate adult- and
child-run education?
I think it has to be done slowly becuase it will require an entirely new way
of thinking that is outside of our current cultural programming. A geat deal
of design will be required to integrate the two effectively. What balance of
control is ideal? When is the integration appropriate and when is it not? Should
teachers and students always be in a collaborative relationship?
|