The first was the learning principle stating that students' prior knowledge can help or hinder learning. I never really thought about that before but as soon as I read that title it made complete sense to me. Students do come into a situation with a certain knowledge and what they know influences how they interpret and react to the new ideas presented to them. The same is true in adults. In an adult, this prior knowledge makes it hard to teach them something different or new. When I have to teach a new technology to teachers, this prior knowledge and attitude keeps some of them from really taking their teaching skills to a new level.
That kind of leads into the next principle that I connected with. That principle states that effective teaching involves progressively refining courses based on reflection and feedback. Again, the prior knowledge principle comes into play. If a teacher is knowledgeable and comfortable in their lessons they sometimes do not feel the need to change. I know many teachers who would not change their lessons if they were not forced to use a new technique or technology in their classroom. Many of these teachers have been teaching the same way for years and have no interest in changing. I think it is important that teachers review their methods and lessons regularly and ask for feedback. Changing their approach and technique makes them more interesting to the many unique styles of student learning
Mike, thanks for bringing together the principles of prior student knowledge and teachers assessing their courses for student learning styles. Understanding what the students' baggage of prior knowledge is certainly key to clarifying objectives and activities.
ReplyDeleteKris used a baseball term this past week called the 'sweet spot'. Pretty much the spot on the ball that batters should hit. To carry that analogy forward, teachers are the pitchers and their students are in the batters box. Teachers need to assess who they are facing and make change-ups in their presentation of the ball.
Well, in this case the goal isn't about getting the students to strike-out, but to connect with the ball. Teachers changing-up their delivery for their students will make things a bit livelier.
Counteracting prior knowledge reminds me of the saying "It's hard to teach an old dog new tricks." I think this is because we are fighting our prior knowledge. This fits with how we acquire knew knowledge which is to reconcile it with our existing knowledge. It is easier to learn something right the first time than to unlearn the wrong way and then learn the right way.
ReplyDeleteI have done a lot of reflecting and changing my lesson plans and content as a newer teacher of newer curriculum. The benefit of making changes is greater student learning, better student behavior and less frustration. The reward is definitely worth the effort.