For students to learn, they have to be engaged. For students to be engaged they have to be interested. Below is a simple equation for student learning and development.
I also brainstormed some strategies that will help engage learners.
As teachers we can't just think about what engages us as learners because we have different learning styles and intelligences to our students. Below are some illustrations of ways students can be engaged.
Technology
Nature
Dance
We need to observe our students and find the best ways that they take in knowledge. One of the Australian Professional Standards for Teachers is 'Know your students and how they learn.' This doesn't just happen, we have to watch and question our students so that we can help them. When they are engaged, they will learn. Learning does not need to be boring and monotonous. Our students can have fun, and learn at the same time.
Last week I spoke briefly about the worksheets I designed for my basketball girls, I rarely get nervous, but I was slightly worried about the coaches reaction to my proposition. After all, I haven't had any real teaching experience, and I'm only in my first semester of university. Just when I had talked myself into believing he wasn't going to reply, I received and email that said 'Great work Amanda, so impressed. We'll use this for the girls this afternoon.'
I probably jumped up and down with excitement for a full minute!
At training that afternoon the coach did express some doubts that the girls would be interested in filling out the sheets, but I tried to stay confident.
When the coach had finished talking to the girls he handed them over to me to explain the sheet. I handed it out along with folders and pens I had purchased for each girl and the coach came up to me an told me he'd changed his mind. He said the girls were so engaged, and it looked like it was helping them learn by recording the training, and their progress.
I am so excited for this, the girls have their first game next week, and I can't wait to see how they go!
No comments:
Post a Comment