I believe it is possible to assess kids on an individual
basis through a classroom environment. I like the
constructivist conditions for learning that Driscoll
describes on pages 393 and 394 to create an environment that
would help most students achieve what the 8th grader did in
the resource room.
1. Embed learning in complex, realistic and relevant
environments. Never assume anything with the kids. Prepare,
prepare and prepare and be willing to learn from the kids in
developing the learning environment.
2. Provide for social negotiation as an integral part of
learning. Allow the kids to discuss and learn from their
peers through purposeful and guided interaction.
3. Support multiple perspectives and the use of multiple
modes of representation. Teach in an active, participatory
way that creates an environment allowing for discussion and
multiple perspectives to be heard and taught.
4. Encourage ownership in learning. Probably the greatest
challenge because some kids will refuse to take ownership
because of past difficulties in learning. I would like to
provide as positive of an environment for individual
students to increase confidence and participation. This
means tagging some of the better more conscientious students
to be partners in helping the learning environment.
5. Nurture self-awareness of the knowledge construction
process. Get to know the students. It can't happen all at
once but (and maybe I'm too much of an optimist) every
student has learned something in their life. Finding out
how they became good at something even like doing skateboard
tricks or bike tricks or drawing can help map out the most
effective way to how a student learns.
If we follow the conditions of 1 - 3, I think conditions 4
and 5 could be met in the classroom. As a teacher if we
have more concern for the kids than just being authoratative
dispensers of knowledge the classroom can be set using the 5
conditions. I guess it means a little humility for me.
No comments:
Post a Comment