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Learning is a natural and normal part of the everyday lives of
children, with or without a teacher. In the classroom, the
teacher and the students share the responsibility for learning.
Students learn though active exploration and interactions with other
individuals and with their environment. They often use trial and
error to solve problems. When students find a question, they test
various answers to that question until they find one that works.
They continue to test their answer and look for further answers.
Students learn most productively when they have internal motivation to
learn. Internal motivation is their natural willingness and
desire to learn. They have to see how the concepts that they are
learning apply
to their lives. They have to realize that learning is the pathway
to
reaching their potential. Learning is a process of relating new
information
to what is understood. For teaching, this means the environment should encourage a variety of interactions and explorations to help maximize learning. The interactions and explorations should be challenging and meaningful to the individual students to maximize their ability to learn. Responsibility and respect must be expected if interaction and active exploration are to be productive. It is essential that the teacher be a keen observer in order for the students’ interests, strengths, and weaknesses to be discovered and acknowledged so that the curriculum can be shaped to the needs of the students. Teachers also need to respond to what they have observed so that the learning can become more meaningful for the students. Families are the first and most important teachers of their children. It is important for there to be a relationship between the families and the teachers. Communication with families can lead to an extension of the curriculum into the home and provide teachers with more intimate information about the child. Parents and teachers need to share information about the students so that the families can understand what is happening in the classroom. Also, knowing about a child’s background gives teachers insight that leads to deeper understanding of the child. This creates a network of support for the education of the students. The primary goal that we have for our students is for them to be competent in their ability to solve problems. When students have confidence in their abilities, they will find success, even in their weaknesses. The classroom should provide opportunities that are at an appropriate level for the individual child. They should feel comfortable questioning each other and the teacher. We want them to learn from their mistakes and discoveries. They should realize that mistakes are positive learning experiences. Mistakes allow children to see that it is okay to be wrong and learn about what does not work. It is also our goal for the teacher to always be and be seen as an active learner. |