Exploring Methods of Teaching and Learning

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        Our classrooms are like micro cultures, with personalities of their own.  Our students are like the residents and citizens.  In many ways, we function as a mini-society.  Relationships between our "citizens" are formed, nurtured, or damaged in our classrooms.  We want our students to build beneficial and co-operative relationships with each other and with us, as their teachers.  This may happen on its' own, and we can also purposely design learning opportunities that foster and help build good relationships.  In the educational world, this is referred to as social-emotional development or SED. The process of learning social and emotional skills is just as important as learning reading and math (Committee for Children, 2016).  The video at the following link describes social-emotional learning:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GjOrFN6PEDg

        To build good relationships and promote a positive classroom environment, it starts with us.  If I begin each class by greeting students at the door, by name and smiling as they enter, I have taken the first steps in creating the environment I want in my classroom.  When possible, it is good to talk to students about their interests and always treat them the way I would want to be treated.  Jesus, the master teacher, spoke this truth over 2000 years ago and it is still valid and important today.  

        Mary Ellen Vogt, Ed. D., a strong proponent and of the SIOP model, states that evidence shows, we must provide greater amount of time in which students are speaking with each other, and interacting with the teacher and among themselves.  This is especially true with ELLs, but important for all students.  We can do this by developing learning centers, where students can work either individually, in pairs, or in co-operative groups.   We can plan lessons that give frequent opportunities to work together in such a way that it promotes interactions, discussion, and where students are working together towards a common goal. We can give students the choice to work in the way they learn and enjoy best.  By sitting at tables together, working together, or by playing review games that join them in pairs, students can feel included, and part of a group.  Even, using strategies such as Gallery Walk or 4 Corners, gets students up and moving, working together, and talking.  In the following video, https://www.youtube.com/embed/GjOrFN6PEDg, Mary Ellen Vogt explains the importance of students working together:  

           

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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The LEAP learning framework (2018), suggest that we "offer flexible modalities, groupings and times/places for learning to help meet individual learner needs, strengths and interests while balancing these individual needs with the needs of the class community."  Giving students the option of working with others in partners or small groups, fosters and environment of co-operation and team building.  

        When we structure our classrooms as learning labs where students have a voice in their own learning and choice in their assignments and learning partners, we can set the tone for social and emotional development.  

 

   References

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Committee for Children, (2016, Aug. 1).  Social-emotional learning:  What it is and why it matters. Retrieved

        from:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ikehX9o1JbI

LEAP Learning Framework, (2018).  Strategies for being Learner

        Focused. http://leaplearningframework.org/core-componentlearner-focused

Vogt, M.E. (2012, March 20).  Component 5: Interaction.  Retrieved from : 

       https://www.youtube.com/embed/GjOrFN6PEDg

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