Foundations and Assessment of Education/Edition 1/In Today's Schools Table of Contents/Instructional Strategies & Techniques

 Instructional Strategies & Techniques   Observations and Reflections from Today's Classrooms

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I'm not going to lie, I'm still prone to lengthy lectures and using a good old white board/black board. Computers and projectors are all the rage, but the high school classes I've stepped into as of recent, still do not use them. I would definitely take the approach of involving students more in lectures– effectively making it more of a discussion or discourse than anything, but hey. If they're involved, they're involved. If that requires me to pelt them rigorously with questions right in the face when I think they're not paying attention or drifting, then so be it. They'll eventually soften up, and their gooey decadent brains will be mine to mold and shape at whim.Hsmit022 (talk) 21:42, 31 July 2009 (UTC)

The kindergarten classroom I observed in had a couple of techniques I really enjoyed watching. The first technique the teacher used when singing the alphabet, was the use of sign language. The kindergarteners all participated (with the exception of a few) and new all of the signs for each letter. I found that fascinating to watch. The next strategy I observed was in regards to classroom chores. Everyday, the teacher would assign classroom duties for students who had put their backpacks up without dawdling, set in their assigned seats, and raised their hands when called upon. The teacher had special laminated cards with each of the chores (first in line, box carrier, door holder, etc.) on them and the students who were invited to do the chores as a privilege, went to the board and moved the laminated card by their name. She used this technique as a reward for good behavior. As a result, some of the students tried really hard so that they could get picked for the chore of the day.Scarlett1 (talk) 21:33, 1 August 2009 (UTC)

I have learned many instructional strategies and techniques through the instructional strategies classes that were very creative and effective. However, there were several strategies that I learned from observation in a Kindergarten class. One of my favorite techniques was how she promoted reading in her classroom; she had hundreds of children’s books on the side and back of her room. When I asked if the school provided them, she informed me that she bought every single one. Over the years, she would go to garage sales and thrift stores buying books for almost nothing. I do not know how long she had been teaching, but I do know that for her classroom, and maybe even the second and third Kindergarten classes, she had a personal library. Students got to sit in beanbags and small sofas, so it was very comfortable to read during centers and free time. With the additional books that they got at the school’s library, the class was constantly improving their reading skills. Another important technique I observed was that she did many activities that required students to use scissors, pencils, glue sticks and other small objects. In other words, she was developing their fine motor skills. She told me that many students did not really develop them at home when they were younger. Therefore, she had to do many fine motor activities in class. Another benefit was that most of the activities were hands-on, such as have the phrase “at” on a piece of paper, and then students would color, cut and paste objects that rhymed with it (cat, bat, hat).Adart001 (talk) 00:50, 3 August 2009 (UTC)

I am completely open to observing all types of instructional methods and techniques. I am, however, not a fan of traditional teacher-centered classrooms. I am an elementary education major. I do not think that my students would retain much information if I just stood in front of the class and lectured at them. I am a huge proponent of project-based learning. I think students need hands-on, real world exploration in the classroom. I do not believe there should be this dividing line between what happens in the classroom and what happens at home. Children need to explore their own curiosities, learn how to research answers to their questions, and solve problems. Project based learning accomplishes these goals by incorporating teamwork, as well as autonomy, in a positively reinforcing environment. Abitt002 (talk) 20:45, 3 August 2009 (UTC)