The kind of learners I teach;
Most of them are average in intelligence, do not like to do individual work and most of them do not want to contribute to group work either. There are some who are almost always absent from school. Even for those who are at school, a number of them prefer dodging lessons and have to be chased about in order to get them to attend. Some do not pay attention even when they are in class and it takes an effort to get them to participate. Some cannot even read fluently let alone comprehend what they have read.
How effectively me and my school prepare learners/students for the
digital society;
For the lower classes S.1 and 2
Computer lessons have been compulsory and they have been equipped with the
basics. The school has a computer lab which boasts of about at least 50 PCs and
almost all students get a chance to try out their learnt skills on them. For
the rest of the students body ie S.3,4,5, and 6, the subject is optional but
even those who do not offer the subject get the chance when the laboratory is
free to learn something about computers on their own and even to surf the net.The teachers have also been offered opportunity to acquire individual laptops at a hire purchase level. They have also been encouraged to learn the basics and this includes being able to receive and send emails. The school administration has a plan to resort to communicating to individual teachers through their emails and this is to encourage them to stay in touch with technology advancement.
What achievable changes I would like to make in order to be more
innovative in this regard.
There is need to change the
sitting arrangement such that the focus is not at the front. It should be a
circular formation that allows for easy sharing of ideas.Introduction of online games that are interesting and challenging. For example scrabble and jigsaw puzzles.
However, the learners still need a lot of exposure to technology and more guidance on how they can explore and use it profitably. They also still need to be monitored and helped to focus on things that are of academic importance to them.
Margaret thanks for the post.That change of the sitting plan can always attract the attention of those students that seem to be troublesome.
ReplyDeleteThanks Twaha. I agree.
DeleteHi Maggie, I also think the sitting plan would be okay if only that one teacher uses that classroom. When the next one comes in the furniture has to be re-arranged and that wastes time!
ReplyDeleteThanks Prossy for that observation. I want to share my experience with you regarding a senior two class l was teaching literature last year. The History teacher changed the arrangement of class and made it perfect for group work. When l went to teach them l was baffled but l later understood that she had wanted them to work easily on a collaborative task she had given them, and that the lesson had been a success. I decided to use the class as it was and believe l enjoyed the lesson. Group work was easily executed. The learners were eager and excited to work together other than having to focus on the teacher. They even came up with wonderful views about the topic. If it were up to me, l would keep it that way.
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ReplyDeleteWell done Maggie, group sitting setup is very effective. Thanks to that History teacher to have exposed you to this by accident. I think the whole school should enforce this kind of sitting arrangement to develop collaboration and communication skills in your learners. I hope the more your lessons engage your learners, the lesser learners will dodge classes.
ReplyDeleteThank you Tutor. I believe they will be eager to be part of the class. And with technology and learning games, no one would wish to miss.
DeleteBravo Marg! It is true that learners can easily be distracted by technology. They need guidance and strict observation so that they can redirect their focus from using technology only for entertainment to the use of it also for their academic pursuits.
ReplyDeleteI agree Nellie
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