My teaching philosophy and classroom practice have been influenced by various learning theories over time. In the initial stages of my teaching career, I was significantly influenced by the behaviorism approach, which believes that knowledge is transmitted from the educator to the students through various instructional mediums. I found this approach particularly effective in the field of physical education, where students were provided with demonstrations and instructions to acquire specific skills. The idea was that they could master these skills through dedicated practice and repetition. Behaviorism is rooted in the theory of operant conditioning, as postulated by Skinner, which suggests that a specific skill can be acquired through repetitive practice and constructive feedback. As my teaching career progressed, I began to include constructivism theory and update my teaching techniques. This theoretical framework describes education as a dynamic process and highlights the idea that students gain knowledge by actively engaging with the subject matter, and the establishment of connections between their prior experiences and new knowledge. This strategy, in my opinion, represents a significant advancement in my teaching methods as I have observed that when learners assume an active role in their learning process, they are able to acquire information far more efficiently.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?app=desktop&v=OLpsVp7d34c
As a science teacher, I adopted constructivist principles in my teaching approach.I used techniques that enable the students develop their own theories, conduct assessments, and make conclusions instead of just depending on lectures. For example, I organized a project with my chemistry students where they investigated the effects of pollutants on water quality. I divided the students and guided them to develop research questions related to local water sources. They then designed experiments to test water samples, such as analyzing pH levels and the presence of pollutants. This project not only taught them about the chemical properties of pollutants but also encouraged collaboration and real data collection. It was a great example of how constructivism can enhance learning.
In my teaching experience, I have encountered the concept of connectivism, which recognizes the significance of digital networks in education. It emphasizes that education involves more than just traditional teaching methods; it is about learning through interaction within various networks. I incorporate a variety of digital tools in my teaching to give students new opportunities to connect to important sources of https://ie.pinterest.com/pin/319192692321738325/ information and learn with their classmates on different platforms. These digital tools enable students to visually represent a range of ideas and insights, fostering creativity and interdisciplinary exploration. Integrating various online and social media platforms into their learning has enriched the students’ experience. Sharing resources and engaging with others has sparked creativity, leading to a positive transformation in their learning process. This environment helps them develop skills such as teamwork, communication, and group projects. Connectivism demonstrates how learning can be facilitated through networks and allow students to learn from each other’s experiences and perspectives.
Project-based learning is an educational approach that is centered around the lives of children. Projects often involve real-life issues related to their health and well-being, which helps to encourage teamwork and develop social skills. In this approach, the teacher’s role is to guide rather than direct. Children explore their interests, ask questions, and draw conclusions. As an early childhood educator in Canada, I had the opportunity to implement project-based learning, which enriched my teaching method. I helped my students develop their projects by focusing on their interests and experiences. For instance, while working on a project to study wildlife, a student was eager to learn about different animals and also wanted to incorporate a research process by creating group posters, conducting experiments, and sharing findings with teammates. This practical and child-centered approach is crucial in developing thinking skills and fostering creativity by connecting with the real world. Observing their growth through this process is a great way to make connections with the world. From my perspective, it’s crucial to promote independence and curiosity in young learners to establish a learning routine.
During my teaching experience, my traditional teacher-centric approach has evolved into a holistic and student-centric learning experience focused on skills. By the integration of instructional technology and the utilization of diverse digital tools, I have aimed to enhance student participation and foster their creativity.
For this blog i have read-
Chapter 2: The nature of knowledge and the implications for teaching
Debunking bad learning theories
https://www.edutopia.org/article/bringing-project-based-learning-preschool/