Last time Dr Ng briefed us on the implementation of new curriculum (KSSM) that has been introduce to Malaysian public schools. we focus on computational skills, which one of the way to enhance higher order thinking skills (HOTS) conjunction with advancement of technologies.
Well,
When it comes to KSSM and HOTS, we know its all about STUDENT CENTERED based learning. Student-centered teaching methods shift the focus of activity from the teacher to the learners. These methods include active learning, in which students solve problems, answer questions, formulate questions of their own, discuss, explain, debate, or brainstorm during class
We can list down numbers of advantages or benefits of student-centered learning theory. However, there is always negative sides of everything. Felder & Brent (1996) mention 11 barriers or problems that might happen in their journal 'NAVIGATING THE BUMPY ROAD TO STUDENT-CENTERED INSTRUCTION'. We have discuss all of them in previous class.
For now, I will discuss on four of the issues/ problems and providing two methods on how to solve it.
1) 'If I don't lecture I ll lose control in the class.'
Solutions :
i. Ensure the students know and understand what I teach them and get the ideas on the tasks that will be given. Divide them in groups and assign group leaders to control of their members.
ii. Provide them sufficient times or periods to complete the task during my presence. Deduction of marks will be taken if students make noise or do other than the tasks given .
2) 'When I tried active learning in one of my classes, many of the students hated it. Some refused to cooperate and made their hostility to the approach and to me very clear.'
Solutions :
i. Ask the students to bring any articles or items that related to next topic in next class either in group or individually. By doing their own findings, they will find or read more on their own and this will help them to get the ideas of next lesson and use it during discussion with the teachers.
ii. Divide them in groups or pairs and let them discuss the ideas. Call each of the representative to share their opinion in front of the class. The best group will be rewarded with presents or given carry marks.
3) I'm having a particularly hard time getting my students to work in teams. Many of them resent having to do it and a couple of them protested to my department head about it.
Solutions :
i. Initially before starting first lesson, spend time to work on relation between the class. Create a harmonious atmosphere among students. for example, do activity that needing them to work or interact together. get them know each other and erase any gap that exist between them.
ii. i. Give them freedom or chances to choose and create their own group members. This will make them happy to work as a team.
4) ' If I assign homework, presentation, or projects to groups, some students will "hitchhike," getting credit for work in which they did not actively participate.'
Solutions :
i. Every participant is given different role and task. For example, provide number of questions and let the members decide who will find the solution for each of the questions. Then ask them to discuss all of their findings. every one has to explain their answer. Then teacher will call the whole members to present and other group and teachers will ask them to explain more from what they have discuss together.
ii. Group members will write reports on during their meeting and discussion. Rotation representative will jot down attendance and report of what they have discuss to teachers.
Yeah!
I think that s all for now.
There s always room for improvement for every difficulties. I believe all teachers should never giving up in order to create an excellent and effective learning and teaching in classroom. Be patient with the students. We are the one who will shape them inter and intra- personally.
Hope you enjoy your reading here!
See you on next pages~
Love,
Teacher Azie (^_^) v
