EDUCATIONAL INVESTIGATIONS
Key analysis and application of Educational Investigation topics that relate to aspects of teaching and learning.
The Impact of the Digital Age on Education
Technology is continually developing especially in the classroom, and it is therefore important to have an understanding of how to use technology. This will enable the teacher to implement it into the classroom through a range of different strategies. Technology will continue to evolve in the future, making it critical that we teach students to become competent in their ICT skills, through using a range of resources, such as SMART board, iPads, computers, laptops, etc. However, its important that as a teacher, we have the appropriate skills and knowledge to successfully incorporate different technology resources into lessons.
Anxiety in the Classroom
It is important that as teachers we are aware of students who suffer from anxiety, meaning we have to get to know the child well, in terms of their anxiety symptoms and how we can help prevent the child from being anxious in the classroom. There are different types of anxiety that a child may experience, making it vital that strategies are implemented into the classroom to best accommodate the student. Strategies may include developing a trusting relationship with the child, creating a supportive and flexible environment which embraces diversity, having a daily routine and communication with parents and specialists that are involved.
Formative and Summative Assessment
Assessment is critical in the classroom, where teachers undertake the process of observing and evaluating the learning outcomes of students. Formative assessment, also known as assessment for learning, is conducted during teaching or instruction to improve the learning process. Examples of this type of assessment include journals, learning logs, concept maps and diagnostic tests. Summative assessment is the second type of assessment, and can be referred to as assessment of learning. It occurs at the end of teaching and provides teachers with the opportunity to assess what the students have learnt. Performance tasks, written and oral product, and tests are examples of the way summative assessment is undertaken in the classroom.
Accommodating Cultural Diversity in Educational Settings
It is important that the classroom is an environment where the different cultures of students are accepted and celebrated by all. The teaching program should include ideas, values, beliefs, understandings and perspectives of diverse cultures, where the teacher is able to take advantage of using resources and materials that reflect the different cultural perspectives. Students should be given the opportunity to share and express their culture with others, allowing peers to build cultural awareness and understandings. It is vital that as a teacher, we celebrate the diversity that exists in the classroom, promoting positive relationships as well as providing equity for the students and their learning.
Direct Instruction vs. Inquiry Based Learning
Direct instruction and inquiry based learning are two approaches to teaching and learning which are able to be implemented into the classroom. Direct instruction provides all children, regardless of ability, the opportunity to succeed through this style of learning. It allows all children to learn in the same environment. Inquiry based learning is more enjoyable and engaging for students, where they are able to stimulate their curiosity. There is a time and place for both approaches to learning, however, most schools are now using the inquiry based approach in order for students to take control of their own learning. The teacher becomes a learning facilitator rather than the director of learning.
Technology is continually developing especially in the classroom, and it is therefore important to have an understanding of how to use technology. This will enable the teacher to implement it into the classroom through a range of different strategies. Technology will continue to evolve in the future, making it critical that we teach students to become competent in their ICT skills, through using a range of resources, such as SMART board, iPads, computers, laptops, etc. However, its important that as a teacher, we have the appropriate skills and knowledge to successfully incorporate different technology resources into lessons.
Anxiety in the Classroom
It is important that as teachers we are aware of students who suffer from anxiety, meaning we have to get to know the child well, in terms of their anxiety symptoms and how we can help prevent the child from being anxious in the classroom. There are different types of anxiety that a child may experience, making it vital that strategies are implemented into the classroom to best accommodate the student. Strategies may include developing a trusting relationship with the child, creating a supportive and flexible environment which embraces diversity, having a daily routine and communication with parents and specialists that are involved.
Formative and Summative Assessment
Assessment is critical in the classroom, where teachers undertake the process of observing and evaluating the learning outcomes of students. Formative assessment, also known as assessment for learning, is conducted during teaching or instruction to improve the learning process. Examples of this type of assessment include journals, learning logs, concept maps and diagnostic tests. Summative assessment is the second type of assessment, and can be referred to as assessment of learning. It occurs at the end of teaching and provides teachers with the opportunity to assess what the students have learnt. Performance tasks, written and oral product, and tests are examples of the way summative assessment is undertaken in the classroom.
Accommodating Cultural Diversity in Educational Settings
It is important that the classroom is an environment where the different cultures of students are accepted and celebrated by all. The teaching program should include ideas, values, beliefs, understandings and perspectives of diverse cultures, where the teacher is able to take advantage of using resources and materials that reflect the different cultural perspectives. Students should be given the opportunity to share and express their culture with others, allowing peers to build cultural awareness and understandings. It is vital that as a teacher, we celebrate the diversity that exists in the classroom, promoting positive relationships as well as providing equity for the students and their learning.
Direct Instruction vs. Inquiry Based Learning
Direct instruction and inquiry based learning are two approaches to teaching and learning which are able to be implemented into the classroom. Direct instruction provides all children, regardless of ability, the opportunity to succeed through this style of learning. It allows all children to learn in the same environment. Inquiry based learning is more enjoyable and engaging for students, where they are able to stimulate their curiosity. There is a time and place for both approaches to learning, however, most schools are now using the inquiry based approach in order for students to take control of their own learning. The teacher becomes a learning facilitator rather than the director of learning.