In Shafer's article, I really liked the comparison of learning language and learning a digital tool. Shafer quotes Foster as saying, "Language is a performing art. We learn our first language skills by performing them" (93). I think this is a great way to look at learning in general. We did not learn to speak strictly from sitting in our high chairs listening to others speak. Yes, that was part of the learning process; however, it took practice and our own exploration of the language to get it right. Our parents, babysitters, teachers, and others around us corrected mistakes and helped us perfect our language so that we can speak as functioning people in society. The same process should apply to our teaching.
In a classroom, there is time when lecture is necessary and needed to help learning. However, there is time when students need to be hands-on and explore the area they are learning. They need to make mistakes and find a way to fix them, or correct them through the guidance of someone else. With using digital tools, it is helpful to have the freedom to mess around with whatever is being used. For example, when we first started blogging, I needed help to start off and understand the basics. However, once I was given a little guidance I enjoyed looking around the other blogs, viewing all the settings, and figuring out how to personalize my blog for others to see. This was an important part of my learning. Because I was given the chance to find my own answers I now have the confidence to find more answers and information. The same goes for students. If we provide the base coat and a little push towards the paint, they will find a way to make their own masterpiece.
The comment "(Students) need to make mistakes and find a way to fix them" is definitely something that I thoroughly believe. The things that I have had to grapple with and fight to learn are the things that I both remember best and feel most accomplished about having learned. I think that this translates to students developing a much deeper and lasting understanding of what they are learning. This is true of technology, but translates to other things such as interpreting text, understanding historic events, or forming opinions about controversial current events.
ReplyDeleteExcellent thoughts Sam! I really agree. Teachers, and this goes for anyone-a parent, family member, what have you- need to allow people they care about make mistakes or they will never learn and become independent.
ReplyDeleteYes, it may be challenging, but we as humans always overcome our challenges. New technology can seem burdening, but like you said, you got the hang of it and now it is something you enjoy doing and you learned from it.
Teachers pave the road for students to succeed but sometimes the kids drive off the road. But, that is expected and sometimes neccesary for kids to learn because it teaches them a lesson. Your closing sentence really tops off the article well! Props!