KNOW THYSELF (as a Teacher)
Teaching in a 1:1 computing environment can be a very different experience from what you are accustomed to as a classroom teacher. Certain teaching strategies may help you to adapt to this new model. Others may not. A 1:1 environment will likely challenge and frustrate you at times. Knowing and understanding those frustrations as well as the ability to place them in a context will help you make sense of what is happening and why.
Some Important Questions to Reflect Upon in Advance
- What are your assumptions about teaching and learning?
- What is the role of the teacher, what is the role of the student?
- What are your assumptions and attitudes about technology?
- What student behaviors push your buttons?
- What are non-negotiable behaviors in your classroom? (Anything you tolerate or ignore is a negotiable…even if it bugs you)
- How do you communicate and train your students about your expectations?
What is Your Teaching Style
The following models of teaching are the most prevalent in schools. Most teachers blend both styles but tend to favor one over the other. Both have pros and cons. Both lead to learning when done well. When challenged as teacher, one will default to the style that comes easiest. Since blending the two is most conducive to student learning and to maximizing the potential of 1:1, it is worthwhile to reflect on both and make sure we are intentional in our selection of the style to meet our learning objectives.
The Sage on the Stage (Teacher-Centered)
Your style leans toward direct instruction, with students as receivers of information. You, and the specific content students read for your class, provide the knowledge they need in order to succeed. Students mostly work individually, and demonstrate their learning through the reproduction of facts and data.
Pros
The Guide on the Side (Student-Centered)
Your style is one that incorporates cooperative groups, differentiated instruction and project-based learning strategies. Questions posed in class may not have hard and fast answers, and students may choose a variety of paths in order to find their answers. You are not the sole source of knowledge and in fact work as facilitator and coach in the student's own development of knowledge and understanding.
Pros
Cons
The Sage on the Stage (Teacher-Centered)
Your style leans toward direct instruction, with students as receivers of information. You, and the specific content students read for your class, provide the knowledge they need in order to succeed. Students mostly work individually, and demonstrate their learning through the reproduction of facts and data.
Pros
- A large amount of information can be shared in a short amount of time
- The teacher has control of organization
- The teacher has control of pacing and content
- Accommodates large numbers of students
- Allows for quick and easy assessment methods
- Orderly and predictable
- Knowledge controlled by the instructor
- One-way communication
- Not necessarily conducive to critical thinking
- Promotes passive learning
- Not an optimal way of learning for many students
The Guide on the Side (Student-Centered)
Your style is one that incorporates cooperative groups, differentiated instruction and project-based learning strategies. Questions posed in class may not have hard and fast answers, and students may choose a variety of paths in order to find their answers. You are not the sole source of knowledge and in fact work as facilitator and coach in the student's own development of knowledge and understanding.
Pros
- Engages students in the learning process
- Encourages student ownership of knowledge
- Provides real life connections
- Promotes active learning
- Fosters critical thinking
- Addresses multiple learning styles
- Allows for varied assessment strategies
Cons
- More difficult to implement with large numbers of students
- Can be more time consuming than lecturing
- Not effective in all subject areas
- Requires a great deal of planning and preparation
- Teacher must constantly and actively assess for effectiveness
- Trends toward messy and noisy