Teaching Guided by Learning
What is teaching guided by learning?
It is teaching which:
- Follows the pace and process of learning
- Adapts itself in real-time to the actions undertaken by the learner
- Intervenes to enhance learning but avoids dominating and interfering with it.
Why should teaching be guided by learning?
Education only makes sense if it provides students opportunities to learn which are easier, generate higher performance, and are more convenient than if they were to undertake learning by themselves. If it is more difficult, generates lower performance and is less convenient should it be a surprise if a student or a parent asks: “Why do I need you to help me learn?” The primary reason students go to school is to learn, not to be taught. Teaching matters only in so far as it results in learning.
Unfortunately the most widespread model in use today is Teaching Guided by Curriculum. In this context, little to no consideration is given to the actual learning process that is unfolding live in front of the teacher. Teaching often dominates or ignores learning. Learning must adapt to teaching. In this model, school can be seen as the place you go, to first and foremost to be taught, and secondarily to learn.
When teaching is guided by learning:
- Teaching effectiveness is enhanced because teaching actions are closely aligned to specific learning needs. If done well, this is true at each moment.
- Learning effectiveness is enhanced because teaching does not interfere with the learning process. Students will have the time and freedom to pursue their hypothesis to completion, confirm or refute them, and develop criteria so that they know for themselves, not just because the teacher told them.
- Overall efficiency is enhanced because time is used with purpose and focuses on addressing the right things at the right moment.
Considerations for teaching guided by learning:
- What types of teacher feedback enhance learning? What kind of feedback is distracting? (Does praise enhance or detract from learning?)
- Does providing answers interfere with learning? How?
- What techniques are useful when asking students who are already doing their best to do better?
- What are the ways in which teaching could interfere with learning?
- Teacher silence is a pedagogical technique. What are the advantages or disadvantages of remaining silent?
- What is continuous testing? What is to be gained or lost by doing it?
- Mistakes are a part of learning. How do teachers handle mistakes when their teaching is guided by learning? Why?
- Characterize the state of mind best suited for observation.
