|
|
Posted by:
Kathleen Serverian-Wilmeth
Research/tech assistance org
Providence, RI
Topic:
Kathleen Wilmeth's answer
Message:
Students are generally required to adapt to teaching and instructional materials and assessment instruments that are used in our schools. Those who cannot adapt are rarely accommodated in most classrooms. They are often viewed as being deficient in their ability to learn. Lack of knowing language is viewed as a deficit; limited life experience is a deficit; being a hands-on learner is a deficit; and requiring demonstration or modeling is often viewed as a deficit. The list of deficits is dangerously long. Often, the students who cannot adapt easily are labeled. They are placed in remedial programs or in low tracks and given inferior, overly simplified materials and objectives, as well as undemanding, repetitive skill work.
Students’ belief that they can achieve is a critical prerequisite to risk-taking in the classroom. Students of all ages are astute at sensing whether their teachers believe they can be successful. When a teacher expresses sympathy over failure, lavishes praise for completing a simple task, or offers unsolicited help, the teacher may send unintended messages of low expectations. Teachers need to be deliberate in crafting messages to students and watchful as to how students interpret their words and behaviors. Holding high expectations requires awareness and understanding of each individual student.
The temptation to attribute student failure to lack of ability needs to be addressed. Failure to learn can stem from many other causes. Inadequate prior knowledge, insufficient effort or motivation, the lack of appropriate learning strategies or merely inappropriate teaching are all important factors in student success or failure. It is critical to accept that if students are not learning, the teacher needs to explore many variables and may need to change his or her approach to teaching.
To reply, please first log into The Knowledge Loom
Back Return to the Forum
|
|
1482
1470
