Classical Learning Teams
The classical school renewal movement does not consist of one-size-fits-all methods and curriculum. Rather, it is filled with excellent, timeless, and effective practices and purposes for engaging in education based on the tradition of the liberal arts.
I consider the Socratic method paired with hands-on learning teams to be the best technique for teaching critical thinking and problem-solving skills in a classical environment. The Socratic method is used with In-class discussion and critiques to help students recognize and internalize critical thinking techniques using well-accepted rules of correct reasoning,. Hands-on learning is used to teach students how to work cooperatively as members of well-defined, highly structured learning teams.
Why is teamwork important for learning? In learning teams everybody gets the same assignments and is challenged to answer the same problems on tests and quizzes, but that is where the similarity to the typical classroom stops. Classroom instruction as part of a learning team is a more synergistic way of learning, where the sum is greater than the parts. Since everyone has a different team job, you will not find everybody doing the same thing or expect everybody to being able to do each other’s jobs. Properly managed learning teams maximize the strengths of each team member and bring out the best in each. By actively participating in the learning process, each student's specific, possibly unique, strengths are complimented by the strengths of others. Together the team members grow in their understanding of the material being studied and develop the interpersonal skills needed to succeed in the 21st century.
An effective learning team is one that builds trust and a sense of unity and enthusiasm for the common interests and responsibilities of its members. Such teams emulate the behavior of real-world problem-solving teams and in doing so immerse their members in the process of learning the subject material in a much more authentic and hands-on manner. The mutual respect and productive work relationships that these teams develop teach students how to listen to input from one another and to become mindful of the impact of their actions on others. In a nutshell, team learning develops a "can-do" attitude in the students by showing them that they are valued and accepted and by helping to eliminate any negative emotions about the educational process they might otherwise encounter.
I consider the Socratic method paired with hands-on learning teams to be the best technique for teaching critical thinking and problem-solving skills in a classical environment. The Socratic method is used with In-class discussion and critiques to help students recognize and internalize critical thinking techniques using well-accepted rules of correct reasoning,. Hands-on learning is used to teach students how to work cooperatively as members of well-defined, highly structured learning teams.
Why is teamwork important for learning? In learning teams everybody gets the same assignments and is challenged to answer the same problems on tests and quizzes, but that is where the similarity to the typical classroom stops. Classroom instruction as part of a learning team is a more synergistic way of learning, where the sum is greater than the parts. Since everyone has a different team job, you will not find everybody doing the same thing or expect everybody to being able to do each other’s jobs. Properly managed learning teams maximize the strengths of each team member and bring out the best in each. By actively participating in the learning process, each student's specific, possibly unique, strengths are complimented by the strengths of others. Together the team members grow in their understanding of the material being studied and develop the interpersonal skills needed to succeed in the 21st century.
An effective learning team is one that builds trust and a sense of unity and enthusiasm for the common interests and responsibilities of its members. Such teams emulate the behavior of real-world problem-solving teams and in doing so immerse their members in the process of learning the subject material in a much more authentic and hands-on manner. The mutual respect and productive work relationships that these teams develop teach students how to listen to input from one another and to become mindful of the impact of their actions on others. In a nutshell, team learning develops a "can-do" attitude in the students by showing them that they are valued and accepted and by helping to eliminate any negative emotions about the educational process they might otherwise encounter.
PhysicsPhysics is a physical science course designed to cover the basic concepts found in the physical world. Topics included in this study are: matter, force, velocity, acceleration, energy, work, vibrations, electricity and magnetism. In Physics, students conduct laboratory and field investigations, use the scientific method during investigation, and make informed decisions using critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
|
ChemistryChemistry is a physical science course designed to cover the basic concepts found in chemistry. Topics included in this study are: matter, molecular theory, molecular forces, energy, and molecular and nuclear reactions. In Chemistry, students conduct laboratory and field investigations, use the scientific method during investigation, and make informed decisions using critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
|
7th Grade MathMath in Focus: Course 2 (7th grade) focuses on developing pre-algebraic skills and includes a strong emphasis on problem solving.
|
TeamworkTeamwork is an essential component of every class I teach, but is not a replacement for true learning. I believe my classes should be student-centered and model how to:
|
Educating the mind without educating the heart is no education at all.
Aristotle
It is the supreme art of the teacher to awaken joy in creative expression and knowledge. Teaching should be such that what is offered is perceived as a valuable gift and not as a hard duty.
Albert Einstein
The task of the modern educator is not to cut down jungles but to irrigate deserts. The right defence against false sentiments is to inculcate just sentiments. By starving the sensibility of our pupils we only make them easier prey to the propagandist when he comes. For famished nature will be avenged and a hard heart is no infallible protection against a soft head.
Lewis, C. S., The Abolition of Man.
HarperCollins.
Acquiring an excellent education is the best way to not be left behind as technology races ahead. The discouraging news is that today many students seem to be squandering at least some of their educational opportunities.
Brynjolfsson, Erik. The Second Machine Age: Work, Progress, and Prosperity in a Time of Brilliant Technologies.
W. W. Norton & Company.
Treating someone with love regardless of how you feel about that person is a very powerful principle. This type of love is the basis for all healthy relationships, bringing out the best in ourselves and others. It can make us great spouses, great parents, and great friends.
Manby, Joel; Love Works: Seven Timeless Principles for Effective Leaders.
Zondervan.
Success as a leader is a difficult thing. As a leader, your success is directly measured by the success of those working on your team, and in fact their success is your success. …. That’s why every leader, manager, or supervisor needs to become a great coach. … All effective coaching is based on building trust, tapping potential, creating commitment, and actually executing goals.
Simpson, Michael K.. Unlocking Potential: 7 Coaching Skills That Transform Individuals, Teams, and Organizations.
Grand Harbor Press.