Before I watched this video, I was a bit skeptical of what I could benefit from a speech geared towards mathematics, which is not my forte. As I was watching, not only was I impressed by the creativity and artistic graphic uses of Dan Meyer, but I realized how applicable his suggested teaching methods were for all subjects.
Meyer begins by pointing out why it's difficult to teach in traditional methods of lecture, then discusses what could be done to improve students' learning experience. From what I received from this video are the following: |
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Most students will wait until the end of lecture to ask questions to avoid speaking in front of their peers. Instead we should consider how to make two way conversations throughout class and "level the playing field of intuition."
2) Lack of perseverance
Students are accustomed to getting answers quickly. As Meyer notes, it's because of what they are exposed to especially in cases of TV shows, where problems are solved within an episode. We need to help students be "more patient problem solvers."
3) Lack of retention
Students need to understand how subjects apply to real life scenarios. Use of high resolution, full colour multimedia allow realistic visuals.
4) Aversion to word problems
Some questions are presented with all too many layers which are distracting from the real question. Instead, have short answers that are generalized, and allow conversations to examine specific questions as they come up; thus encouraging students to build and identify the sub steps to the problem themselves.
5) Eagerness for formula
Textbooks are set up in a specific format and students end up focusing on learning how to decode the textbook instead of learning the material. Diversify how questions and answers can be approached.
I think the key in this discussion, is to reevaluate our own teaching methods and to find means to bring real life into the classroom. With technology so easily accessible, we should make the effort to make learning relevant, so that students could build the skills to be used outside the classroom.
Reference:
Meyer, Dan. (2010, April 12). Dan Meyer at TEDxNYED. TEDx Talks. Retrieved from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BlvKWEvKSi8&index=8&list=PLbRLdW37G3oMquOaC-HeUIt6CWk-FzaGp