Monday, July 8, 2019

#8weeksofsummer: Ideal learning environment


This post is week 4 of 8 in the 8 Weeks of Summer Blog Challenge for educators. 
This week's question is the conditions in which we think learning is best for us and our students.
There are a lot of parameters in this question.
First of all I believe that there has to be a sense of equality. Students should not be characterised according to their race, sex, sexual orientation, abilites, disabilities. They should all be equals. Boys should be able to work with girls in the same projects. Students with any kind of disability should be included in the group and everybody should be welcomed in a safe learning environment away from prejudice. 
Secondly, since I teach foreign languages, students should be encouraged to use the language they learn more, not only with course books but with other ways, even outside the classroom. It is very important for students to know that they learn a language to communicate and not to write grammar rules and exercises.
Technology is also very important, since we live in a fast paced world. Students should be able to have access to tecnology for research and entertainment. Students are very familiar with computers, mobile phones etc. Why not use them for our learning?
Teachers should never stop learning. We have to create a learning space for ourselves as well. Things change. We can't use the same materials over and over again, we should adapt new things in our teaching.
Our teaching environment should also have equality, cooperation and decent pay.
What do you think? What are the best conditions for you?





1 comment:

Denise Krebs said...

Theodora,
You have articulated some great learning environment values. I like the idea of equality--making it a safe learning environment for all. In my setting, this is important too, as I am in a co-educational school. Many schools in the country I work are separated by gender.

Use of the language is so important in my setting, as well. Students love to study and take a test, but I don't let them do this very often. Instead I constantly strive to give them opportunities to use the language and become listeners, speakers, writers, and readers of English.

In addition, I also value the lifelong learning of the teacher and to pass that on to the students. I want to help them love to learn and want to OWN their language acquisition. That way they will learn more.

Denise

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