An Analysis and Reflection: Principles of Effective Teaching and Learning

As I wrap up in learning this module, the main idea that I realized is how the teaching principles evolved throughout the years. Back in the 1990s I remember that students are classified as either "intelligent" or "not intelligent". Nowadays, this ideology is no longer acceptable since we evolved and realized that there are many roads to learning. During my research for this principle, I learned that there are seven learning styles: visual, kinesthetic, aural, social, solitary, verbal, and logical. Teaching techniques usually cater to only one or two types of learning styles. The emphasis of effective learning in a classroom has vital importance in student retention. The teachers are required to be adaptive to the changing classroom and student needs such that the students enjoy the course and establish goals (Fizza Anwar, 2019). 

Effective teaching requires diverse activities that cater to various learning styles.  Relying solely on visual presentations, such as lectures, is insufficient.  Teachers should incorporate a range of activities, including collaborative group work and independent tasks, to engage all learners.

Critical feedbacks are only useful if the learner has an alternative to pursue, which reminded me of the “five second rule” whereas you can only comment on any aspect of someone’s appearance if and only if they can change it in five seconds. This principle is applicable to teacher and student feedback. Instead of focusing on fixed traits or unchangeable circumstances, it should focus on things that they can control and improve. This could include effort, strategies, specific skills, or behaviors. 

The topic also emphasized on the importance of the teacher's knowledge of the subject matter. To be able to attain effective and more efficient way of organizing the subject matter that is being taught, teachers must be equipped with the updated information that they are relaying to the students. This can be achieved by continuing their education on the subject matter. May it be online courses, going back to school, or just individual research, there are numbers of ways to continue ones education. There are professional learning communities that can also assist teachers to advance their knowledge such as workshops and conferences. It is important to connect with other experts in the fields to broaden the view in education. Furthermore, utilizing technology is important in these strategies.

On the other hand, I understood how students learn in this topic. Often times, it's not just how the teacher present the learning materials, but also it requires understanding on how students process and internalize information. A teacher might present a lesson on fractions using visual aids and concrete examples. However, they also understand that some students learn best through hands-on activities. Therefore, they might incorporate group activities where students manipulate fraction blocks or solve real-world problems involving fractions. Furthermore, they may give students time to reflect on what they learned, or offer different ways to show what they learned, such as writing, drawing, or verbally explaining.

Overall, I learned a great deal from this module. These principles are applicable not only in school environments but also in corporate settings, which will be beneficial in my day-to-day activities as a corporate worker facilitating knowledge transfers with colleagues and clients.

References: 

Anwar, F. (2019).  Journal of Education and Educational Development. "Activity-Based Teaching, Student Motivation and Academic Achievement". 01 June 2019, https://files.eric.ed.gov/fulltext/EJ1216