Not everyone learns the same way or at the same pace. This is a statement that educators know to be true. Knowing this, it is important for teachers to have a wide variety of instructional strategies to chose from when making decisions about how to achieve lesson objectives.
There
are many different instructional strategies a teacher can choose from to
deliver lesson content and can be divided into teacher and student centered
strategies. Each approach has its advantages and limitations. It is important
to note that no one approach is always appropriate for every learning situation
or learner. By varying instructional approaches to learning, teachers are more
likely to keep student interest focused on learning. It also offers students
different ways in developing their understanding and demonstrating that
understanding. Employers today are looking for individuals who are creative
problem solvers and can work collaboratively. To meet this expectation teachers
need to provide students with learning situations that promote subject matter
competency and the skills of working with others to solve problems, having a
wide variety of strategies to employ will make this easier for teachers to
accomplish.
Technology
can play an important role as a tool for delivering instruction and be used by
students to demonstrate their understanding. As every teacher knows, students
arrive in the classroom with varying levels of subject matter background and
understanding. The use of technology in the classroom allows teachers and
students more options and greater resources in developing understanding. Teachers can more easily differentiate for
students based on their needs. Students can access tutorials online or through
school networks to learn more about a subject, review past concepts, or
complete coursework at a different pace. Technology also offers teachers the
ability to bring the world into the classroom through live chats with experts
and fellow students around the world, access to primary documents and wide
variety of research opportunities on the Internet, and even virtual field
trips. The opportunities provided by the use of technology in the classroom are
almost limitless.
As
an independent study teacher technology is playing a greater role everyday in
how I approach instruction for my students. More and more students are using
tools like Google Drive and email to turn in assignments and communicate with
me. Students are using Internet resources, like Khan Academy, to aid them in
their understanding of subject content, becoming more self-directed in their
learning. My role, as an independent study teacher, becomes that of a guide,
making sure students know what they need to learn and provide them with the
information on how to access the resources to help them with their learning. I
am able to differentiate lessons easily based on student need. Technology is
giving me the opportunity to bring the world to my classroom and use it to help
students understand the possibilities that exist for them.
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