Teacher development is more than a shared activity-at least it should be. The idea of colleagues is also a flexible one as well. Both should - I think - involve an expansion of a mindset that looks more towards a more comprehensive view of one's profession and one's place in the world as a result of same.
As far as this module is concerned, teacher development has seemed like a journey with companions of like mindsets. We seem to agree on most tenets concerned with the profession. I must confess that this particular activity seemed to revel attitudes of difference with reference to the role of the teacher. Letting the student take centre stage seemed to be the point of the core-ideas booklet. I found it to be very helpful. It is not an automatic process though. One has to be able to empower the students so tht they feel confidence themselves in taking control in the learning activities.
As far a the members of my staff are concerned, I believe that teacher development is an attitude rather than an activity. In which case, they are very eager in their own ways to use ICT in the classroom setting. Of course, our infrastructural difficulties have to be taken into account; our school is by no means unique in these. But the willingness to discuss and participate in my earlier survey activity, says a lot can be expected from my colleagues in the future.
REPONSE TO ACTIVITY 6
In this activity, what I appreciated was the availability of the core ideas booklets. Even though I had seen Dr. Mitra's stuff as well as the comments and reviews of studies done, the booklets showed me what was practical and practicable. I did feel however, that there was the inbuilt assumption that the students would be willing and able to participate and the teachers to prepare. What I have come to learn in truth is that children need the confidence to take the centre stage. The teacher needs to prepare to allow this to happen. This means that Miss/Sir must not only know the technology and the material. He/she must also be willing to engage in those activities that would allow students the chance to participate in their own learning.
Let me state categorically here that in my own personal teaching situation, I do not believe that this is something that will take place in every class, and I do not know that it should. The teacher should not only provide guidelines. Students need to know what they are doing and why. Call it preparation if you will. It makes no sense for the students to do a filmed role play of an interview panel-for example, if they do not know what questions to ask and how to compose them.
Curriculum reform is essential and necessary yes. It is an attitude as well as a decision and a policy.
No comments:
Post a Comment