Bible Students

“Strategies and Models for Teachers” by Eggen and Kauchak (chapters 1 and 2)

Teaching is one of the most important roles of Christians today. Without teaching, there would be no dependable way to pass on the ideas of the faith to the next generation. Additionally, there would be no way to pass on the discoveries of God’s creation. Apart from good teaching, the next generation will be lost to a lack of interest in God’s creation. In order to teach well, there is a need for teaching method alternatives. Different types of teaching cater to different types of learners, and that catering is one of the most important factors to learning success. Many who are not drawn in to lessons do not ultimately take away from them in their lives. Individuals need to be taught well in order to help them discover where their interest lies in God’s creation and His being. 

Teaching strategies are not easy to master, and demonstrate a huge pool of knowledge on a subject. Different strategies are needed in order to solve the complex problems of learning and teach the ability to learn for oneself. Teaching students to teach themselves is one of the most pressing aspects of teaching, as those who are able to teach themselves will learn far more than those who do not. Methods for teaching must be goal-oriented and can not be random or without end. Teaching models give directions for the actions of the teachers who use them. Teachers can use them as a blueprint for how they are to teach their lesson. Models give instruction for the lessons of the teachers, which allows them to be more efficient with their time, effort, and energy. 

There are many kinds of learning, but the most common in America is the cognitive learning, which is the goal relating to knowledge and intellectual skills. Cognitive learning is the kind of learning which brings about a surface level understanding of a topic without especially applying the knowledge. There are other kinds of learning as well, including psychomotor learning and interpersonal learning. Psychomotor learning related to hands-on activities, while interpersonal learning helps to teach through relationships. Cognitive learning is the primary method in schools today. 

Now, before learning how to do something hands-on, a person needs to know the technique or theory. The Blooms Taxonomy is a taxonomical tier list of learning, which takes learning through six main stages: First is knowledge where the individual is given information and can repeat back that information. Second is comprehension, which demonstrates an understanding of why the information is as it is. Third, application, shows how this comprehension is applied to its respective field. Fourth, analysis, seeks to look at how the application works or does not work. Fifth, synthesis seeks to find predictable ways the application will behave after analysis of the application. Sixth and finally, evaluation then is a capstone of the whole process, where the individual has a mastery of the subject and can evaluate the synthesis and prediction of the application. 

Learning goals should revolve around the highest levels, but often test questions only require low level understanding of knowledge, avoiding even comprehension. Understanding how to predict future outcomes in a specific field (for instance, knowing what the result of a math problem should look like, or how psychology will play in to someone’s response) is a higher expectation on the taxonomical list for lesson outcomes. Standards are used to see what students know or should be able to do in a certain area. The knowledge of teachers is another important area of measurements. Teacher have many things to master, including understanding their students, content, ability to teach, and be able to self-evaluate. Teachers who master these four things are extremely valuable. 

Good teachers are able to collaborate with parents and keep students engaged and focused. Students are of increasingly different backgrounds, so the ability to explain concepts clearly to those who do not fully understand English is needed. Additionally, an understanding of culture is expected. Technology is a huge part of the new teaching scene. Today, students are able to look things up for themselves, for better or worse. Awareness of technology is needed, as technology can be both an aid and a hindrance to learning. Teachers should show how students can use technology to help them.

Expert teachers are absolutely needed for students to learn well through the methods given by the teachers. Teachers give the methods that unlock the learning in the students. A positive classroom experience is needed. Publicly evaluating things can be intimidating, but creating a safe and comfortable environment can help to make those things exciting. Positive classroom environment is needed for proper learning. Teachers must model to set the tone for students. Students will take the model of the teacher. Teachers must display interest and kindness. Teachers must be kind to the students and reach out, high-five them, care about them, call on students equally as often as possible, smile at them, and hold them to a high standard. Teachers who care hold students to high standards and have confidence in their students. More work is not the same as pushing the students further. Understanding culture is very important. Teachers must make sure to enforce rules across the board and call on people equally, not stereotyping. 

Having students explain their thoughts when answering is helpful, especially to know where the student goes wrong or understands well. Teachers must turn abstract ideas into concrete and relatable things. Using hands on or demonstrations will bring in the attention of even those who do not care. Using names raises attention. The overload of information is a problem, so involve the students, ask questions, and answer questions. High quality experiences help students to remember lessons. 

Intrinsic motivation comes because people want others to see them and approve of them. Extrinsic motivation comes because people are interested in something and want to learn about it. Students feel autonomy when they learn about something they care about and can relate to. A classroom can not be effectively managed apart from motivation and effective teaching. Help the students work before having them work on their own. Encourage them to give evidence for what they arrived at. Giving an explanation gives the person a sense of arriving there on their own and having control over their learning. Relation to the real world helps motivation to learn. If the students are actively involved in the lesson, they will pay attention far more.

Overall, these two chapters have brought to attention a few very important topics in teaching. The role of the teacher is incredibly important, and must be taken seriously. The responsibility of the teacher includes the responsibility to make lessons which are received by their students. Teachers must know their students and their content. The teacher must actually care. Therefore, I must care about those I teach and care to cater to their learning.