Chapter 3 - Digital Blog Post C

Another topic concerning teaching approaches that I found interesting within the reading was teacher-centered and student-centered methods. Although some may look at each teaching method and choose the one they like the most, I think it is important to realize that the book mentions both methods, likely, in order to reveal the importance of using both methods. Student-centered learning uses active participation and life lessons to teach students. Teacher-centered learning focuses on the facts and sticks to information that is “fixed” and “commonly understood” (Maloy, et, al, 2014, p. 51). Both methods seem to be on opposite sides of the spectrum; one is opinion and personal-based, and the other is matter-of-fact and factually based. I would like to harness both sides to learning so that a classroom is not filled too much opinion that cannot be factually supported, and to also avoid a classroom that is dull and boring due to being filled with way too many facts with no personal link to allow students to relate and retain the information better.

A section in the chapter that I was happy to see was the topic of Expressing Creativity. Before reading this portion, I felt the Internet and other forms of technology, robbed people of their creativity and the ability to think outside the box for themselves. However, upon further reading, I was able to remember the specific forms of technology that exist to help bring out the creative side in students and allow them to think for themselves while coming up with different ways to approach a situation. Some forms of creative technology include Prezi, Google Maps, and Economic-Games. Instead of a regular Power Point, Prezi is an expressive and fun way to present an idea with various ways to integrate information and ideas. In order to get a better understanding of geographical areas, using Google Maps’ earth and map options to explore streets or mountainous regions. Lastly, for an economics class, Economic-Games would allow students to get a better idea about the world of economics through interactive games.

In conclusion, this chapter was a good eye-opener to understanding students’ needs in learning approaches, the importance of a balance between opinions and facts, and the realization that technology can truly be used as a creative tool to further students’ expressiveness and reasoning skills. Even though there are times I feel reluctant to incorporate technology because of my traditional way of thinking, I’m starting to see how technology can truly be a vital and exceptional tool to be grateful for in the classroom. I was really surprised that there were so many options to be used creatively through technology, when all I am used to hearing is how useful Google and other search engines are when someone is in need of a creative thought.

Works Cited

Chaela1509 (2013, March 27). From the Teacher-Directed to the Student-Centered classroom. Retrieved September 19^, 2015, from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P09PvuX6xQo

Goshay, N (2015, September 19). Transforming Education. Created with PowToon https://www.powtoon.com/show/cW0YqyuMxM3/transforming-learning/#/

Maloy, R., O'Loughlin, R., Edwards, S., & Woolf, B. (2014). Transforming Learning with New Technologies. 2nd Edition. Boston, MA: Pearson Education Inc.