which is which?

More often than not there is a possibility to use several methods at once. Perhaps, its because the difference is not set or not known to the teacher

In choosing methods, It is important to:

1. KNOW THE DIFFERENCE do you know the differences of group discussion,buzz group,round table? how about panel interview,panel discussion, and panel presentation? They seem to be the same to many, but there is a difference and it is important to know it.

2. MASTERY OF THE METHODS It is the key towards maximizing each method. When the teacher knows the steps including strengths and weaknesses of it,this will help the teacher choose the most appropriate method for his/her lesson.

3. TIMING IS ESSENTIAL Knowing the difference is one thing, but choosing the most appropriate one is another. It is important to use the method where it is best fit.

Once,the difference is set and clear it will lead to a more useful way in using the methods which will eventually result to meaningful learning.

Remember methods should be helping you accomplish your objectives not mislead them.

Capture the Moments

Its been another year since my paternal side, who happens to be the youngest of the 12th children of lolo Roberto C. Fermin, had a get together and today we had another chance to do so in commemoration of his 87th birthday.

We're on the 3rd year of celebrating and it is wonderful to see how my lolo's 12 children literally scattered and multiply.

My favorite part is when I literally capture moments by taking pictures from the oldest to youngest member of the family; from candid to the most serious (pertaining to the 12 oldies when they are in front of the camera). 

Truly, there's no other way to preserve moments than to use a camera and capture moments you have with your loved ones.

Thank God for Cameras, isn't it? :)

Ask Right!

Someone jokingly said that there are right answers to wrong questions. Perhaps, It’s because questioning is a skill to be learned especially for educators who embodies learning.

4 TYPES ON "HOW TO ASK QUESTIONS"

A. Kick-off Question – At the beginning of each class, questions can be a great motivational tool in order for the teacher to catch their interest and attention.

B. Direct Question – There is always a tendency that one of the students might ‘know-all” the answers, a teacher is careful not for that student to monopolize the class so s/he uses this type of questioning. You call them by name; you throw them questions specifically for them.

C. Reverse -Relay Question – In order for students to get out of their shells, they should be thought how to think by and for themselves. The teacher returns the question to the student by asking “What do you think?” or ask another student to answer the question for their classmate.

D. Follow-up Question – This is usually used after a prior question, or when the teacher needs more clarity to the answers being given by the students.

A good teacher will always know how to strike the balance, what to use and when to use these four types of question that will surely bring improvement not only to the teacher but also to the students for these four encourages active classroom participation, empowers students to stand up for what they believe in and enhances their thinking skills.

Teach Me How To... (Blogging 101)

After 2 blog entries, someone takes notice of it and started to coach me since he (Dr. Leonides Son) is a blogger himself.

Here are some of the things I learned:

1. Your blog should always answer the Most essential question of the readers: "What can I learn from this?"

2. Maximum of 250 characters. (Not too short,not too long)

3. Avoid run-on sentences. (Short is sweet)

4. When you raise a question, answer it. When you say "NO", give a "YES".(Don't leave them hanging)

5. State your point clearly.

Neglect one of this and you'll receive a comment: "Nice Try!"

Happy Blogging! :D

Learning to Learn

"How do my students learn?” is one of the most important questions of a teacher as she prepares each lesson. Truth is people learn differently regardless of their age level. 

I believe that every person is unique and as a teacher it is a responsibility to bring out that uniqueness and not suppress them. Not because adults are ADULTS, teachers always use lecture method and less variety of activities. They should also receive the same effort just as how the preschool teachers prepare for their lessons and what better ways to do it is to discover their learning styles.

Every teacher would like students to learn at their best at the most minimal time and to learn “how they learn?” will pave the way for students to achieve short and long-term learning.

As Benjamin Franklin said “Tell me and I forget. Teach me and I remember. Involve me and I learn.”

For me, I would rather incorporate the learning styles which kinesthetic, visual and auditory are the most common in order for my students to learn at their best.

As one study in University in Texas found that people remember (Metcalf 1997):  

10 percent of what they read;

20 percent of what they hear;

30 percent of what they see;

50 percent of what they see and hear;

70 percent of what they say; and

90 percent of what they do and say

 

*source: Metcalf, T. (1997) Listening to your clients, Life Association News, 92(7) p16 - 18

first things first

Every new beginning will make us realize that there is more to learn than what we already know especially for teachers who always need continuous learning. 

In a generation where technology is fast evolving, every teacher should be abreast in order to relate well with students.

My first session (this would be the last time I would mention the number of sessions, only this time) with Mr. Son in Teaching Methods and Techniques proves that I’m getting behind since part of it is to blog. Like this. 

I was silently laughing at myself because he was mentioning different (mobile) applications which I do not know, and what struck me most is when he said we have to force ourselves to learn in order to be at phase with the present. I could not agree more.

He gave us a glimpse of what the subject is and what is going to happen for the semester as my classmates and I got the chance to introduce each other and are able to voice out each one’s expectations on the subject. The first three hours in this course made us all excited and expectant to our next session.

Every teacher should be open to new learning in order to become a better person as they continue to inspire and influence others.

For now, I am officially a blogger. *bow