Effective Teaching

The major difference between teacher based instruction and student based instruction is in knowledge direction. In teacher based classroom instruction, the teacher is the major source of knowledge and information. In teacher centered paradigm, teaching strategy takes a lecture or exposition form which stresses on transmission of bulk and fast paced knowledge from the teacher to the students.

In student based instruction, knowledge is the joint effort by students and the teacher. Under the stewardship of the teacher, students synthesize information using critical thinking, problem solving and inquiry skills. In student based instruction, great emphasis is given to how knowledge is meaningful to the students. ‘Teaching to begin with students’ means that whatever philosophy the teacher holds, it should respond to student’s needs. Thus any teaching should allow students to participate in it because they are receivers of knowledge and this knowledge can only be beneficial if they are involved in decision making. Through student based instruction, a teacher can easily understand the learning difficulties faced by students and so it will be easier to seek a solution (Van de Walle, 2007).

In an instruction class, the actions that teachers need to take so as to impart knowledge to students are demonstration, explanation and discussion. In demonstration method, the instructor demonstrates step by step, the procedure of a specific topic so that students can understand the topic easily. Under demonstration action, the teacher explains the significance of each step. Demonstration is an effective instruction method because it gives the students an opportunity to repeat the procedure thus enhancing their understanding capacity of a specific topic. Explanation as an instruction activity is a set of statements aimed at describing a specific task. It gives clarification of context, causes and consequences of the topic. Explanation provides a means of uncovering new knowledge and so important information is reported to the listeners. Discussion involves examination or consideration of a given topic through comments and argument. In most cases, the instructor and students explore solutions of a given topic or question by engaging in debate .In discussion, everyone is given a chance of contributing his or her idea in instructional class. The action I would put emphasis on in all classes is discussion because it allows the input of both the teachers and the students thus fostering understanding of the instruction topic (Lieberman, 2004).

In a diverse classroom, cooperative learning group is the most suitable because it promotes positive social skills, reduces stereotypes of individuals from different races and ethnic groups, enhances students’ self esteem, promotes high academic test score, and improves the comprehension of a given topic. Students interact freely, give their views and through this, a sense of understanding and tolerance is developed thus promoting social cohesion and better learning (Van de Walle, 2007).

Accommodation refers to changes in means, through which student’s access learning without actual change of the standards of the curriculum. The objective of accommodation is to accord equal chances to students without altering the contents. Instructional modification enables a student to compensate for behavioral, intellectual or physical disability. It allows one to utilize existing skills while promoting acquisition, improvement and development of new skills. Differentiating the concept of modification and accommodation is important for students with disability who cannot cope with other students and so through accommodation, students with disabilities have an opportunity of achieving proficiency in standards similar to their counterparts without having to alter the contents of curriculum as in case of modification (Lieberman, 2004).

Loop’s discussion of math methods make problem solving easier to understand because it allows students to view math from the viewpoint of real life situation. Students understand how math is viewed from biblical perspective. The bible gives a person the principles that guide him on how to approach and view different aspects of life. Just like the bible, students get an opportunity of understanding mathematical principles which can be applied on real life situations. This practical aspect of solving mathematical issue is important in changing the perception that math is a difficult subject thus students can cultivate interest in it(Loop,2009).

References

Loop, K. (2009). Revealing arithmetic: Math concepts from a biblical

worldview. Fairfax, VA. Christian Perspective

Van de Walle, J. (2007). Elementary and middle school mathematics. (7th

ed.) Boston, MA: Pearson

Lieberman, A(2004). Teacher Leadership. California: Jossey-Bass