In class we have been pursuing the TOK curriculum in a straightforward way, looking first at the Knower, then at the four Ways of Knowing. In doing this we have also tried different strategies of learning. For example, we have had whole class discussion and small group discussion. We have tried different activities. We have scripted contributions to break out of a teacher-centered pattern of discussion. We have divided topics in small groups and had students teach other students. We have looked at brief videos. We have done in-class writing. We have used the blog.
I have consciously avoided lecturing.
But what works best for you? My own sense is that cooperative group work is the most worthwhile strategy, students teaching and learning from other students. Students talking to students. The IB mission statement, as well as the Marymount
Goals and Criteria, speak of fostering
lifelong learners, and so my desire is that we have activities that help you learn how to learn, how to work with others, how to think critically, how to dialogue sincerely and openly, how to listen tolerantly.
These skills are marks of an authentically educated person, someone unafraid to examine another point of view, someone who will actually seek out another point of view. Where these skills are lacking there is a lack of education. What usually takes their place is arrogant and insecure dogmatism that will seek to intimidate others into thoughtless and silent conformity.
There are many cheerleaders of conformity.
In a university you will not be immersed in games and poster-making, as fun and worthwhile as these can be. You may even find an authoritarian manner of teaching or managing that can quickly stifle a community: individual participation is not encouraged or it is rigidly controlled and censored. In many leading schools, however, cooperative or collaborative groups are an integral part of the educational experience.
The University of Illinois at Chicago and
Harvard Business School, to cite two examples, both use and promote study groups. Many law schools assign or encourage study groups, for they are effective and lessen anxiety. In life we will most likely be working and learning in a group. Why not learn how to do it well?
So what works best for you? In your entry could you speak about what learning strategy works best for you personally. Look at what your classmates have written and, if possible, take this into account in your own comment. Please do not feel you have to agree with me!!!!!
