Christensen relates the problems in our education
system to the budget issues, computer shortage, lack of parent support,
ineffective teaching, teaches’ union and problems of standardized tests. While he explains that these issues are
also prevalent in countries that continue to outperform our students, he brings
up a point that these issues cannot merely be responsible for the problem we
have with our education system in U.S.
The theory of disruption explains how people interact
with each other and react to changes and form their behavior. Christensen who develops this theory
first in the business world attempts to apply the theory to our education
system.
He explains that in our education system disruption
is the positive force of innovation that challenges schools to employ
student-centric approach as opposed to using the same instruction to all
students regardless of individual learning needs. His argument is based on the theory of multiple intelligence
which asserts students learn in numerous modalities.
He argues that schools should customize education
for each student’s learning style so students have opportunities to learn in
ways that match their intelligence type.
While he recognizes
schools’ limitations, he argues that computer-based learning could be a
possibility to meet individual learning needs.
If my understanding is correct this theory
suggests using more computers and less interaction between teachers and students
and a complete change of classroom structure. I think it is necessary to use student-center approach to
teaching especially in math and science and use computers, but only as a
supplement to good teaching. For example,
this year, we got smart boards in our classrooms. This is a great technology tool to check student
understanding and so far everyone is excited and on board with this innovation
The way I understand the "student-centric" approach is that using computers will actually provide more one to one interaction between teachers and students. The differentiated instruction afforded by software learning platforms affords the teacher more time to monitor individual learners and provide small group and individual coaching and mentoring where needed. Is that pretty much what you are thinking?
ReplyDeleteYes, this approach is similar to the one we use in our 180 reading lab. Students read passages and respond to the questions at the end of each passage and move up to the the next level. A teacher monitors students' progress.
ReplyDeleteI think it would be a great idea to apply this approach to mathematics and have math lab for students. The main problem is, however, lack of sufficient time and computes.
i agree Farzin. i would that the student centered approach is the "good teaching" so this approach is not necessarily an add-on but fully interated into teaching.
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