Instructional practices (Teacher-centered)

[Unregistered]

Disclaimer: This is my first year teaching.

The pedagogical pracitces that I learned in college were all based around student centered learning. For most of this year I have been having a hard time seeing students become interested, perform well, or seek out knowledge in my class. I recently switched to a teacher centered perspective, and I am finding much more success with my classes when they are taught this way.

In the past few weeks since shifting over (yes the transition has been difficult, it would have been much better if I started the year this way.) I am starting to see students are comprehending content more consistently (U.S. History), seeking out knowledge and asking very analytical questions.

My questions are:
1.When you teach, which method do you prefer (student or teacher centered) and why?
2. How do you actually implement the above in your classroom on the average day?
3. What if your district has placed an emphasis on student centered learning; does that mean abandon this seemingly successful strategy for the less successful strategy?

Thoughts and opinions greatly appreciated.

[Unregistered]

My questions are:
1.When you teach, which method do you prefer (student or teacher centered) and why?

Definitely direct instruction. I feature a small number of inquiry lessons, but I don't find it a very good approach day in and day out.

2. How do you actually implement the above in your classroom on the average day?

I employ a form of direct instruction called EDI. While learning, the steps were clear because I had my training binder to give me ideas on what to do for each part of the session. (I do it as a matter of habit now.) It's the best thing out there that I have come across so far. (But still looking for even better.)

3. What if your district has placed an emphasis on student centered learning; does that mean abandon this seemingly successful strategy for the less successful strategy?

I don't have that problem. In fact, more districts are now abandoning the student-centered approach from what I can tell.

[Jack Furr]

I find that a great variety of instructional modalities works the best for the students I teach. Direct instruction (teacher guided), student practice, visual stimulation (interactive videos, tutorials), and some student based inquiries. Hold the students accountable in small increments, test often, retest often if needed.
If I leave my students to their own devices (primarily student based inquiry lessons), they will waste the bulk of the time (socializing), then complain that they had inadequate time/preparation for the task. This is MY real world, not the text book, "tried it on a few and it worked", experience. You have to do what works for your student population. Farming in the desert, farming on the plains, and farming in the jungle, are not the same farming at all. It is the same with teaching I'm afraid.;)
Jack Furr
registered
and proud of it:cool: