[Maths-Education] Draft Key Stage 3 Framework for teaching mathematics
marybj
paul@marybj.cix.co.uk
Thu, 9 Nov 00 22:12:18 -0000
Inter alia, Jim Smith wrote:
>I also welcome the general emphasis on direct teaching, and upon engaging
>the class in purposeful discussion and fruitful activity.
What counts as indirect teaching ? I have for many years taught using an
individualised system (SMILE, if you must know) and all my teaching has
been very direct and fruitful on a one to one or small group basis.
When I have engaged in "whole class direct teaching" (as I must in FE,
since that is what the customers expect) I have found that the appearance
of engagement and understanding is just that: an appearance. It is
certainly the quickest way of telling a class something, but not everyone
can absorb and understand at the same rate. I learned this very early on
during teaching practice when I did a splendid observed session that
earned much praise from the class' teacher and my tutor. I was told that
the whole class discussions, and my questioning and the answers were
excellent and that the pupils had all clearly understood. 3 out of 25
got the homework correct. Thus I learned not to rely on the appearance
of rapt attention and correct answers to questions, however cleverly put.
Why do we have to welcome a "general emphasis on direct teaching" ? What
is wrong with meeting the needs of pupils as individuals ?
Paul
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Hoc fama mihi, cursum sinuosum secuta, nuntiat
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