Week 27 - Contemporary Issues or Trends in New Zealand or Internationally

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There are so many important contemporary issues or trends internationally that are of importance to discuss but at this 'moment of time' I believe that discussing what is the contemporary issues or trends in New Zealand is applicable to my learning community of professional context.

The following sections discuss the three issues ERO believes are the most pressing for our education system, as identified in its national evaluation reports. These issues, if addressed by schools, could potentially make a significant difference for priority learners. (ERO, 2012).  

They are:

• Student-centred learning
• Responsive and rich curriculum 
• Assessment used for students' learning

For this discussion I will focus on Student-Centred Learners and Students as Partners in Learning (Collaborative Learning)

Student Centred Learners

What is student-centred learning?

"Student-centred learning, also known as learner-centred education, broadly encompasses methods of teaching that shift the focus of instruction from the teacher to the student."

One could be overwhelmed at times to think about ways to engage and innovate the learner to succeed in their learning journey.

How can student-centred learning be implemented?

I believe it can be achievable by looking at the role of the leaders and teachers...ERO (2012) states that

"These schools are characterised by a sense of optimism amongst teachers that they can improve students’ learning. Leaders and teachers have the resolve to do this, and the disposition to creatively address the issues of students’ achievement and engagement that present themselves in their schools.  They approach the task of achieving goals for students through well coordinated systems, processes and plans. Students, teachers, leaders, trustees, parents, whānau and their communities are involved in supporting the initiatives that are taking place."

Therefore, in order to establish a self-centred learning for the learner it needs to start at the 'top' and then filtered down to the classroom along with working collaboratively as a team and consistency across the school community.

This maybe off track, but, I can recall a friend of mine who had taught for over 30 years plus 'liking' student-centre learning to what she used to do that may have been called "Independent activities" (I cant recall the correct term at the moment but close to it! ) ...so my question is, are we reinventing the wheel in regard to implementing self-centred learning?

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Students as Partners in Learning- (Collaborative Learning)

What is Collaborative Learning?

"Collaborative learning is an educational approach to teaching and learning that involves groups of students working together to solve a problem, complete a task, or create a product. According to Gerlach, "Collaborative learning is based on the idea that learning is a naturally social act in which the participants talk among themselves (Gerlach, 1994). It is through the talk that learning occurs." (Smith & MacGregor, 1992)

The term 'collaborative learning' has been coined around for me since being in "The Mindlab Community."  I liken 'collaborative learning" to Tuakana/Teina, or similarly working with a Buddy.  

In my classroom I encourage the students to work together for example, working together to complete a project, sharing each others ideas, when they help each other to solve a problem or working in mixed ability groups either for Reading, Mathematics or PE.  Developing ones social abilities is an area I have found collaborative learning beneficial to the learner who needs encouragement to mix with their peers.

In order for self-centred learning and collaborative learning to take place in a community of practice, there are still considerations that needs to be addressed and that can begin by starting with major stakeholders of your community of practice environment.

References:

ERO, (2012). Evaluation at a glance: Priority learners in New Zealand schools. Retrieved from http://www.ero.govt.nz/publications/evaluation-at-a-glance-priority-learners-in-new-zealand-schools/

Image 1 :
https://www.google.co.nz/search?q=reinventing+the+wheel+in+education&espv=2&source=lnms&tbm=isch&sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwjU9NWkrMfNAhVFHZQKHS_YCz8Q_AUICCgB&biw=1280&bih=628#imgrc=zXQ4CqMkrkr5EM%3A retrieved 26 June 2016

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Considered Faculty of Education Blog: http://www.consider-ed.org.uk/reinventing-multi-professional-wheel/#lightbox/0/ retrieved 26 June 2016

Smith, B.L., and J. MacGregor.  (1992).  Collaborative Learning:  A Sourcebook for Higher Education.  University Park, PA:  National Center on Postsecondary Teaching, Learning, and Assessment (NCTLA).  9-22.

Student-centred learning - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Student-centred_learning retrieved 25 June 2016