b.
Managing Learning in the Classroom
Whether
you are using ICT or not, but perhaps more when you are, your
first question here is how to organise pupils. In the case study,
the teacher works on the basis of the following principles:
-
Start by eliciting pupils' existing ideas about the topic. Make
sure points contributed by every section of the class are written
up on the board/display. Illustrate every point with examples
within the pupils' experience. During periods of whole-class
teaching, keep pupils with low attention spans at the front.
Ensure that they are involved by asking them to give reports
and answer questions at an appropriate level.
- During
practical work at the computers, separate any pairs/ groups
who are likely to distract each other.
- Make
it clear what is expected of pupils and how much time they have
got.
- For
small group discussion, use groups of three or four. Form the
groups by numbering the pupils around the class 1, 2, 3, 4,
5, 6, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 1…(assuming six groups), so as to get
a mix of abilities in each group and spread friendship groups
around.
The
next question is how to deal with monitoring of progress and deciding
on intervention during group discussion and practical work, so
as to ensure that a good pace is maintained whilst reasonably
equal progress is being made across the whole class. One way is
to move systematically round the class, dealing with questions
in the order that they arise, but also making a point of observing
every pupil's work and questioning them about it. With group work,
sit with each group in turn, helping to shape the discussion in
a way that will enable pupils to make progress. Choose a capable
pupil as reporter, and brief them to make sure that the entire
group contributes something.
When
pupils are using the WWW, clear reminders must be given about
the rules concerning acceptable use of school computers and a
careful watch must be keep on what sites are being accessed, even
if the school uses a service which attempts to filter out unsuitable
material.
You
thus have several issues to consider in managing learning in this
topic, including:
-
Setting clear expectations concerning outcomes and timing, with
appropriate instructions to ensure that pupils can get started
on the task.
- Identifying
any particular problems you might have in organising your class
to do this work, and considering how you might best overcome
these.
- The
mixing of abilities when you set pair or group work.
- The
arrangement of people in the room, including yourself.
- Keeping
on top of intervention, and ensuring that all pupils get equal
attention.
- Keeping
the interest of all pupils during whole-class interaction.
c.
Helping Learners Develop their own IT Capabilities
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