Saturday, November 21, 2009
Wednesday, November 18, 2009
Is a Traditional Learning style better than Block Learning Styles?
Is a Traditional Learning style better than Block Learning Styles?
Traditionally, most public schools have held six or seven class subject teaching days. Children had to “shift gears,” throughout the day, and in middle or high schools they have had to move classrooms, for each subject. However, once these kids moved further into College, the training methods were changed to “Block” learning. So, we went to various sources and began asking the question, which was perceived as being the “best” method for teaching?
My wife and I spoke to College and Jr. College or Community College teachers and professors, in the local area, as to whether “Block Learning” was more or less beneficial, than the “Traditional Learning” style, for the student’s retention and concentration. We were not surprised, that we received various points of view, on this inquiry. We then moved to the Middle and Elementary Schools, to discuss the College Educator’s collective view points, to see what their prospective on the subject.
While most of the educators we spoke to agreed, that “Block Learning” teaching styles are preferred, and most beneficial, the various grades and schools have held to the “traditional style” to allow for larger classes and reduced budgets which are normally experienced in Elementary through High School grade classes.
As the student’s progress in their education, they are moved more towards the “Block” learning style, by having to move from class room to class room, to be with other teachers. However, the work loads are still consistent with what is familiar in Elementary Class schedules, in that there are multiple subjects being taught throughout the day.
In speaking with an educator, who works at Cal-State Fullerton, with “at-risk” children and community segments, it was communicated that in traditional learning styles, kids have been found to have less abilities to focus on a single subject and even have issues with retention, due to distractions or not enough access to their instructors. She further stated that in discussions with others in her department, and at convention work-shops, that the methods of block learning allowed the student time to absorb materials more readily among “at risk” groups.
Please Explain This “Block Learning” Concept:
In Block Learning, a few number of class subjects are being taught, in more concentrated amounts, during a single day’s schedule. Each class is a little longer than in Elementary or High School. A Typical Elementary, Middle, Or High School Schedule consists of six or seven subject matters, being taught within a 30 or 45 minute segment of time. Once each subject is covered, then the student is moved immediately to the next subject of study.
Block learning allows a larger student population, in the classroom and allows the teacher to cover materials, in a more concentrated curriculum towards one to three class subject days. The student has more access for independent consultation, with educators during classroom time and allows the educator to go further into the explanation of conceptual ideas.
Let’s consider that if in a traditional lower educational grade class takes up to 10 minutes for getting materials ready, then taking 10 minutes to store the materials, for the next day, the class may lose up to 20 minutes in a 45 minute class. However, taking the first 10 minute increment, and having an hour or two class time on one subject, gives more direct instruction and problem solving time. Since preparation of each subject being addressed during a typical day is reduced, the students also experience reduced distractions, which increase both productivity and retention on behalf of the student.
Traditional Learning Styles Have Functional Problems:
The problem with this learning style is that if a child gets lost, in a subject, then it takes him/her the ability to move to the next subject. This causes a “snow-ball” effect, in that the child has a problem in shifting into the upcoming subject. Their concentration becomes clouded with questions, from the previous subject, causing their retention of the newly presented materials as well as the materials covered in the previous class subject.
Another issue with Traditional Learning styles, is that most class room time, being limited to only 45 minutes or less, actually is allows less time of direct educational materials being covered. Let us consider that in each lesson segment, which lasts only 45 minutes, it typically takes the students up to 10 or 15 minutes to get settled.
By the time the student stores the materials from previous lesson, then prepares for the next subject to include any discussions going on with other students, the actual instructional time is significantly reduced. Couple this with larger student populace, in the classrooms, and the reduced number of teachers there is not enough time to expect children to fully learn with any sustainable retention.
Which is better, For Home Schooling Environment?
This is a good question and can promote some lively debate. Since most of us, were subjected to the “traditional “methods of learning, we tend to stick with what we know. However, in using the traditional model of educating children, problems arise quickly for the Home Schooling Parent. Due to the overwhelming nature of this type of program, a Home Schooling Parent will quickly come to appreciate the tasks of the professional teachers. Aside from the parents being required to dedicate more time, ensuring that the children/student is benefiting from the program is more difficult.
Home Schooling can be over-whelming if traditional styles of learning is maintained. Taking a load of materials and expecting the child to cover it all, in one day will not be a greeted positively. The parent can easily be over-whelmed and start to believe that there is no way they can adequately. Again, it must be mentioned that as humans, we tend to go with what is familiar to us.
However, by utilizing a “Block” learning program, one can allow themselves to become more familiar with, and digest materials. This will have a higher chance of easing the stress both meeting the needs of the children, and allowing the parent to have other projects going on. Questions, which typically will require answering, can more readily be prepared for, by the parent by pre-reading the materials ahead of time, to become prepared for assignments the following day.
Choosing which Teaching Method is best; Well,that is open for debate and discussion, between those directly involved in your child’s education. However, according to discussion group participation, which we participated in, and our families direct experiences via home schooling, we feel that the benefits of “Block” over “Traditional” teaching methods fits our life
Traditionally, most public schools have held six or seven class subject teaching days. Children had to “shift gears,” throughout the day, and in middle or high schools they have had to move classrooms, for each subject. However, once these kids moved further into College, the training methods were changed to “Block” learning. So, we went to various sources and began asking the question, which was perceived as being the “best” method for teaching?
My wife and I spoke to College and Jr. College or Community College teachers and professors, in the local area, as to whether “Block Learning” was more or less beneficial, than the “Traditional Learning” style, for the student’s retention and concentration. We were not surprised, that we received various points of view, on this inquiry. We then moved to the Middle and Elementary Schools, to discuss the College Educator’s collective view points, to see what their prospective on the subject.
While most of the educators we spoke to agreed, that “Block Learning” teaching styles are preferred, and most beneficial, the various grades and schools have held to the “traditional style” to allow for larger classes and reduced budgets which are normally experienced in Elementary through High School grade classes.
As the student’s progress in their education, they are moved more towards the “Block” learning style, by having to move from class room to class room, to be with other teachers. However, the work loads are still consistent with what is familiar in Elementary Class schedules, in that there are multiple subjects being taught throughout the day.
In speaking with an educator, who works at Cal-State Fullerton, with “at-risk” children and community segments, it was communicated that in traditional learning styles, kids have been found to have less abilities to focus on a single subject and even have issues with retention, due to distractions or not enough access to their instructors. She further stated that in discussions with others in her department, and at convention work-shops, that the methods of block learning allowed the student time to absorb materials more readily among “at risk” groups.
Please Explain This “Block Learning” Concept:
In Block Learning, a few number of class subjects are being taught, in more concentrated amounts, during a single day’s schedule. Each class is a little longer than in Elementary or High School. A Typical Elementary, Middle, Or High School Schedule consists of six or seven subject matters, being taught within a 30 or 45 minute segment of time. Once each subject is covered, then the student is moved immediately to the next subject of study.
Block learning allows a larger student population, in the classroom and allows the teacher to cover materials, in a more concentrated curriculum towards one to three class subject days. The student has more access for independent consultation, with educators during classroom time and allows the educator to go further into the explanation of conceptual ideas.
Let’s consider that if in a traditional lower educational grade class takes up to 10 minutes for getting materials ready, then taking 10 minutes to store the materials, for the next day, the class may lose up to 20 minutes in a 45 minute class. However, taking the first 10 minute increment, and having an hour or two class time on one subject, gives more direct instruction and problem solving time. Since preparation of each subject being addressed during a typical day is reduced, the students also experience reduced distractions, which increase both productivity and retention on behalf of the student.
Traditional Learning Styles Have Functional Problems:
The problem with this learning style is that if a child gets lost, in a subject, then it takes him/her the ability to move to the next subject. This causes a “snow-ball” effect, in that the child has a problem in shifting into the upcoming subject. Their concentration becomes clouded with questions, from the previous subject, causing their retention of the newly presented materials as well as the materials covered in the previous class subject.
Another issue with Traditional Learning styles, is that most class room time, being limited to only 45 minutes or less, actually is allows less time of direct educational materials being covered. Let us consider that in each lesson segment, which lasts only 45 minutes, it typically takes the students up to 10 or 15 minutes to get settled.
By the time the student stores the materials from previous lesson, then prepares for the next subject to include any discussions going on with other students, the actual instructional time is significantly reduced. Couple this with larger student populace, in the classrooms, and the reduced number of teachers there is not enough time to expect children to fully learn with any sustainable retention.
Which is better, For Home Schooling Environment?
This is a good question and can promote some lively debate. Since most of us, were subjected to the “traditional “methods of learning, we tend to stick with what we know. However, in using the traditional model of educating children, problems arise quickly for the Home Schooling Parent. Due to the overwhelming nature of this type of program, a Home Schooling Parent will quickly come to appreciate the tasks of the professional teachers. Aside from the parents being required to dedicate more time, ensuring that the children/student is benefiting from the program is more difficult.
Home Schooling can be over-whelming if traditional styles of learning is maintained. Taking a load of materials and expecting the child to cover it all, in one day will not be a greeted positively. The parent can easily be over-whelmed and start to believe that there is no way they can adequately. Again, it must be mentioned that as humans, we tend to go with what is familiar to us.
However, by utilizing a “Block” learning program, one can allow themselves to become more familiar with, and digest materials. This will have a higher chance of easing the stress both meeting the needs of the children, and allowing the parent to have other projects going on. Questions, which typically will require answering, can more readily be prepared for, by the parent by pre-reading the materials ahead of time, to become prepared for assignments the following day.
Choosing which Teaching Method is best; Well,that is open for debate and discussion, between those directly involved in your child’s education. However, according to discussion group participation, which we participated in, and our families direct experiences via home schooling, we feel that the benefits of “Block” over “Traditional” teaching methods fits our life
Sunday, November 15, 2009
Bringing Student's Lessons To Life
It is sometimes difficult to get children to retain nformation, regarding subjects like History or Social Studies. I have worked tirelessly in trying to rely on books, reviewing materials and testing to some success. However the successes are not up to what I would expect from the time, we put into the education of our kids.
One day during a discussion, with a few parents, we found that there were enough resources locally, which would allow our kids to participate in live exercises. So, We decide to bring Lessons to life. Well it took some investigation, but After searching neighboring cities and museums, we could plann field trips, which surround a given era or subject.
By getting our kids to actively participate in activities. By not only reading and reviewing, they could experience some aspects of our lesson plans, which seems to have increased their ability to retain more information. Well, we brought their subjects to life and the kids seemed to have taken the lessons to heart and memory.
In an article, written by myself, Titled: "Home Schooling and Making It Fit Your Schedule", It was discussed that fitting schedules are difficult to do, but if done properly, you can enjoy some rewarding experiences with your kids. It is rewarding for several reasons, one of which is that you and the kids can take meaningful and fun field trips, on days you have off, away from work or other obligations. We found out, that doing this has worked greatly, for teaching our kids.
A Little Imagination, Goes A Long Way With Educating Kids:
In another article, written by myself titled; " Home Schooling: Bring Parents Closer To Children", we discuss that since parents are becoming involved with their child's education, both parent and child can learn. I have found this to be so very true on adventures and working on research projects with our children. I have learned alot from my children, as they have learned for themselves. It is a "win-win" situation, which brings the family closer.
Now, with a little imagination bringing a student's lessons to life, with almost any subject. This includes Math and Language Arts studies, as well. We found that the Museum of Science and Industry, offers many displays and activities, which will fit into several subject matter lessons. In most cases, fees are minimal and some experiences are free; aside of the cost of lunch for the family.
Since Schools have cut out most of these types of "field trips", public schooled children are missing out on a lot of benefits, in their entirity. However,even when schools were taking kids to such places, the teachers were so out numbered, students with questions were put off. By participating with the kids, in a family setting, all age groups experience the adventures. Each child was able to obtain equal time to ask questions and get answers they were seeking.
Now away from all the formalities, I caught our oldest child was embarrassed to ask a question, on one such trip. So, she decided that to keep herself from appearing to be ignorant, she got her 9 year old sister to ask the question. Seems she found out that the younger children can get away with asking, questions without viewing herself as being ignorant. My wife caught her and told her that she needed to ask the questions as well. In hind-sight, she was angry with us as well so she might not have wished to talk to us, allowing her to "sulk" a little.
Bringing the Student's Lessons To Life is a very functional way to increase retention and understanding of concepts. If you live in the Southern California area, Knott's Berry Farm is a great place to teach them about the days of the "49er" and how small towns thrived during the 1800's. Riding on stage coaches, and trains was fun, but they also got to see how loggers used waterways to move logs, and in mining activites.
I hope you enjoyed this installment of my Home Schooling Materials. I have more, I will be sharing as well as sharing some places to obtain study materials and satallite programs, we are using or have used, in the past. We hope that we can help make your choice between home schooling and publc schooling, an enjoyable and rewarding decision.
Ho
One day during a discussion, with a few parents, we found that there were enough resources locally, which would allow our kids to participate in live exercises. So, We decide to bring Lessons to life. Well it took some investigation, but After searching neighboring cities and museums, we could plann field trips, which surround a given era or subject.
By getting our kids to actively participate in activities. By not only reading and reviewing, they could experience some aspects of our lesson plans, which seems to have increased their ability to retain more information. Well, we brought their subjects to life and the kids seemed to have taken the lessons to heart and memory.
In an article, written by myself, Titled: "Home Schooling and Making It Fit Your Schedule", It was discussed that fitting schedules are difficult to do, but if done properly, you can enjoy some rewarding experiences with your kids. It is rewarding for several reasons, one of which is that you and the kids can take meaningful and fun field trips, on days you have off, away from work or other obligations. We found out, that doing this has worked greatly, for teaching our kids.
A Little Imagination, Goes A Long Way With Educating Kids:
In another article, written by myself titled; " Home Schooling: Bring Parents Closer To Children", we discuss that since parents are becoming involved with their child's education, both parent and child can learn. I have found this to be so very true on adventures and working on research projects with our children. I have learned alot from my children, as they have learned for themselves. It is a "win-win" situation, which brings the family closer.
Now, with a little imagination bringing a student's lessons to life, with almost any subject. This includes Math and Language Arts studies, as well. We found that the Museum of Science and Industry, offers many displays and activities, which will fit into several subject matter lessons. In most cases, fees are minimal and some experiences are free; aside of the cost of lunch for the family.
Since Schools have cut out most of these types of "field trips", public schooled children are missing out on a lot of benefits, in their entirity. However,even when schools were taking kids to such places, the teachers were so out numbered, students with questions were put off. By participating with the kids, in a family setting, all age groups experience the adventures. Each child was able to obtain equal time to ask questions and get answers they were seeking.
Now away from all the formalities, I caught our oldest child was embarrassed to ask a question, on one such trip. So, she decided that to keep herself from appearing to be ignorant, she got her 9 year old sister to ask the question. Seems she found out that the younger children can get away with asking, questions without viewing herself as being ignorant. My wife caught her and told her that she needed to ask the questions as well. In hind-sight, she was angry with us as well so she might not have wished to talk to us, allowing her to "sulk" a little.
Bringing the Student's Lessons To Life is a very functional way to increase retention and understanding of concepts. If you live in the Southern California area, Knott's Berry Farm is a great place to teach them about the days of the "49er" and how small towns thrived during the 1800's. Riding on stage coaches, and trains was fun, but they also got to see how loggers used waterways to move logs, and in mining activites.
I hope you enjoyed this installment of my Home Schooling Materials. I have more, I will be sharing as well as sharing some places to obtain study materials and satallite programs, we are using or have used, in the past. We hope that we can help make your choice between home schooling and publc schooling, an enjoyable and rewarding decision.
Ho
Home Schooling Articles:
Home Schooling, Information for The Beginner:
Hello.
Today we are going to share with you, some information about home schooling. You are going to find, that my family is a "Home Schooling Family." We have been at home with our children's education for over three years. I honestly believe that the public schools are nothing more than society's cheap day care resource. Why? Well because the governmental agencies have squandered the revenues, which were to be set aside for educating our children, to finance their raises and lifestyles, not to mention "ear-marked" projects.
School programs, which are designed to develop our child's skills and to develop interactions skills, are being closed. Teachers, whom are advocates for our kids, are being taken out of jobs and put on the streets. Music and sports have been cut or significantly positioned as non-essential, for the development of our future leaders.
Schools and Teachers Are Having Their Hands Tied.
We all have heard that teachers salaries have been reduced. Yet, we also hear the Teacher's Unions threatening strikes, to obtain raises. Yes, the teachers we all know and love are getting raises. However, their class room supplies and resources are being cut to give them those raises. Class room sizes are increasing, which place too much demand on our teachers, which takes away from our children's learning.
Back in the times, when I and probably you as well, I recall teachers having conferences with our parents. In those meetings, and at Open House functions, teachers have always asked parents to become more involved with their child's or children's education. Now more than ever, if you intend on doing this, your child needs this interaction and assistance. It should not have to be extended to the point that our school's teachers need the assistance, as well.
You see, even if you are not wishing to take the responsibility to home school, getting involved is the only way your child will get the "best" education. The teachers will assist in every way possible, to enhance your ability to work with your kids, by giving you information on what the child needs are. In some cases, if the teacher feels you are being genuinely interested, he/she will help provide materials to you.
Yes, I feel that I have the right and obligation to say, "Our Schools", in a present tense. Since my tax dollars still go towards paying for community schools. Even though we are home schooling our children, it serves for me to assert this in the interests of illustrating, that we have became involved with our children's education. However, it is noted that this option is not for every family, nor is every parent or child, cut out for home schooling.
I hope you enjoyed the first installment, of my blogging efforts. Please visit the links here in this and other blog entries. Yes, they go to both hub pages and to sponsored sites. Mostly hub pages, that were authored by myself. I look forward to seeing you around, and please come back again. Thank you.
Some Articles, I Have Written On Another Site
I have written some articles, on hubpages, which were designed to help those of you whom are looking at the possibility in home schooling your child(ren). I am intending on expanding these articles, or even merging some of the information, here on my blog, for ease. However, this will have to wait, for a later time.
I do encourage everyone to visit the alternate site, by clicking on the "hubpages" link, above or here. If you decide to use the highlighted link, you will be taken to my profile page, on the site, which will show you all of the articles, posted by myself. This site, will also allow you to preview some of my work; as well as give some insight on what to expect here on my blogs.
Please feel free to rate the articles and explore some of the content, I have posted at my hubpage site. It is the only way I have to figure out, what you like or dis-like. You can also leave comments here, as well.
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