Simple test:
Think back over your whole life, what were the two or three most significant learning experiences you ever had? That is, list the moments (or events) in which you discovered something of lasting significance to your life.
After you have listed two or three moments, answer the following questions:
1. Did it take place in a classroom?
2. Did it take place in a school?
3. Was a professional teacher instrumental in making the learning experience happen?
4. Was a teacher-like figure (coach, minister, counselor) instrumental in making the learning experience happen?
5. If the answer to 3 or 4 is “yes” , then what did the teacher (or other person) actually do to help you learn?
6. In general, what factors were instrumental in bringing about the learning?
I like this test! What is interesting is that I think that prior to marriage, many learning experiences occurred in an educational setting. I can recall a few professors that made an impact in college and grad school. All of my classes were lecture style but it was their approach that made them memorable.
ReplyDeleteI thought this was a great test too! I want to give it to my high school students when discussing what their expectations are for the class and their role in learning!
ReplyDeleteExcellent "quiz" Dawn! The day we stop learning is the day we start dying. We, as students are not bowls waiting for the teacher to fill us with the cherries of knowledge. We are active participants in the journey.
ReplyDeleteYou said something about the teacher not having to know the answer to the parable. How true that is! The answer has to come from the learner. How many people are walking aroung with a negative self image because people have been giving them the wrong answers to life's parables all their life. Those are things we can be guided on, but self discovery is just that - Self discovery! Thanks for a great blog!