Learning is a relatively permanent change in behavior. That is, when we learn to tie our shoes, itıs something we will remember even when we switch back from slip-on loafers to shoes with laces. Similarly, it is when we recall the concepts of acids and bases several years after our chemistry class to solve a problem at home.
2. Is learning the responsibility of the teacher, student, or a combination of the student and teacher? Explain your answer?
I want to preface my answer first by making a distinction between instruction and learning. Instruction is a planned activity that a teacher specifically creates or designs to cause learning. Learning on the other hand is haphazard and can happen anytime. For example, my teenage son learns something every time the takes out the trash. Sometimes it is useful information, like the need to put the lid securely back on the trash can, and other times it is information like it is getting dark earlier.
Answering the question of who is responsible for learning is often influenced by one's philosophical perspective. I believe the teacher is solely responsible for the instruction. But does that make the student solely responsible for the learning? No. Learning is a complex process. One aspect of this process is motivation. Teachers have a responsibility to help motivate students to learn. At the same time, students have a responsibility to focus their attention on the task at hand and to put forth an effort. Instruction and learning is a partnership, but the actual act of learning rests with the student as it happens internally.
3. How would you describe your role as a teacher?
The teacher's role is complex and can vary depending upon the objective for the lesson. In general, I would say the teacher's role is one of organizing information, creating an environment conducive to learning, engaging the student with the content, providing guidance, providing feedback, and facilitating the learner's activities.
4. Assume that a teacher in your local district called you today and asked you to teach her class tomorrow. What steps would you use to develop your lesson plan? What would you do during the hour with the students?
First, I would want some information about the students. Are they independent learners, what is their ability level, what do they already know about the lesson? Second, I would want to know what the objectives are for the lesson. For example, if it is to simply memorize five different categories of feed versus identifying six beneficial insects, my approach will differ. Third, I would focus on the different ways I might use to teach the content so the students can master the instruction. Although my first response might be to develop a lecture, I would want to consider other methods that might be more motivating and engaging. Fourth, I would consider how I would assess whether the students have achieved the objectives.