How Should We Learn? Different Ideas About Education
Learning Goals:
- Learn new words about ways of teaching and learning.
- Talk about what makes a good learning experience.
- Read about different ideas about education.
- Listen to a conversation about testing and learning.
- Write about your own opinion on education.
Key Words:
- Student-centered learning: When students are in control of their own learning, and teachers help them explore their interests.
- Standardized testing: When all students take the same tests to see how much they’ve learned.
- Curriculum: The subjects and topics taught in school.
- Learning styles: Different ways people learn best. (Some people learn best by reading, others by doing, etc.)
- Skills: Abilities that help you do things well. (Examples: problem-solving skills, communication skills)
Let’s Talk About It!
- What do you think is the best way to learn? By yourself or with others? By reading or by doing?
- Do you think tests are a good way to measure how much someone knows? Why or why not?
- What are some skills you think are important to learn in school?
Let’s Read!
There are different ideas about the best way to teach and learn. Some people think students should be in charge of their own learning. Others think that tests are important to make sure everyone learns the same things. There is no one right answer, but it’s important to find ways to make learning fun and helpful for everyone.
Listen and Learn!
(Teacher plays a short conversation between two teachers discussing the pros and cons of standardized testing.)
Talk with a Partner!
One of you is a student. The other is a teacher. The student is asking the teacher for help understanding a difficult topic.
Example:
- Student: “I’m having trouble with this math problem. Can you help me?”
- Teacher: “Sure, let’s work through it together. How about we try this method?”
Homework:
Write a short paragraph about your own opinion on education. What kind of learning environment do you like best? Do you think tests are important? What skills do you think are most important to learn?
Extra Fun:
If you can, research a famous educator like Maria Montessori or John Dewey. How did they think children should learn? Share your findings with the class!
