ERRR #051b. Michael Pershan and Craig Barton on Worked Examples (bonus follow up episode)
Mar 24, 2021
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In this engaging discussion, Michael Pershan, a seasoned mathematics teacher and education blogger, teams up with Craig Barton to explore the power of worked examples in math instruction. They delve into the evolution of their teaching methods, celebrating the return to in-person education. The duo shares insights on adapting lessons for visually impaired students and balancing technology with traditional approaches. They also unpack the significance of tailored teaching strategies and the influence of naming examples on student engagement. A thought-provoking conversation for educators!
Teacher expertise is vital for effective learning and student engagement, influencing understanding in a demanding educational landscape.
Establishing clear boundaries helps new teachers prevent burnout and maintains a conducive learning environment for students.
Incorporating mistakes into the learning process fosters a supportive culture, enabling students to understand and learn from their errors effectively.
Self-explanation enhances student learning as it encourages articulation of thought processes, promoting deeper connections to existing knowledge frameworks.
Deep dives
Importance of Teacher Expertise
A teacher's expertise is crucial for effective learning, influencing student engagement and understanding. Teachers need to establish boundaries in their roles to maintain balance and prevent burnout, especially in a demanding educational environment. With the advent of automation, which is predicted to threaten 44% of jobs, teachers play an essential role in preparing students for an uncertain future. Addressing cycles of disadvantage is vital, and highly skilled educators are pivotal in breaking these cycles.
Maximizing Learning Through Boundaries
New teachers are encouraged to set clear boundaries from the outset to foster a conducive learning environment. These boundaries help manage expectations, ensuring that both teachers and students understand the limits and roles within the educational setting. Establishing boundaries can prevent overcommitment, which often leads to burnout and affects teaching quality. Clear boundaries also help students feel secure, as they understand the guidelines and framework within which learning occurs.
Rethinking Worked Examples
Worked examples serve as a powerful instructional tool in mathematics education, allowing students to observe problem-solving steps in a clear, structured manner. However, the methodology surrounding their use continues to evolve, highlighting the importance of understanding when and how to implement them effectively. Educators are recognizing that the process of modeling and engaging with worked examples can significantly enhance students' comprehension and retention of mathematical concepts. This shift focuses on deepening understanding rather than rote memorization, with an emphasis on connecting concepts to broader principles.
Role of Mistakes in Learning
Incorporating mistakes as part of the learning process is essential for student development, as analyzing errors allows learners to understand misconceptions and avoid similar pitfalls. Discussing mistakes in a supportive context fosters a culture of error where students feel safe to engage with their learning processes. However, timing is critical; exposing students to errors too early can hinder their confidence and understanding of correct procedures. Teachers must balance acknowledging mistakes with promoting successful problem-solving strategies, ensuring that students feel empowered to learn from each experience.
The Power of Self-Explanation
Self-explanation is a vital cognitive process that enhances student learning by prompting learners to articulate their thought processes. Encouraging students to explain their reasoning fosters deeper understanding and helps them connect new knowledge to existing frameworks. Research suggests that teaching strategies should not only involve the presentation of information but also include mechanisms for students to engage with and explain the material themselves. By guiding students through self-explanation, educators can facilitate a more profound grasp of content, promoting long-term retention and application across contexts.
Modeling vs. Worked Examples
There is a distinction between modeling a concept and presenting a worked example, each serving unique educational purposes. While modeling emphasizes the process of executing a task, worked examples provide structured solutions that help students learn to replicate the reasoning behind a solution. Effective teaching often requires a blend of both methods to cater to different learning scenarios, especially in complex subjects like geometry. The subtle integration of modeling into traditional methods of worked examples may enhance student engagement and understanding by providing real-time examples of thought processes.
Navigating Online and Asynchronous Learning
The transition to online and asynchronous learning environments has posed significant challenges for educators, particularly in maintaining student engagement. Videos serving as stand-alone instructional tools lack the interactive elements present in live classrooms, which are vital for gauging student understanding. The flexibility of online learning allows for a diverse range of teaching strategies, yet replicating the nuanced interactions found in face-to-face learning remains difficult. Educators must continuously adapt their approaches to create meaningful online experiences that resonate with students on a personal level.
The Role of Feedback and Reflection
Feedback is a critical element in the learning cycle, providing students with insights into their progress and areas for improvement. Reflective practice enables both teachers and students to evaluate their experiences, promoting a culture of continuous growth and adaptation. Creating opportunities for feedback allows students to understand their learning journey better and develop resilience in overcoming challenges. Encouraging reflective practices empowers students to take ownership of their learning, fostering a mindset geared towards lifelong learning.
