The Eighth International Literacy & Education Research Network Conference on

SPETSES, GREECE
4-8 July 2001

Abstract

Although we know from the work of Dewey, Piaget and others that active, student centered learning is a sound pedagogical approach, we continue to devote more hours to the transmission of ideas through teacher talk rather than engage learners in real inquiry and authentic contextual learning. We delight when we see students talking, writing and asking questions that we know lead to new conceptual understanding; we see student development before our eyes. Teachers need to think seriously about conceptual understandings that lead to important shifts in student thinking. These two aims, the analysis of concepts and the design of deeply engaging learning activities are at the heart of what author Donald Finkel proposes as an alternative vision of teaching, that is, "teaching with your mouth shut." Through the design of carefully constructed conceptual workshops, teaching can be transformed into an interactive instructional opportunity that honors both the learner and the teacher.

Bionote

Attendees at this presentation will participate in an active, instructional model of learning that emphasizes discussion and problem solving in a conceptually based workshop setting. A discussion will follow that links the model to the underlying philosophy and pedagogy that structure this student-centered, contextual approach.

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Presentation Type
60min. Workshop

Presentation Equipment and Other Requests
OHP

Speaking Date/Time Restrictions

Country
USA