To help you define your beliefs, here are
some answers to the Three Core Educational Questions as they apply to the
three major approaches to education. These approaches can be considered routes
on the road map. Consider each one of the three choices below to find
information on that approach as well as how that approach answers each
question.
The Classroom Approach
The most common approach used
by teachers with a classroom of 25-40 students. Many home schoolers also use
this approach.
What
is education?
In this approach, the student takes in
information, usually through a textbook or lecture. The student then gives the
information back to the teacher through a project or test.
This approach sees the student as a learner
who is able to take in bits and pieces of information, and put them together
to form the big picture. Short term retention is rewarded.
What are the roles of
teacher and student?
The teacher's main job is to follow the
curriculum. These teachers believe that the curriculum creators know more
about the students than the teacher does. If the student has difficulty, most
proponents of this approach will recommend that the teacher force the student
to conform to the curriculum. In that sense, it is a "one size fits
all" approach.
What is the role of
curriculum?
In The Classroom Approach, curriculum is the
most important part of education.
Pros
& Cons of the Classroom Approach:
-
Possible high standardized test scores in early years.
-
Teacher has little input in curriculum.
-
Students may simply master the tests, rather than the
material.
-
Students often become bored.
-
Students who do not fit the curriculum will feel inferior.
-
Students learn "factoids" rather than the big
picture.
Let's look
at the study of ducks from the Classroom approach.
The study will begin because it is the next
chapter in the science book. The student will read the section about ducks in
the textbook, answer the questions at the end of the chapter. It is probable
that the student will never see an actual duck.
The Life Approach
Also known as
"Unschooling" or "Relaxed home schooling", those who
travel this route believe that education takes place primarily through life
itself.
In this approach, education is
accomplished by developing a student's interests. Proponents of this
approach believe that the skills of life will be learned as the student
develops and grows, being allowed to discover life at his or her own pace.
Often, this education includes a business or service project. Specific
skills are not usually targeted, but will be focused upon as needed.
What
are the roles of teacher and student?
The student is seen as a naturally curious
learner who will learn in the proper environment.
The teacher is primarily a resource to the
student. The teacher's main job is to create an atmosphere of learning and
to be a learner as well. The belief is that the student will model the
teacher's life as an effective learner, thus the student will become an
effective learner. Beyond that, it is somewhat difficult to define the
teacher's role, because every teacher is so different in this approach.
What
is the role of curriculum?
There is usually no curriculum in The Life
Approach. If curriculum is used, it is for reading and math only.
The Pros & Cons
of The Life Approach
-
Students are aware of interests and
abilities.
-
Students develop thinking skills and
become independent thinkers.
-
Little pressure on teachers.
-
Possible low standardized test scores in
early years.
-
Opinions vary as to whether or not
students will learn all they need.
Let's look at the
study of ducks from the Life Approach.
In the Life Approach, the study will begin
because the teacher or the student has an interest in ducks. The student and
teacher may go to the library to find books on ducks, build a pond, hatch
eggs, and even raise ducks for food or to sell. The student will read for
comprehension as he or she learns what ducks need to survive. The student will
write and think in order to create a schedule for feeding the ducks and
cleaning up after them. There will be education in math (food cost
calculations), science (hatching of eggs), social sciences (the need for ducks
in our world), and much more.
The Applied Approach
In this approach,
"Application" is the main emphasis in education
This approach emphasizes the application
of knowledge. A student who can complete a math sheet on subtracting money
should also be able to make change in the store. Of course, not all
information is so readily applied to life. This is overcome by actually
doing the things being taught or by finding a context in the student's life
for the new information.
The age, development, and
"readiness" of the student is always kept in mind. Reading may be
taught in 1st grade or 3rd grade depending on the child, for example
What
are the roles of teacher and student?
The student is an individual to be treated
in an age appropriate manner. It is believed that a student will better learn
a new concept if he or she is walked through it and then allowed to do it or
apply it, rather than just being told about it.
The teacher's role is very important because
the teaching parent knows the student better than anyone else. This approach
gives the teacher the power to discern where students need help and how to
give it to them.
What
is the role of curriculum?
Curriculum is seen as a means to an end, not
as the end itself. It is used in a manner that is best for the student. Actual
curriculum choices can make the teacher's job easier or harder. An age
appropriate, flexible program is best.
The Pros & Cons of
the Applied Approach
- Student's individual needs are met.
- Student gains confidence, not being
compared with others.
- Better and longer retention.
- Education becomes a practical part of
life.
- Possible low standardized test scores in
early years.
Let's look at the study
of ducks from the Applied Approach.
The study of ducks may begin because the
teacher has decided that it is time to learn about ducks, whether the child
has expressed interest in them or not. The teacher will find books on ducks
and maybe a read-aloud novel that includes a duck character. A published
curriculum on ducks may be used. The teacher will present certain facts about
ducks that she determines are important. Age-appropriate activities will be
included to reinforce this information. The family may visit a duck pond and
then write Grandma a letter about the trip. The student will be working on
math and language arts or reading while this study is taking place. These
subjects may or may not have anything to do with ducks.
Reprinted with permission from Common
Sense Press
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