1.) There are two approaches to teaching. One is teacher-centered, while the other is student centered. Teacher centered focuses on instructing students to learn the best way possible. Teachers basically tell students what they must learn and lectures them. Another name for this is information processing and acquisition approaches. Student centered learning would be when academics and real life come together. This approach takes the students beliefs and desires into consideration when teaching. This includes using puzzles and questions to get students thinking.
2.) Creativity is a very important subject, yet it is usually not taken into schools as a way to learn. This may be in part as it is difficult to figure out how to add creativity to the learning curriculum. Usually creativity is seen outside of school through drawings or outdoor activities. Technology however has made it easier for students to express creativity in the classroom. Computers are a great tool to express creativity. It can be seen through writing and other advances the computer may provide. Social media technologies also express creativity and can be used to help students learn. If a student is not interested in an assignment perhaps social media can be used to make a subject more personal, therefore making the student interested.
3.) Engaging students to learn is not always an easy task. Luckily there is methods to help with the process. Tutoring one-on-one is a traditional yet effective method. Often times a student may struggle socially and academically. Sometimes a student needs a tutor that he or she can feel safe with. This may help certain students learn best. Learning groups are effective for more social students. A small group of 3 or more can help form new ideas that help in the learning process. Inquiry learning is basically a way for students to ask questions and learn through those questions. Meta-cognitive thinking is another method in which students learn through self thought and evaluation. This is a great way for students to really figure out if they are getting everything they need from their learning environment. For more information on meta cognitive thinking, see the video below.
Photo credit to dkuropatwa on Flickr
Video credit to technology teaching on YouTube
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Great job on resources and applicable formatting. :) Rather than summarize what you have read though, you will want to start reflecting on the content and relating it to other content, to ideas that you have or were sparked, to your future role as a teacher, etc. For example, rather than direct the reader to watch the video, you should make those connections within your writing - providing your own opinion, etc. Write with more depth and consideration so when you note the differences between teacher-centered and student-centered, express your own thoughts as to which side of the continuum you fall and why, etc.
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