Lisa Toh

I've been hearing this word 'pedagogy' ever since I've been introduced into the teaching world. Never knew the exact definition of it until examples sprung out during ICT class two days back.. Wikipedia defines 'pedagogy' as "strategies of instruction, or a style of instruction".

We got to learn 8 pedagogical approaches in class and 2 of them are very familiar terms; IBL (Inquiry-based) and PBL (Problem-based). I first came across these 2 terms during one of the staff meetings back at Bedok North.. each department was required to generate a lesson plan using either pedagogy, to be used for 2009. Still remember the topic the Science department finally settled on was on creating a self-sustainable aquarium, cos we felt it could incorporate all 3 sciences into it! hmm.. lesson plan.. sounds very similar to what we've to do for Activity 3! :D

I guess for Biology, I find Project-based learning to be one of the more suitable pedagogical approaches. I remember during Sec school days, Biology was just a "memorizing subject".. I won't deny that it isn't, but it was just very drrrryyyy, and unless one can visualize how all the systems are linked, it'll then be very difficult to study. So I'm certain that with Project-based learning, students will be able to memorize with understanding and more effectively, since they gain knowlegde from hands-on experience and discovery. However, I'm only afraid that there won't be sufficient time to execute this pedagogy since teachers are always rushing to "complete the syllabus"! That won't be called 'learning' anymore.

Here, we are presented with 8 pedagogies, none of which is more superior than the others. In addition, I'm certain there are more out there.... more interesting stuff! This afternoon, I googled for "instructional strategies" and I was beyond shocked that the list was soooo long! Really enlightening.. click here if you're interested! :)

Students whom do not have personal motivation to study tend to lose their focus in classrooms easily. Hence, it's very important for us, as teachers to engage them and make them feel they're a vital part of the lesson.

'Engaged' to me means having them involved in the lessons and through their participation, is able to learn and take home something. It will take alot of effort to draft out such a lesson as compared to just one-way directional flow of knowledge from the textbook to the students.. however, it'll be very beneficial if they could have hands on experiences, etc. Afterall, some may learn better through other senses such as touch and sight, as compared to just hearing.

There are 4 dimensions to engaged learning:

1. Real world learning contexts
2. Meaning making with scaffolds
3. Collaboration with others
4. Evaluating on-going performance

In every dimension, there is the role of ICT to enhance learning. I've learnt that ICT may or may not facilitate learning; it all depends. In engaged learning, the teacher is merely a facilitator that starts the ball rolling and provide guidance through the course. To motivate students to be independent workers would be a challenge as some come to class with the perception of "I sit back, relax and listen to the teacher talk"... at least, my generation of students is used to that! Guilty. haha

I hope to be able to integrate these dimensions into my career (I must!) as not only will it impart subject knowledge, it also encourages lifeskills such as teamwork, self and peer evaluation, etc which are essential tools in life! Looking forward to learning more about this and putting into practice. :D

I'm very intrigued by wiki! Actually I've heard about it being mentioned in my contract school experience, but have given little thought to it, thinking "ahhh. i won't be using it!" but here I am, using wiki in two modules already! (this and GESL) wow.

I feel as if I'm too slow to keep up with the Ministry's plans; I never knew there was MP3 already! However, I think most schools are still trying to fulfill MP2 first.. I didn't see much ICT usage for lessons during my contract stint at Bedok North. But I did notice them using ICT for results and needs analysis; which I found to be very essential and useful to monitor students' results and trends.

We, as the 'newest batch' of teachers, will face an exciting journey ahead! Future colleagues will probably look to us for directions on using ICT more extensively so I must pay extra attention in class! hahaha. I feel that the implementation of MP3 will be a marathon; people need lots of time for change to occur. Now, the comfort zone for many (myself inclusive) is just the whiteboard and textbooks but that soon will be a thing of the past.. we have to embrace change and soon we'll be able to see the benefits of it! :)