NECESSITY OF ENGAGING STUDENTS VIA DEEPER LEARNING

There is a necessity in engaging students for them to be effective in the learning process. The old approach to teaching involves a lot of lectures and rote learning – which may be standing in the way of quality education.

What is needed now is for students to be able to “do” and “know”, which is called deeper learning. This kind of learning, which should be employed by educators, is a set of learning outcomes for students that include mastery of core academic content; critical thinking and problem solving; productive collaboration; effective communication; an ability to direct their own learning; and exhibit a strong academic mindset. Studies show that deeper learning results to better test scores. Won’t this be a win-win for both teachers and students? This may also lead to more students likely to enrol in four-year colleges, with higher levels of academic engagement and motivation to learn. Students need to achieve 21st century skills without compromising the learning process. The school, the four corners of the classroom and the teachers are not the only sources of knowledge out there. They can pursue their own interests inside and outside of the school, but they need to take responsibility for their own learning. Social media is one source of information, but facts should be vetted first – in light of fake news. Students have to identify the truth from the false to further enhance their learning.

author is Teacher

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II at Mancatian Elementary School