Chapter 7: Social Learning

The idea of social learning fits well with my educational philosophy. As I read this chapter, I agreed and felt inspired by what the authors were saying. I believe that learning should have real world implications. What goes on in the classroom should be in preparation for and applicable to life outside of the classroom. Learning is not isolated, but should draw on multiple sources. Teachers should "..embed learning in activity and make deliberate use of the social and physical context" (p211). Another idea that I related to was the thought that people learn by doing. Without practice and application, knowledge is lost.

Gardner's findings about how people can be considered smart, but aren't able to apply their intelligence really stood out to me.  How is this possible that study after study he found the same thing? I thought about how students need to be taught how to think and negotiate their own learning. If you put students in the driving seat of their learning, then it will force them to be able to apply it. As a teacher, it is my dream to have students do this, but unfortunately it is not a reality. So then I think, why isn't it a reality? I think it is due to having a set curriculum, standards, and pacing guides. On a day to day basis I am trying to make sure it is all covered. The best (easiest) way to make sure it is covered is to teach each part.  I really need to think about ways to present material to students so that they are thinking and doing. It is more than teaching about how to multiply and divide- it is about how to think! Instead of getting caught up in the smaller picture, I should think about the big picture.

The paradigm shift from a "push" to "pull" model sounds great to me! It would support me on my quest to really and truly teach students. Where is this shift coming from? Is it from this shift that common core and Smarter Balanced Assessments is coming into play? What resources are there for teachers? I would love to see examples of lessons that show what this looks like in the classroom- on a day to day basis.