Group learning is something I found really interesting in
the first pages of the text. I love the way it sounds, "Group
learning". Group learning to me means when a group of children grow and
learn together. When one learns something new, the other children in the group
observe that child and learn how to do what he/she has learned how to do or if
a child has been trying to learn how to do something the others in the group
will find another way to do it by experimenting and exploring the task ahead. I
feel that group learning is something new and exciting for children to take
part in. When reading the observations in the beginning of the text, I noticed
they were of toddlers. I work with four and five year olds and I observe them
playing in groups all the time. But if I were to take observations as one like
in the text, I wonder what I would observe? What kinds of things would the
children be learning? Will there be disagreements between the children? How
will the children problem-solve? Will the children help each other if one child
has a hard time understanding? How will they work as a team? What kinds of
tools can I give to the children to work in a group effectively? Would they
have a structured group learning time or free group learning time? All of these
questions arise when I think of observing the children or helping the children
in my class when they are learning within a group. I'm excited to actually
observe the children in my class in group learning. How can I encourage
children to work and play effectively during group learning?
Hi Ashley,
ReplyDeleteHow do teachers engage young children in any group learning? Wouldn’t you agree that children have everything within them and teachers/educators are responsible for helping them unlock those things and learn with them? What can teachers do to have a better overall view of their teaching methods and how can they incorporate this in their classrooms for children’s learning? How do teachers help build a classroom of exploration and discovering, and collaborate around learning processes? How do teachers use preparedness to fulfill the potential, curiosity and interest of children?
Hi Ashley,
ReplyDeleteWhat is fascinating to me is when students first read the work on group learning -- most notice that group learning is always happening in the classroom but they have never taken the time to notice. Why do you think group learning is goes unnoticed in our classrooms? Have checklists and reports based on individuals become so overpowering, the relationships and actions within a group are viewed as secondary and unimportant? How can our obsession with the individual rule our practice as teachers? How can a commitment to group learning impact how we teach as well as how we view children?
Jeanne
Hello Ashley,
ReplyDeleteI agree with you, it is very interesting to observe children as they interact and learn with and from others. I think it is great that you are able to learn about children through our text and are able to implement, participate and recognize the material in your work. I think it is great that while you are reading our assigned readings you think of ways and opportunities of how you can use and improve what you have learned for the children you work with. As for moments during group learning where the children may have disagreements or in difficult situations during group learning, they are always learning experiences. These times are the ones that help us learn, grow, and develop together while being reinforced by the rewarding outcomes of the situation. For an example two children may fight over a toy (pulling the toy away from each other, crying, feeling upset, etcetera) and through this whole learning experience they learn how to use their words to ask permission before taking a toy from someone and learn to take turns and share with others. Thank you for sharing and allowing me to comment on your blog post!
mari
Hi there Ashley!
ReplyDeleteThank you for the invite to your blog! I'm not sure why it just wasn't going through earlier, but I'm glad it finally did, as I have enjoyed reading your post! :)
I also enjoy observing group learning and watching how the children interact with each other. How do you feel about the teacher interacting within the group as well? How would the teacher be able to assist children of different cultures and/or social class? What do you think a teacher should do if there were two different cultural beliefs that are in conflict? For example, one is taught to share the toy, while another children is taught to wait their turn?
Thanks again for the invite to your blog. Have a great week!
myra
Hi Ashley,
ReplyDeleteWhy do we have to provide a group learning opportunity for young children? Will group learning help children to develop their abilities? How can teachers create a classroom environment that encourages the group learning opportunity for children in different ages? What kind of technique or strategy that teacher will use in promoting the group learning opportunity to children? How can teacher encourage children to participate in group learning? What kind of knowledge should teachers and staff have in order to create the effective group learning to children? Why it is important for teachers to take time and observe children in group learning? What kind of benefit that children will receive while participating in group learning?
Hi Ashley,
ReplyDeleteI think it is interesting that you mentioned that in the text the observations were about toddlers and how you observe four and five year-olds playing in groups all the time. I work with toddlers and notice group playing is not always natural for some of the children. They don't seem to know how to read the social cues needed for group playing and are impulsive. With support they reach that level and it is a major accomplishment. Is group learning just a learning process just liking learning to walk? How can we help group learning but not take over? What about the child who struggles in groups?