Achieve Optimum Learning

In my 41 years working in education, it has always been my premise that student learning should be child-centered and structured from a foundation established by the individual’s previous learning experiences. In other words, learning is like a pyramid constructed individually by each student wherein each section is dependent on the previous one as it builds to maximum capacity. New or modified learning is constructed using what the student already knows. Therefore, learning must be individualized and active rather than group centered and passive.

To achieve optimum active individualized learning that builds on past experiences, learning activities must be structured to engage the student in the learning environment. In light of that fact, the following processes need to be in place:
• Learning must allow for active engagement of students; learning is not a spectator activity.
• Student activities related to learning should be realistic, relevant to the context of the course, and embedded in social experiences.
• Memorization, pre-packaged assignments, and rote recitation of answers must be eliminated from the setting.
• Student achievement should be based on relating outside activities or situations to the subject arena of the course.
• Learning must engage students in new readings, projects, and activities that build on previous experiences.
• Students must develop their own work based on the analysis of real-life situations.
• Students need to share the results of their work with other students in the class.
• When students share their work with classmates they are exposed to multiple perspectives on an issue or subject.
• Classmates should be encouraged to challenge the ideas in presentations by other students or the teacher, but to support their challenges with their own real-life experiences, with readings or with other materials related to the course.
• All students need to feel they have ownership and a voice in the learning process.

Source: Dr. Roma Gay Adkins, Director, Non-Instructional Staffing