Learning should focus on studentS’ needs
Nov 17, 2009
TEACHER’S DESK<br><br>I have recently been working in the education system in UK. Having had a Ugandan education and teacher training background, adjusting to the system in the UK was challenging, though I have since overcome those challenges.
TEACHER’S DESK
I have recently been working in the education system in UK. Having had a Ugandan education and teacher training background, adjusting to the system in the UK was challenging, though I have since overcome those challenges.
There is no doubt in my mind that our system needs to be reviewed urgently. We have fine teachers in Uganda. However, we need to do more in planning lessons, delivering the curriculum, assessing and monitoring learning, sharing information and supporting learners.
We also need to move away from a teacher-centred approach and focus on the students. They are the reason we are in school. Our job must be to ensure learning takes place every time we are before the students and not to pile them with reading material.
Are the students actually learning? They are not stupid as some teachers have alleged. Rather the teaching is lacking.
All students are able to grasp if the right method is used to teach them. Teachers need to identify the needs of their learners and adapt their plans, teaching strategies, styles and approaches to the learners’ needs.
But above all, the Government needs to invest in education. The universal primary and secondary education was a positive approach, but the challenge in terms of funding are great. There is need for more classrooms, teaching and learning materials.
There is also need to introduce the use of technology in all schools if we have to compete with the rest of the world. We cannot sit back and be content with the current system because we have a huge challenge ahead of us.
The education ministry should consider the use of teaching assistants to aid the students. This does not come cheaply but can transform the teaching learning process. It is difficult to maintain the current situation where one teacher has to plan, teach, assess, evaluate, monitor learning, identify learner’s needs, plan and provide additional support effectively in a class of 50 pupils.
I have seen how teacher’s assistants can support learning. I think they would be fantastic as a second adult in a classroom.
We can only transform our society when we train thinkers as opposed to seekers and this calls for a change in perception and the vision for our society.
Education must be central in the process of building the future. We must invest in it, improve it and ensure it produces excellent results.
The classroom needs to be an environment to learn, discover, invent, think, investigate, create, share, discuss, experience and improve the performance of both teachers and students.
A teacher must be prepared to learn from pupils’ experiences and improve the methods of delivering the curriculum; just as students learn from teachers’ best practices.
Encourage learners and inspire them; give confidence and allow them to feel safe to make mistakes as they learn without the fear of being caned. This is a more progressive approach. This is the attitude that will enable us to improve the learning experience for all.
I have recently been working in the education system in UK. Having had a Ugandan education and teacher training background, adjusting to the system in the UK was challenging, though I have since overcome those challenges.
There is no doubt in my mind that our system needs to be reviewed urgently. We have fine teachers in Uganda. However, we need to do more in planning lessons, delivering the curriculum, assessing and monitoring learning, sharing information and supporting learners.
We also need to move away from a teacher-centred approach and focus on the students. They are the reason we are in school. Our job must be to ensure learning takes place every time we are before the students and not to pile them with reading material.
Are the students actually learning? They are not stupid as some teachers have alleged. Rather the teaching is lacking.
All students are able to grasp if the right method is used to teach them. Teachers need to identify the needs of their learners and adapt their plans, teaching strategies, styles and approaches to the learners’ needs.
But above all, the Government needs to invest in education. The universal primary and secondary education was a positive approach, but the challenge in terms of funding are great. There is need for more classrooms, teaching and learning materials.
There is also need to introduce the use of technology in all schools if we have to compete with the rest of the world. We cannot sit back and be content with the current system because we have a huge challenge ahead of us.
The education ministry should consider the use of teaching assistants to aid the students. This does not come cheaply but can transform the teaching learning process. It is difficult to maintain the current situation where one teacher has to plan, teach, assess, evaluate, monitor learning, identify learner’s needs, plan and provide additional support effectively in a class of 50 pupils.
I have seen how teacher’s assistants can support learning. I think they would be fantastic as a second adult in a classroom.
We can only transform our society when we train thinkers as opposed to seekers and this calls for a change in perception and the vision for our society.
Education must be central in the process of building the future. We must invest in it, improve it and ensure it produces excellent results.
The classroom needs to be an environment to learn, discover, invent, think, investigate, create, share, discuss, experience and improve the performance of both teachers and students.
A teacher must be prepared to learn from pupils’ experiences and improve the methods of delivering the curriculum; just as students learn from teachers’ best practices.
Encourage learners and inspire them; give confidence and allow them to feel safe to make mistakes as they learn without the fear of being caned. This is a more progressive approach. This is the attitude that will enable us to improve the learning experience for all.