Three of the most powerful classroom techniques are often
underutilized because they don't seem like techniques at all. They often appear
as categories because several strategies are used to facilitate them. They do,
however, qualify as classroom techniques, because using them facilitates depth
of learning. These three classroom techniques can be used independently or in
combination, and they apply well to any kind of lesson or unit of study, especially
in Project Based Learning activities, lessons and/or units of study; however, to
be effective, they need to be explicitly taught and strategically directed.
1. Conversation
Conversation as a
classroom technique is more than just chatter. It is focused, directed and
purposeful, and it’s monitored for effectiveness. Structures enabling focused
conversations include cooperative learning strategies such as Think-Pair-Share
and Numbered Heads Together, where students share findings in partners and
groups. These types of conversational strategies allow students to refine their
own understandings and learn from others what they might not have discovered
themselves.
2. Silence
Silence facilitates
thought and reflection. It’s where verbal conversation stops and metacognitive
interior contemplation begins. It’s the listening phase and sometimes called “inner
talk” or “inner voice”. It’s where students take what they have learned and
make it relevant to their own lives and experiences. One way to use silence as
a technique is during whole-class student question/answer sessions. When students
volunteer or are called on to answer questions, give them time to think of
answers---quiet time---and encourage the class to remain patient and allow these
students time to think. Thinkers need time to envision what they are
asked to do or say, compare what they already know to what they have learned, analyze it for
relevancy, and then synthesize it to produce a vocal utterance that makes
sense. No small task when asked to comment on content newly learned.
3. Movement
Movement is critical.
It connects silent contemplation and intellectual conversation with physical,
tangible realities. It is the application of learned concepts. It turns
learning into a physical response which is perfect for most learners,
especially second-language learners. Movement works well when applied to the
sounds of language and the physical expression and characterization of emotion,
and it motivates students to want to learn more by bringing significance to
the learning process. It also provides a mental and physical release for those who
patiently waited for their classmates to answer questions.
Make These Techniques Explicit
These three techniques get overlooked because they are part
of the natural learning process, but they are
powerful when used as to facilitate understanding---and they are absolutely necessary to
help students develop critical, intelligent thinking patterns that enable them to understand
abstract concepts well enough to create useful ideas and solutions. Teach students how to use them to their advantage, and they will thrive.
Be sure to visit Kate Parker's TeachersPayTeachers website for Project Based Learning units. They are filled with ideas for how to implement these techniques.
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