Collaborating various teaching styles is an appropriate way to respond to different personality types and numerous ways of learning among students.
Personalities have multi dimensions. It is very difficult or somehow unreasonable to divide people solely into introvert or extrovert. In fact, everyone has both traits while in someone one trait is more evident or dominant. Therefore, like personalities, teaching requires collaboration of various methods in order to be suitable for all types of personalities in a classroom setting.
In general, a teacher needs to use collaboration in teaching techniques, in interacting with colleagues, and in classroom among students. Collaborating among various types of personalities can be challenging but fruitful. Personally, sometimes I found group works difficult and frustrating. It is difficult because it requires lots of patient and understanding in order a group works effectively together. Also, there are always stronger and dominant personalities who can take the lead. This characteristic per se in not negative but it can prevent other members of the group to express their views.
Collaborating is fruitful because, students not only learn the subject but they get to know other people’s way or ways of learning and perceiving the subject. I think this is an effective and durable way of learning. It expands students’ point of views. As Mamchur explains different types of learner use different methods and students collaboration in various projects or discussion will help them to learn better and also view other ways of learning too. Of course, in order to achieve this, it is very important that the group respects every student’s idea equally; therefore, all group members will projects their views and ideas freely.
1 comment:
Hi there: Yes, group work can indeed be frustrating, especially for introverted and feeling types. The "domineering" types can take over and aren't always sensitive to the quieter, more inward thinking participants. My special needs son is often frustrated by this in his group work as he has to carefully plan what he wants to say, and often the group has moved on. This is also difficult for an ESL student. It is important to assign roles so there is a moderator that ensures everyone has input. As new teachers we may find this challenging, as we have to find our way into the discussions and be accepted in the staffroom. In my short practicum, my SA told me to be quiet and observe rather than offer my input. This was after a committee meeting on gardens. I was very upset by this comment as I had spearheaded an entire gardening program at another school which was very successful and was excited to share. My SA told me as a student teacher, I was the bottom of the totem pole and my input wasn't required and that I was jeopardising my developing relationships with the school. Nice, eh?
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