Welcoming Change in the Classroom
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“Perhaps there are some teachers who worry about having to spend a lot of money on teaching aids. I tell you that contextual learning does not mean having to use expensive learning media. Contextual learning taught by DBE3 has encouraged my teachers to be more creative. I will support them in implementing contextual learning.
I’m sure we can do it, “said Ruttun Pankonglean, principal of SMPN 4 Duapitue, Sidrap. What the principal said has indeed motivated his teachers to make changes in their classrooms. The principal’s statement was addressed to his teachers who had just finished training in contextual learning conducted by DBE3.
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Prioritizing teacher development: H. Ruttun Pakonglean (right), principal of SMPN 4 Duapitue, Sidrap, participating in BTL2 training.
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Students sitting in small groups create a supportive learning environment
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Working together outside the classroom to strengthen students teamwork skills
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According to Ruttun Pakonglean, in order to effectively develop students’ life skills, it is essential that teachers and principal use innovative learning methods at school. The Better Teaching and Learning 2 (BTL2) training recently conducted by DBE3 supports the improvement of the quality of learning at school.
In BTL2 training, teachers are taught how to use varied resources to support learning, create a supportive learning environment, give opportunities to students to explore their potential, and implement cooperative learning which supports life skills development.
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What are We Trying to Change?
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Students’ social and academic skills are developed through group presentations. In this activity students interact with each other.
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As frequently stressed by Stuart Weston, the Program Director of DBE3, the changes expected are:
First, Learning behavior in the classroom: Students undertake a greater variety of activities to develop their life skills – social, academic and personal.
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Students work together in groups to discuss things, experiment and find answers or solutions to problems.
Second, A changed classroom environment: Classrooms should be arranged in comfortable way. Chairs and desks should be organized to support dynamic learning activities. Students work should be displayed inside and/or outside the classroom.
Third, Teachers’ teaching behavior: Teachers should use more varied teaching methods to support student learning.
Fourth, The principal’s behavior: The principal should support teachers’ development. He or she should evaluate curriculum implementation and monitor classes regularly.
Fifth, MGMP and teachers’ professional networks: Teachers should be active in the teachers’ network. This will help them in developing their teaching skills.
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Students’ work displayed in the classroom is used as a learning resource.
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Sharing Innovation in Junior Secondary Education
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Edition 03/August 2009
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