While it is obviously important to teach science content I feel it is equally important to help young learners gain experience with science concepts. Children gain new knowledge as they explore their surroundings. In her article, First Experiences in Science, Mathematics, and Technology, Karen K. Lind says there are three specific learning experiences children can participate in:
Naturalistic
This experience happens naturally during a child’s daily activity. During a child’s sensory motor period this is usually the main type of learning experience. Our role as teachers during this time is to construct an environment that lends itself to interesting and motivating experiences. The environment should be full of things to look at, smell, touch, taste, and hear. Young learners should be reinforced when for each new discovery they make. Below are some examples of naturalistic experiences
Sorting items into the correct order or group
Mixing paint colors and noting the new color
Describing an objects properties
Informal Learning Experiences
These are not pre-planned experiences but are initiated by an adult when they notice a child has just had a naturalistic experience. An informal learning experience often includes careful scaffolding from the teacher to reinforce a concept or add on to a student’s prior knowledge. Some informal learning experiences might be:
A small child holds up 3 fingers and says that they are six years old. The teacher suggests to the child that they count the fingers. Once the child has counted to three he corrects himself and correctly states that he is three.
Structured Learning Experiences
Structured learning experiences are usually preplanned lessons initiated by the teacher. Structured learning experiences can be used in the following ways:
One on one: this is used if a child is struggling with a specific skill or concept.
Small group: this can be used to generate discussion about a topic and gives the teacher an idea of each child’s understanding of the concept.
Large group: this is used for major concepts that all students must know.
When people think of teaching most think of a large group structured learning experience. It is our job as teachers to make sure we appreciate and use each learning moment as it presents itself.
it is so important for teachers to understand how thier students learn. Informal learning and naturalistic learning are just as important as structured learning.
ReplyDeleteI agree with Meghan, and would like to add that informal and naturalistic learning styles are very hard to quantify. Intuitively we should know and embrace this, but how can the bean counters measure it?
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