Are Modern Educational Theories Keeping Up with Modern Teaching Needs?
Are Modern Educational Theories Keeping Up with Modern Teaching Needs?
Today’s teaching theories seek to make connections with the real world through the development of a range of lifelong learning skills. Entrepreneurship, team work, collaborative thinking and complex critical problem solving all score high on the ‘to do’ list of modern schools. With the assistance of renowned strategies and curriculum thinkers like John Hattie, we see the increased presence of rich and real feedback as well as the development of student-led, rather than teacher-led, learning that encompasses technology as a tool rather than a replacement for an exercise book.
What About Students ‘Outside of the Box’?
Herein lies the issue. It’s almost impossible for a standard classroom teacher to adequately provide for absolutely every learner’s needs at every point in time. Neurodiverse learners like those with ADHD, Dyslexia, Autism, Dyspraxia, Dysgraphia, ODD and the like can find themselves lost in content, even with a funded teacher support assistance within the room.
Educational psychologists point towards the ability for smaller groups of students to work in a targeted environment with a teaching specialist. Think of it in terms of English – perhaps instead of studying a language, students could spend that time working in a small group with a qualified teacher or tutor to cement their understanding.
Similarly, constantly developing subjects like informational technologies and coding require teachers to be incredibly upskilled and engaging in teaching theories professional development that will allow students in these classes to grow their wings and fly. Educational theories need to ensure that the best interests of the students are always at the core of any key philosophy. Be it Marzano, The Art of Science and Teaching, Visible Learning or any other pedagogy being touted by the school – the bottom line is the learning development of your child.
How Can a Tutor Help?
Tutors provide the one-on-one support that a classroom teacher just does not have time to. They can embrace the strategies and philosophical merit that the school is pushing and create a more flexible learning environment that speaks to the type of learner your child is – kinaesthetic, aural, visual or other. Your in-home or online tutor can use that slice of time wisely to ensure that your child is engaged and invigorated by the content and not left wondering what’s wrong with them for not fitting the mould.
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