Spread the loveIt’s a method of making English language learners assimilate content better as they work on getting proficient in the English language. Though most teachers aspire to be teachers of language, they still remain teachers of topics. Even teachers of the English language prioritize learning the language above access to content. However, unless the students have effective literacy skills in the language, they won’t be able to access its content. If the focus is just on content, language will transform from being social to merely academic. Sheltered instruction brings these two opposing priorities together into a solitary powerful force […]

Spread the loveMichael Cowling, CQUniversity Australia and Cris Brack, Australian National University There is no doubt that digital technologies have disrupted our modes of teaching. The resources and inputs into teaching have changed to incorporate computer-aided approaches such as “flipped” classrooms, mobile-phone-enabled interactions, video capturing of lectures and enhanced mixed realities. The old “sage on the stage” model of teaching has been pushed into becoming the “guide on the side”, or possibly even further out of the picture – “voice on the video”, perhaps? – by the technology revolution. And yet, the national scores in NAPLAN and our competitive education […]

Spread the loveDesign thinking can be used to enhance the learning experience and outcomes among pre-school and kindergarten pupils. This kind of thinking involves a fluid interactive and dynamic approach to solving problems. Young children are masters of imagination and intuition. They have not been exposed to stereotypes and corrupted knowledge that tends to kill creativity in adults. In fact, it is easy to incorporate design thinking in their natural way of learning. Young learners tend to be creative and are also inquisitive. In a learning environment, they will ask questions that are beyond their level of thinking. The basics […]