The Top 5 List

Through the course of our readings it has become abundantly clear to me that while we know a lot about how people learn, we still need to continue to explore new and innovative ways to teach. The ever-changing “climate of the classroom” is a challenge for new and seasoned teachers.

The higher ed. environment may be more in need of exploration of new teaching methods but I have also discovered that there are some real basic ideas that, if practiced more fully, would lead to better teaching and better learning.
So, in the manner of late night TV, I give you my top 5 ways to better learning.
Drum roll please!
#5- People must achieve a threshold of learning that is sufficient to support transfer.
#4- Learning with understanding is more likely to promote transfer.
#3 – Knowledge taught in a variety of contexts is more likely to support flexible transfer.
#2 – Assessment should mirror good instruction.
And the #1 way to better learning . . . . . .
Teachers need expertise in both subject matter content AND teaching!

These five things come straight from “How People Learn”. There are many more ideas that could be on this list but to me, these 5 are paramount. During this semester, they have become my creed and I have proclaimed them on more than one occasion in faculty meetings and in conversation with my colleagues. Some of these things seem to be revelations. My comments have actually affected change in my department. So, as I learn how to be a better teacher and how to help my students learn, I find myself teaching others around me. It is a good thing.

I believe that while we must move forward in all kinds of research in various areas; we need not loose site of the 5 items I have mentioned above which, to me, are the basis for good teaching AND good learning.

A very good friend and colleague of mine, Blaine Greenfield, was always concerned that students would be engaged in the class. He hoped that they would want to come because it was important to them and meant more than just a grade. As a way of making sure he was true to his intentions he would often start class off by saying,

“I promise you will leave class today with something you can use!”

At first I thought that was kind of odd but after all, isn’t that what learning is really all about?