Teaching Channel Video Response

Collaboration between teachers can be a extremely valuable.  However, it is important to make sure that the collaborating is done in a useful, efficient manner.  It is not uncommon for teachers to talk among themselves in order to share ideas, formulate new methods, etc.  Due to the positive results of this collaboration, schools are beginning to have 2 teachers for one subject.  For example, rather than a certain teacher teaching 2 different sections of Algebra, they will have 2 different teachers each lead a class.  All of the content, tests, homework, etc. will be exactly the same, with the only varying factor being the teaching styles. This is the exact situation that Ms. Jones and Ms. Warburton find themselves in.  Although they both teach Algebra, their styles differ and allow them to use their own methods of teaching.

In this particular situation, it was clear that Ms. Jones and Ms. Warburton worked extremely well together and could focus on the same goals.  Both teachers go over the exact same information, they just do it in slightly different manners.  Each teacher had a main style point that they made sure they covered.  Ms. Jones emphasized that "confusion leads to learning", while Ms. Warburton loved to have the children discuss the material in order to build confidence.  These are 2 key aspects of the two teaching styles.  When Ms. Jones says that confusion leads to learning, she is basically saying that it is okay if a student doesn't understand something the first time.  If a student is confused, it means they are exploring the topic deeply and that they are going to grasp a deeper understanding of the content.  For Ms. Warburton, she stresses the importance of discussing the material.  By letting the students talk it out, they are able to see multiple viewpoints of a particular topic.

Although Ms. Jones and Ms. Warburton cover the same exact material, it is amazing to see how differently a classroom can run, just by altering a few classroom dynamics.  First off, Ms. Jones is an extremely upbeat person.  She is energetic and really gets the students going.  This is a really great aspect of her teaching style, because she makes sure that the kids are fully engaged at all times.  Sometimes the information can be somewhat boring, but she always finds a way to put an energetic spin on it.  In this link, Hal Urban describes how important it is for teachers to be enthusiastic about the content they are teaching.  In most cases, the teachers that children remember the most are the ones that have the most energy.  If kids remember the teacher, they are more likely to remember the content as well.  Another great characteristic Ms. Jones possesses is her lack of lecturing.  She says that if she is at the front of the room talking the entire class, it may be quicker, but the children will not be truly learning.  When a teacher stands at the front of the room and rambles on, the children become bored very easily.  Lecturing is no longer an acceptable teaching method! Sure, in some rare cases, a lecture may be needed, but for the most part, children should be getting involved if they are to truly learn the material.  

Next, we have Ms. Warburton.  She also has some very effective teaching methods, she simply works in a different fashion.  Ms. Warburton loves to use her "gear system."  This is a 4-gear method that she devised in order to maximize the students' learning.  Gear 1 is active listening, where the students observe what the teacher is doing.  Gear 2 is independent work, where students work on the problems individually.  Next, is study group, which means the students are able to work with their neighbors.  Lastly, is team work.  This is when the class comes together as whole to work out the problems.  This is a really great method, because it enables students to work alone at first, but then come together to collaborate with their classmates.  This means using the 5R model: Responsibility, Reliance, Relationship, Respect, and Reflection.  These are all extremely important parts to working effectively as a group.  If students have respect for one another, they will work better together in order to achieve a common goal.  Another great quality that Ms. Warburton exhibits, is looking forward to challenges.  Challenges should be fun, because if you are looking forward to working hard, it will be that much more rewarding in the end.  School should not be an intimidating place.  Sure, some topics are more difficult than others, but if you embrace the difficult material, you are more likely to actually enjoy it and succeed!