Thursday, September 06, 2018

Teaching Style vs Substance in education

Namaste,
In past few days I wrote, talked, did and reflected a lot about education. From the need of education till the satisfaction of those needs. Learning and Teaching Style, was a topic where some more reflections took place. Started questioning the belief system, research proven work which endorse both side. Tried to see what actually matters in learning style in one of the previous blogs.
{
Links of previous posts:
Why style matters in education? Or does it really matter? http://godsknow.blogspot.com/2018/09/why-style-matters-in-education-or-does.html

Learner, need and style http://godsknow.blogspot.com/2018/09/presence-makes-difference.html
}

In this post, in short will share about teaching style. Actually there is nothing more to say. You might have just guessed it right from the title itself.

Style basically means a manner or a way in which something is done.It's a phenomenon emerging from a person's presence. Which can be recorded and put forth as a typical method.
A lecture method or discussion way or experiment or hybrid or demonstrate or delegate or whatever other names.
All can be used depending upon the nature of the subject. But demand of meeting learners style is something different altogether. That can only be meet when learner and supporter has a freedom. From teachers perspective it's more about bringing subject alive. That's only possible when one has a right knowledge of the subject. That's only possible when person has lived that subject and still humble enough to live with the young fellow learner. To dive deep and find out hidden meaning beneath. Teacher needs to bring presence of such truth , knowledge that makes style work.

We can not put one teaching style against the other. As every teaching style has its own pros and cons. So teacher need to be careful while planning the lesson.

Still, when just followed those step, as mentioned in method. To follow a particular style. Result ought not to be the same as expected emerging from the presence, a style mastered or generated by a person.

Person, in our case teacher's presence. His/her own life and living, not the level of acquisition of information but level of understanding brings the spirit in any method. Bringing this spirit, knowledge and seeking of truth into the methods makes it a style.

We cannot denounce or ridicule any method. All depends upon readiness of a learner and presence of a facilitator.

Whichever style best suits the personality. One which comes very naturally spontaneously should be the teaching style of that teacher. Should not break head and heart too much on completely changing and remodeling one style. Teacher need to be open and once a while see, try and improve skills of other teaching style without living own.

Changing a mere teaching style will not help to meet the need of the learner as well as of the teacher. Rather taking inward journey and finding ones own unique way. along with that teacher continues the search of truth, alignment of thoughts, speech and action ... Are things which will bring presence into the method..
That's the real substance , a core and not just an outer decoration of style.

To start journey of bringing substance. Here is a few task (sharing again) which can be initiated.
21-day challenge for teachers http://godsknow.blogspot.com/2018/09/21-day-challenge-for-teachers.html

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