But how do we move to being a facilitator instead of the knowledge provider
My vision of the ideal classroom is a room where there is always something going on. There is writing going on , tests or experiments going on and questions being ask. Itâs a place where kids wonder and question the world around them. The labs we try to do are relevant to their their life. It would be nice to be able to predict and run tests out further in the future and not be completely limited by time.
Nice idea. I really agree with your ideas about using this technology. It would be nice to see how the students could use it for their own ideas
My vision of a successful Science classroom that integrates modeling and simulation includes teachers modeling lessons, students testing hypothesis and using computer simulations to test their experiments
My idea of a successful classroom is where all students are in meaningful discussion, where they ask each other difficult questions and come up with potential answers, where they use me as a sound board to bounce ideas off of and where there is laughter. Technology is used to support research, reinforce ideas, and further knowledge.
My vision of a classroom that integrates modeling and simulation is where students are the creators of content and the teacher is the facilitator/adviser/expert. I imagine students to be in collaborative groups, with each member being an expert or having skills that allow the group to succeed. Students can collaborate with other groups to exchange prior knowledge or acquired knowledge to succeed in the completion of their culminating project (artifact). I envision the teacher as a guru of information/knowledge giving students who are stuck/lost enough instruction to feel comfortable to continue on their journey. The computer in the classroom is used as a multifunction tool; it will be a research tool, storage tool, creator tool and a tool for modeling and simulating a studentâs vision.
I see a successful Science classroom as one where the teacher acts more like a facilitator than the âone with all the answersâ. I donât see a teacher standing up front just talking while students are taking notes, rather I see activity. The use of computers are just another tool to reinforce the Science curriculum not only for creating models, but also for the use of internet and programs that are already out there to help implement awesome curriculum.
Well worded. I agree.
In order to create my successful Science classroom, I have to start by changing the environment - more room for different types of working spaces and more access to technology. I think there needs to be time to work alone because thatâs one way some of us create but also plenty of time to work with a team because I think thatâs how ideas and learning can move forward. I know we talk about teachers being facilitators but I want to be more than a facilitator - I guess I want to be an instigator. I became a teacher because I love to teach - I donât want to stand in the front just talking but I want to light the fire. I want to give them the tools, a bit of knowledge, and a quest that excites them so they start questioning, and planning, and creating and solving problems, and then I want to be the facilitator. I can see computers, modeling and simulation being an integral part of this process. Iâm not sure how to make it work in the classroom but I think itâs possible and exciting.
I like that you see yourself as a sounding board - an important part of the discussion. And I think laughter is an essential part of any classroom!
My definition of what a science classroom looks like would cause panic in the eyes of someone new to education. Students are in groups working together. Each group may (and probably will be) working on a different problem with each group member responsible for a part of the overall picture. To the âoutsiderâ it would most likely look like there is no structure.
A successful science classroom is one where students are gathered in small groups of 3-4 so they can bounce ideas off of one another. Focused conversations are commonplace where students help one another learn. The teacher is more of a facilitator instead of lecturing, and students use computers and other print resources to gather information. Hands-on activities (labs and models) are frequent and students do more than simply copy notes from a slide show created by the teacher. Someone glancing in the room would see students that are engaged in what they are doing.
So far, Iâve found that a successful class of ANY subject must be varied and engaging. As such, a variety of ways to interact are available both individually, in groups, and even electronically to some extent.
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I feel this is an important factor, because some students can comprehend new information better from a peer than from the teacher.
A successful classroom as with any classroom would be an environment where the students are constantly working and interacting throughout the class period and the teacher turns into the facilitator while letting the students take charge for their learning.
A successful science classroom is definitely one in which students are out of their seat exploring and experimenting, building each otherâs knowledge of the principles and concepts essential to science, all while enjoying it. It must be a classroom not limited by imagination (though maybe limited by resources) or space, the students are interacting with each other asking/ responding to questions posed by each other, making hypotheses on their own, analyzing their data and collective knowledge, and looking for innovative ways to attain their desired knowledge. The teacher is guiding the students, modeling how to build/search for knowledge, modeling how to be a real scientist, and probing students. Computers would serve as a key component for the building of the young scientist, preferably as an interactive player and not a passive fountain of knowledge.
My vision of an ideal science classroom is one in which students are actively engaged in the process of thinking about and âdoingâ science. It functions with a climate of respect, clear communication of expectations, and feels like a safe place to make mistakes. Students in this classroom should feel part of a team, and should feel safe to make mistakes and tackle misconceptions. Computers would be used to access information and create products that help students understand science content.
I agree with the emphasis on real world problems. This is important!
I see a successful Science or STEM-based classroom as being student-centered where students work collaboratively on project-based learning activities and the teacher is the facilitator. Students should have specific roles within the group so that expectations are clear and students are able to stay focused. The computers should be available as a resource for research as well as collecting and communicating information. Students should be provided with an array of materials with which they can show their creativity (recycled materials are great!). I know this sounds ideal, but it is possible, even when budgets are tight.
My version of a perfect classroom would find every student engaged in problem based real world scenerios. The students will be grouped according to interest and ability. The groups would be collaboriating on their problem based scenerios. The students would be able to use a variety of tools to solve the problem. They can conduct an experiement or they can run a simulated model. My role would be to guide the students by asking releveant questions and pushing them to continue to question and to never be satified with the answers.