learning can occur.   Some learning is messy, loud, and busy.  Kids can use hands on materials to manipulate tools to develop new understanding.  They can experiment, make predictions, and engage in inquiry.  This type of learning allows kids to develop their own ideas and confirm, or contradict, their understandings.  On the other hand, learning can also be quiet, calm, and reflective.  Children can read, ponder, and write about new ideas or topics.  The children have learned if the activity has changed the previous understanding and allowed the child to look at something in a new way.  Teachers need to probe student thinking to uncover student prior knowledge and misconceptions. Understanding is developed over time and at different rates for each individual.  

 

I believe teachers can aid learning in a variety of ways.   When children are given many opportunities and avenues to experience different concepts and ideas, they are likely to develop a deeper understanding.  When teachers use the child’s responses to find misconceptions and understandings, teachers are better prepared to teach directly to the students needs and foster a greater understanding.  Teachers can aid the learning process by creating safe learning environments for students.  A few ways teachers can create a safe learning environment include pointing out the benefits of children taking risks as learners, praising students for their effort and giving specific feedback, and fostering relationships between students and the teacher by planning team building activities.  When a culture of learning is created and a growth mindset is explicitly taught to students, they are able to flourish.  In order to develop the optimal learning environment, teachers must get to know their students personally and academically.  Building relationships with students is vital to develop trust.  Once a student's trust is gained, it is easier to really get to understand the student’s prior knowledge and conceptions they bring to the classroom.  I believe teachers should use authentic student inquiry to drive instruction as much as possible.  Because of the multifaceted dynamics of learning, it is imperative teachers are mindful and intentional when it comes to fostering learning in the classroom.  I believe in order for learning to take place, teachers need to create a safe learning environment that values the background and ideas of the student population.  Likewise, teachers should reflect on the culture in the classroom and ensure value is placed on a growth mindset.