Subject: Role of a Teacher

Posted by Richard Turnock on 11/26/2004

Message:

William Perry in his 1970 book, Forms of Intellectual and Ethical Development in the College Years: A Scheme is credited with developing a heuristic for assessing epistemology in college students. Later Perry recognized that the key focus should not be on the stability of the positions but assisting students in the transitions.



This central epistemology about knowledge and learning triggers parallel shifts:

First: in the learner's views about the role of the teacher--moving from an Authority as the source of "Truth" to an authority as a resource with specific expertise to share.

Second: as well as the role of the student, moving from a passive receptor of facts to an active agent in defining arguments and creating new knowledge.



System Dynamics

1. Teaching system dynamics in K12 shifts the role of the teacher from
provider of facts, information and rules to the role of learning coach, a
guide and facilitator, and a research librarian or co-learner.



2. Learning system dynamics in K12 shifts the role of the student from a
passive receiver of information, memorizing facts, and taking tests, to the
role of active and interactive researcher, problem-solver and strategist
dealing with defining and resolving real-world-like problems.



Maybe teaching system dynamics in K12 seems to have a difficult time because the intellectual and ethical development of a college student is required to deal with the shift in the roles of the teacher and student. Or maybe system dynamics needs to be introduced in K12 to promote early intellectual and ethical development in younger students.



Richard

Follow Ups:

Role of a Teacher - John Gunkler 11/26/2004 
Role of a Teacher - Ed Johnson 11/28/2004
Role of a Teacher - John Gunkler 11/28/2004
Role of a Teacher - Scott Guthrie 11/28/2004
Role of a Teacher - Henry Cole 12/5/2004
Role of a Teacher - Bill Ellis 12/6/2004
Role of a Teacher - Steve Kipp 12/6/2004
Role of a Teacher - sharada 12/7/2004
Role of a Teacher - John Heinbokel 12/8/2004
Role of a Teacher - Steve Kipp 12/8/2004
Role of a Teacher - Henry Cole 12/6/2004
Role of a Teacher - Steve Bosacker 12/2/2004
Role of a Teacher - Ruth Fruland 11/29/2004
Role of a Teacher - Richard Plate 11/29/2004
Role of a Teacher - Linda Booth Sweeney 12/6/2004
Role of a Teacher - David Wheat 11/29/2004
Role of a Teacher - Della Robertson 11/26/2004
Role of a Teacher - Roy Greenhalgh 11/27/2004
Role of a Teacher - John Spence 11/26/2004
Role of a Teacher - Gene Stamell 11/28/2004