Abstract
When we walk into any schools or universities, we often find educators teaching in front of the classroom. Despite numerous theories and research of learning approaches, many teachers and academics still prefer to rely on familiar pedagogical approaches such as stand up lectures, worksheets and rote learning activities even though they might preach about other approaches to learning and teaching. Interestingly, this practice appears to be proportional to the age of the learners, that is, more commonly practiced at university level than at kindergarten level. Lecturing is the norm of teaching at universities (Biggs, 2001). Does the teacher-centered teaching approach sufficiently prepare the youngster to cope with the ever changing world?
Key Terms in this Chapter
Computer Supported Learning Environment/information Technology Supported Learning Environment: A suite of computer software that enhance teaching and learning. A learning platform is commonly used to provide digital resources, discussion forums and related links to present the information systematically.
Communities of Practices: A community of practice involves a collection of individuals sharing mutually defined beliefs, understanding and practices over an extended period of time in the pursuit of a shared venture
Collaborative Learning: Collaborative learning means learners working together to accomplish shared learning goals and to maximize their own and their group members’ achievements
Reflection: An activity in which individuals are engaged in examining their experiences in order to lead to a new understanding and appreciation.
Computer Supported Intentional Learning Environments (CSILE): It was a networked computer program developed by Marlene Scardamalia and Carl Bereiter at the Ontario Institute for Studies in Education, University of Toronto. This networked multimedia environment enables users to explore different idea of interests by creating “nodes.” The discussion was presented in graphical format which enables users to follow the discussion systematically.
Assessment: An ongoing activity that intend to improve and inform the quality of instruction and student learning. Assessment should be designed to support learning rather than to select learners.
Learning Environment: A pedagogically designed computer system which aims to promote student-centered learning through various functions such as discussion area, information dissemination, note taking pad and tasks manager.