Discourse and learning in a Norwegian multiethnic classroom: Developing shared understanding through classroom discourse

This article explores the mediational role of classroom discourse in the development of shared understanding in the multiethnic classroom Successful participation in classroom discourse not only requires linguistic and cognitive competence, but also demands cultural knowledge, which often is taken for granted. Research carried out in a multiethnic third grade class in Norway reveals that a discrepancy between teachers’ implicit assumptions of what is “common knowledge” and minority pupils’ lack of background knowledge might impede joint meaning construction. Discourse episodes, illustrating various misunderstandings, are analyzed and compared. The analysis of the discourse focuses on how the topical content, the multiple reference frames applied, and the particular forms of discourse used, jointly create the framework within which development of shared understanding occurs or fails to occur. It becomes apparent that various discourse patterns, creating different premises for pupil participation, afford different ways of dealing with the misunderstandings encountered. It is argued that disparities in understanding should not be looked upon as “transmission errors”, that are something to be avoided in classroom dialogue, but might be viewed as generators of new understandings. The article is based on qualitative analysis of discourse excerpts, using transcribed audio recordings, field notes and interviews.     

Teaching and learning through multiple intelligences in the outcomes-based education classroom

Abstract

As outcomes-based education forms the foundation of the new school curriculum in South Africa, educators are confronted with the challenge of not only meeting the different needs of individual learners, but also of helping learners (many of them previously disadvantaged) to achieve their maximum potential. One way of realising this ideal is by applying Howard Gardner's theory of multiple intelligences in the classroom. The article provides a discussion on both Gardner's multiple intelligences theory and outcomes-based education in South Africa, as it is believed that together they can contribute to solving some of the present problems in South African education. The article defines the use of MI theory in an OBE classroom and suggests specific ways in which educators worldwide could incorporate the different intelligences in their teaching and learning activities.     

让研究性学习走进课堂

作为实施素质教育主阵地的课堂教学,研究如何渗透研究性学习的理念、方式方法尤为重要。本主要探讨怎样突破传统教学模式,改变教师教学方式,评估方式及营造开放的学习环境方面的问题。     

Understanding learning at the classroom level

Conclusions Our aim in taking the Year 7 class was to increase our understanding of the learning process. In simple terms we were trying to apply our ideas and White's analysis of the term ‘understanding’ further clarified our purpose. Each target of our understanding has been affected by our experience. Two examples can be used to show how this occurred. Our understanding of the learning approach has been modified by our understanding of students at this level. The effects of peer group interactions have been underestimated as a factor in the learning environment. As a further example we can see that some ways in which schools are organized are not conducive to the implementation of the learning approaches being presented. Schools are organized so that groups of age cohorts can function effectively. The result is that school classrooms are a compromise where competing functions of schooling and the constraints that are operating are ‘balanced’. The ideal conditions for our approach to learning could not be present and two visitors from the ‘ivory tower’ were grateful for the opportunity to better understand a secondary school and a group of its students.     

Transformation of classroom spaces: traditional versus active learning classroom in colleges

Educational environment influences students’ learning attitudes, and the classroom conveys the educational philosophy. The traditional college classroom design is based on the educational space that first appeared in medieval universities. Since then classrooms have not changed except in their size. In an attempt to develop a different perspective of educational environment, a new design of classroom, the active learning classroom (ALC), was established at SoongSil University in Korea. Two questionnaire surveys were conducted for diagnosing the educational effects of students’ learning in the ALC and comparing the results with those obtained regarding the traditional classroom. The result proved the existence of a ‘golden zone’ and a ‘shadow zone’ in the traditional classroom, which discriminate students’ learning experiences depending on seating positions. On the contrary, the ALC did not produce such positional discrimination. Students perceived the ALC environment as more inspirational, especially in regards to active class participation. Students with more emphasis on academic achievement showed greater tendency to share information and to create new ideas in the ALC. However, in the traditional classroom setting, only students with high GPAs were more motivated to learn while the gap in learning attitudes was offset in the ALC setting. In-depth discussions about research findings were undertaken and four suggestions were provided in support of school administrators and relevant institutional personnel, faculty members, and researchers for future utilization of the ALC.     

多模态自主听力学习课堂模式探讨

在网络迅猛发展的今天,语言学习的课堂模式也需要积极的与时俱进。当前,许多高校的英语专业都建立起了多模态网络自主学习平台,作为语言学习的重中之重,听力技能如何通过多模态的自学课堂来真正实现有效提高,如何科学合理的设计自主听力学习课堂的基本模式,成为摆在英语专业管理者和教师面前的一项重要课题,合理科学的多模态自主学习课堂是实现自主学习平台最大效果的唯一途径。     

Stability of pupil behavior in short-term classroom observations

In order to determine the point at which successive days of classroom observation results in a reliable sample of behavior, a classroom of 30 kindergarten children was observed over a period of 18 days in four behavior categories. High correlations between running and total averages were obtained around the fourth day, including low base rate behaviors. Implications for subsequent classroom observation studies were discussed.     

高职英语课堂互动的教学探索

高职院校的教学目标是培养应用型人才,而这样的目标需要在互动的过程中才能实现。本文探讨了课堂互动的概念、特征以及一些可行的策略,旨在提高学生学习的主观能动性和英语表达能力。     

课堂交往的表现形式及其实现

课堂交往是指作为自由主体的师生在平等和谐的环境中相互之间所达成的对话、理解和沟通,从而达到每个人发展的过程。师生之间的对话,生生之间的沟通,以及在对话和沟通中师生对课程教材文化的理解、筛选、培植都体现了课堂交往形式的多样性。因此,课堂交往的有效实现也必然建构在这种多样性的路向上。     

Situated learning in an abstract algebra classroom

Advisory committees of mathematics consider abstract algebra as an essential component of the mathematical preparation of secondary teachers, yet preservice teachers find it challenging to connect the topics addressed in this advanced course with the high school algebra they must someday teach. This study analyzed the mathematical content knowledge that developed in preservice teachers during a semester course in abstract algebra utilizing Lerman's “person-in-practice-in-person” lens. This unit of analysis provided insights into the situated nature of the algebra learned by illuminating how the goals of the instructor and preservice teachers impacted the community of practice created in the university classroom and how participating in that community impacted the preservice teachers' mathematical identities.     

The classroom group work for collaborative learning

This paper addresses the issues in the field of collaborative learning,and put its stress on the classroom group work for collaborative learning.The way to deal with group work and teacher's role in the process will also be discussed.     

高职高专英语课堂教学中的合作学习研究

在高职高专英语课堂中运用合作学习是有效的,相比单干的学生,采用小组合作学习的学生无论在英语学习的态度、行为还是在合作意识、集体观念和人际关系上都有一定的改善。同时,合作学习模式还有进一步的研究空间。