Just viewed the following commentary:
A ‘risk-taking’ teacher attitude seems to be crucial when it comes to using new technologies in the classroom. As the mantra in the video says: ‘what if I make a mistake? (in front of the kids!)’. Will I lose credibility? And what about all the other questions in the film that every teacher asks when ‘testing’ new web 2 technologies and associated teaching strategies in the classroom … eg. who will read this posting? What about plagiarism? etc. No easy solutions but nice to know that these feelings / concerns are shared amongst many others in the teaching profession. There’s nothing compulsory, but then again, kids might expect it and more importantly, might enjoy and benefit from it, depending on its purposeful and imaginative use.
6 Responses to “Risk-taking”Leave a Reply |
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February 12th, 2008 at 4:12 am
[...] response to Matthew’ s posting on risk taking, I believe that it is essential for teachers to have a risk taking attitude. As [...]
February 18th, 2008 at 3:30 am
Hi Mathew,
Sometimes I do dread using new things in my class and I find it challenging. Every now and then I do ask myself a lot of questions, like what if I do a mistake in front of the kids and lose their trust as students believe that teachers should know everything and are not meant to make any mistakes, however during Practicum my cooperative teacher advised me that it does not matter if you do a mistake or do not know an answer to a certain question, just be brave and admit to it and ask for help from students, even though you feel embarrassed but your class room should be a reciprocal learning environment where everyone should learn from each other. A great teacher should always embrace challenges and work to her/his best ability to find a solution.
February 20th, 2008 at 7:40 pm
[...] read one of Matthew’s posts titled risk taking I agree with Matthew that it is great that teachers/professionals are sharing their feelings and [...]
February 20th, 2008 at 7:42 pm
This video really provoked a response from me !I agree with you that Its great that teachers are sharing their feelings and attitudes, I think that is really important.
However, making mistakes is all part of learning. Learning for students and for teachers. If a mistake is made or technology fails…learning can and will still take place in how that is dealt with !!
March 2nd, 2008 at 1:56 pm
[...] video posted by Matthew on his ‘learning conversations’ blog is interesting. It raises some valid points that [...]
June 14th, 2008 at 2:14 pm
Hi Matthew,
I followed Jen’s comments on her blog to this posting you made as it grabbed my interest.
This is something I think our entire class identified with at the start of our e-Learning course!
I’m sure elements of this attitude will always remain to some degree, but its really amazing
what happens when you actually do take risk-taking approaches to teaching and learning!!
P.S I’ve added some more thoughts on this topic on my blog.