Reading 1-Design Of Learning Environments

Learning Points

Learner-centred environment

In a learner-centred environment, it is important that we pay attention and are sensitive to various cultural practices. A study in Hawaii showed that when students were able to relate to the reading material, they excelled in the standardised test given. This reminds me of a question in the NT Maths N Level Exam 2008 where the students were asked to answer questions based on a bus time table. When I set a similar question in the Mid Year exams, most of my students were not able to answer although to me, it was very easy. I did not realise then that they were not familiar as in Singapore, it’s not the norm for us to refer to bus time table like the way I did when I was living in Adelaide, South Australia

Knowledge-centred environment

A knowledge-centred environment is one that recognizes the need for students to learn for understanding and to find relevant use of that knowledge. There should also be an attempt to integrate understanding across discipline. In my school, students still have problems using what they have learnt in one subject to apply to another subject. For instance, although they have been taught manipulation of algebraic formula and have been given ample practice during Maths lessons, Science teachers complain that the students have problems manipulating the formula in their Physics lessons! I felt like a failure once when an Art teacher told me that my Sec 2 NT students were not able to measure 10 cm. And the complain came after I had spent 3 periods making them run around the school to measure various objects using measuring tapes! This may sound ridiculous but when I questioned those kids back then, the answer came like this…”Oh, but your lesson was Maths, but we were doing Art!! “


Assessment-centred

Assessments can be divided into 2 types, basically formative and summative.
Formative assessment is more desirable as it is a source of feedback for the students that would help them improve on their understandings of the subject matter. Types of formative assessments suggested include Self Assessment and Portfolio Assessment. Self assessment is important for meta-cognitive approach to teaching. Portfolio assessment allows parents to discuss with their children on the work their children have done.

Community-centred environment

- Important when considering implementing educational practices from other countries in own countries. What works in one country does not necessarily work well in another due to cultural differences.
- One recommendation for having a community-centred environment is to include families in classroom activities.
- Students are usually motivated to share their work with others outside of their school. This again reminds me of the students in one of my dance classes where the module is mandatory for all the students. Some of the students were really not keen on dancing but when they were told to prepare a dance routine for a visiting MP, it was amazing to see the usually uninterested students suddenly putting in so much effort and were so excited before the MP’s visit!