Instructors often equate teaching with lecturing. That's not surprising, because most of us had lectures throughout high school and college. But when asked to describe how they learn best, teachers' answers vary, from reading on their own to trying new things to talking about ideas with others. Research on learning backs this up.
Read the following myths and facts about learning.
Reveal
Myth We must be sitting in a chair at all times in order to learn.
Reveal Fact
Myth The person who does the most listening does the most learning.
Reveal Fact
Myth The best way to teach is to give information in a well-planned lecture.
Reveal Fact
Myth If we'd only listen, we'd remember more.
Reveal Fact
Myth The more "serious" the learning is, the more we will remember.
Reveal Fact
Myth Fun is marginal to learning.
Reveal Fact
Myth The only person who should be the "sage on the stage" is the expert in the field.
Reveal Fact
Adapted from the Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development, www.ascd.org.
Most people learn best by actively working with new concepts and ideas, solving problems, asking and answering questions, discussing, debating, brainstorming, researching, and explaining. Successful teachers provide students with opportunities to engage in these types of activities.