Discussion topics

1. What powerful learning experiences did you see teachers create in their lessons? (Discuss in terms of content, process and social climate)
Unfortunately because it was test time i was unable to observe any powerful learning experience exhibited.

2. What is "reasonable academic progress"?
Reasonable academic progress is the gaining of knowledge in an expected manner as per the scheme of work and in the culmination of a certificate or a recognition and is a standard by which a financial aid body determines the progress of the student receiving aid.

3. What is a spiral curriculum? How can curriculum experiences be carefully organised and sequenced? Give an example.
Spiral curriculum is based on the assumption that students are not ready to learn and so a topic need to be introduced and reintroduced at a different point in time so that they would pick it up the second or third time. It is called spiral because the level would not be the same each time it comes around. Let us say as an example: a word processing package is introduced in Form 1 and then in Form 2 it is explained in detail. Care must be taken to ensure that there is a gradual increase in difficulty with subsequent introduction otherwise the concept of spiral curriculum fails and becomes cyclic.

4. What is "engaged" time?
The total time students stay focused and on task constitute what is known as "engaged" time. Students would not be able to stay focused for the entire duration of class time and therefore activities should be planned so that their mind do not wander beyond the classroom.

5. What are active teaching and learning?
Active teaching involves being conscious of the teaching process and realizing the objectives planned. Active learning is where students learn on their own (student centered)where the teacher is the facilitator and the guide.