Reflective Journal # 5

     This chapter must have been meant for me.  I think on of my biggest anxiety is not having control.  Student-Centered Learning is a very effective approach.  However, it is one that I myself have been reluctant to use.  Relinquishing control is something that I was taught to quickly get control of.  I will never forget the first time a discussion got away from me.  The students were off the subject before I realized it.  It reminded me of an avalanche forming.  I felt miserable and a failure.
     With that being said thorough training is one thing that can prevent this.  Also, it is ok to say "Hey guys, we are getting off track here."  Slavin, (2018) gives a perfect illustration in the Intentional Teacher. (p. 215)  Here Slavin (2018), points out 6 traits of teaching using student-centered methods:

•  Intentional teachers structure activities
• They provide an opportunity to create and discover learning
• They use effective forms of cooperative learning
• They use reciprocal teaching
• They teach problem-solving skills
• They also teach critical thinking skills

I think the last two points will be most useful to conquer my apprehension with Student-Centered Learning.  I teach the lower grades 1st and 2nd.  As I was reading about Whole-Class Discussions, Mrs. Wilson's approach during her discussion with her class.  Slavin, (2018) states "Mrs. Wilson let the students determine the direction of the discussion to a substantial degree" (p.181)
It was plain to see just how Mrs. Wilson accomplished this by reading the dialogue between her and her students.  I was able to see ways that I could accomplish the same results with my young students.  

Refrence 

Slavin, R. E. (2018).  Educational Psychology:  Theory and Practice (12th ed.).  Boston MA: Pearson Education