Involving the learner in the classroom

The meaningful involvement of learners in your classroom does not mean  just getting the learners response to a question posed by the teacher.

Abby Wills discovered how to involve her learners in an ordinary every day activity, and one that she dreaded because of their previous behaviour. Wills’ learners not only became more compliant, but they later acted mindfully and she also got them to prepare the classroom in a mindful manner as a part of their class culture. She adapted/ adjusted her approach every day, to keep the learners interested and curious.

Therefore the learners’ behaviour became self-regulated as a natural consequences. The experience of mindfulness that Abby Wills created in the classroom setting, generated a genuine desire for coherence. Once the learners got involved they gave constructive feedback like that they felt peaceful, organized, less crazy etc.

With this Abby also demonstrated that even though children can act chaotic they crave and need structure and guidance. As a teacher getting to know your learners is one step closer to knowing how to approach matters and handle them.

 Wills demonstrated that involving the learners in the classroom can be constructive and also save the teachers sanity. One can say she somewhat shifted the responsibility onto the learners and this facilitated a positive outcome in the classroom.  But when you really think about it, finding ways to involve your learners would require a lot of careful planning. This kind of teaching can be challenging too much of the same things can bore the learners back into old routines, and constantly finding new ways to involve them can be a challenge.

I would try to do as Wills did, involve my learners by perhaps giving them a “voice”. I would allow them to debate on a topic relating to the work that needs to be done. They could also give suggestions as to how to approach the work. This would allow the teacher (me) to not only gain insight on what works best for the learners, but closely observe their different learning styles and so also enable me to use what is observed and combine learning strategies as to benefit each learner.

As a teacher I would try to get a sense of what the learners needs are. I would ask them what they expect to gain while in my class.  I would also enquire on what it is that will motivate them to do their best. What is most important would be to respect their responses and then modify each lesson to meet their needs whilst at the same time encouraging their active involvement.The Learners involvement in the classroom is ultimately crucial to ensure a pleasant learning environment (for both the teacher and learner).