Learning is a natural and dynamic process. The experiences of children with examples reinforce learning patterns. Before a concept is made clear, the student goes through the experience and synthesizes it with its understanding level. The ultimate aim of learning is to develop independent learning, critical and creative thinking to be able to arrive at the best solution to a problem. Far more important is the retention of learning for one doesn’t learn to forget! In order that the child sustains the knowledge he has received, he should be allowed to conduct his own experiments to arrive at the right solution.
To facilitate learners Dr.Harvey Silver suggests a Concept Attainment strategy (78-79) in which students have presented examples and non-examples required to make decisions of variously categorized attributes.
Concept attainment “is an indirect instructional strategy that compels students to identify the distinguishing characteristic of a given item or concept. Because students are discovering information for themselves, this constructivist activity will enhance your student’s learning”.
To introduce the concept of the addition of two numbers to ten I would choose five examples each written on cards under YES examples and NO examples.
YES examples NO examples
5 + 5 8 + 3
6 +4 5 + 6
2 + 8 4 + 7
9 + 1 2 + 9
3 + 7 1 + 8
I would then offer definitions of addition and subtractions and provide examples. I would give them hints on conducting the addition operation. I would explain to them the critical attributes of the numbers and enable them to apply them to the concept. I would also provide initial guidelines regarding the concept. If I encounter learning difficulties in students in understanding the basic concept I would provide more concrete examples. Learning could become fun if it is a joint activity. I would divide the students into equal groups so that each student gets the opportunity to have the first-hand experience in analyzing the concept for him. Once the concept is understood properly each student would take part in a synthesis activity in which the elements of conceptual examples are driven home. The heterogeneous batch of students could encounter further complications. In order that the concept remains with them throughout I would ask each group to prepare their own cards having one example of each of the two sets. A student from each group would present the card to the students and explain the concept. The weak students would be benefited from this method.
The ultimate aim of learning is to sustain the matter that is learned. Effective teaching strategies would enhance learning in students. Learning should not be tedious and boring. Hence, the teacher has to develop her own teaching styles to suit the needs of the students. It would also be effective to remove the fear of numerical ability. This method can enable the understanding of concepts in language, science, and mathematics. The practical applicability of this method would suit students of all age groups and the learning enthusiast would get the maximum out of his efforts. The rich learning experience is far better than parrot repetition!