Introduction
Educational strategies are the instructional methods and the learning activities used in imparting knowledge and skills to the learners. Miss Brodie and Miss Mackay have different views on the scope of education. The difference is visible in their execution strategy and perception on the role of the learner. Thus, this analytical treatise attempts to explicitly review the differences between Miss Brodie’s and Miss Mackay’s idea of education.
Differences
Miss Brodie believes that education encompasses leading the learners. In her view, education is only complete when the learner is guided to understand the concepts that are already internalized in his or her soul. Miss Brodie notes that, “to me education is a leading out of what is already there in the pupil’s soul” (Spark 36). In direct contrast, Miss Mackay believes that education involves imparting of knowledge into a learner who previously was void of such knowledge. Basically, “Miss Mackay’s method is to thrust a lot of information into the pupil’s head” (Spark 37).
Apparently, Miss Brodie’s discussion approach engages the students as non proactive learning partners who are expected to be part of the solution to learning problems. It helps develop psychomotor and communication skills of the learners even though time consuming. Problem-solving is a strategy in which the teacher illustrates using well done examples to the learners to guide them in organizing their solutions.
This aspect is more efficient in giving guidance to the learners in solving their problems during the lesson plan execution. It improves learner’s communication skills as well as participation. Discussion is a strategy in which the teacher simply gives guidance to the learners as they solve problems, it gives the students an opportunity to have a broader view of the concept as well as develop confidence. For instance, Miss Brodie retorts that “you were not listening to me. If only you small girlswould listen to me I would make of you the crème de la crème” (Spark 25).
On the other hand, Miss Mackay has the role of responsibility definition that pulls together the learning materials and resources such as coursework, basic learning skills, and practical assessments with an assumption that the learners have no prior knowledge of the concepts. She has entrusted the learner(s) with the power to make decisions on how the learning process should be handled. Besides, she has employed different teaching strategies such as learner oriented model. This model puts the learner in the forefront of the learning activity rather than being an observer. This will eventually give the learner a strong voice in the learning process (Spark 38).
Personal reflection
In my opinion, Miss Mackay’s teaching approach is ideal in any classroom setting since it is void of assumptions. Learning process functions in a dynamic but systematic process that is greatly influenced by the main objective, sub objectives, and the environment in which learners are subjected to in the process of knowledge acquisition.
Thus, the educator should be attached to the lesson objective and learn from the students especially on cultural differences and language in order to create a friendly and inclusive environment. In order to grow, it is important to internalize knowledge imparting strategies that should operate within reliable and suitable epoch in order to create free learning environment, instill confidence in the learner, and improve quality of output in line with objectives of education.
Works Cited
Spark, Muriel. The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie: A Novel, New York, NY: Open Road Media, 2012. Print.