Saturday 11 February 2012

It Only Takes ONE

ONE song can spark a moment,
ONE flower can wake the dream.
ONE tree can start a forest,
ONE bird can herald the spring.
ONE smile begins a friendship,
ONE handclasp lifts a soul.
ONE start can guide a ship at sea,
ONE word can frame the goal.
ONE vote can change a nation,
ONE sunbeam lights a room.
ONE candle wipes out darkness,
ONE laugh will conquer gloom.
ONE step must start each journey,
ONE word must start each prayer.
ONE hope will raise our spirits,
ONE touch can show you care.
ONE voice can speak with wisdom,
ONE heart can know what's true
ONE life can make the difference,
YOU see, it's up to YOU!
-Unknown Author

Co-operative and Collaborative learning

Does co-operative and collaborative learning work? What are the benefits of co-operative and collaborative learning?
Let us quickly understand, what is co-operative and collaborative learning. Collaborative learning is a method of teaching and learning together. A group of students discussing on any topic or a students from different schools community working together over the internet. Cooperation is working together to accomplish shared goals. Cooperative learning is the instructional use of small groups to let students work together to maximize their learning in order to achieve their goals. Cooperative learning is now one of the most promising practices in the field of education. The students work together in small groups on a structured activity. Co-operative groups work face-to-face and learn to work as a team. In small teams students can share their strengths and also develop their weaker skills. 

It is indeed an approach to organizing classroom activities into academic and social learning experiences. The students can gain a lot of benefits because cooperative learning approach can give students the chance to develop positive and productive relationships. It gives students opportunities to learn from one another rather than receive information from the teacher or text alone, help them reflect on process, and refine use; encourage them to practice the skill daily and help them know how to do it (T Chart).

Whereas, Collaborative learning can result into more efficient use of time,are fundamental to success in life beyond school, increases the opportunity for enhancing communication skills, participation and responsibility/accountability, demonstrates the social power of learning, boosts students' self esteem and confidence which are critical to learning and last but not the least, improves individual thinking and learning

For more details refer the link below and the book by Kath Murdoch & Jeni Wilson
Co-operative Learning
Concept to class

Thursday 9 February 2012

Is lying purposeful?

Why do children lie? Is lying purposeful? What if a child lie and then confront? What if they behave inappropriately? Why do they bully? 

Well, the perpetual problem that many parents face is lying by their children. Therefore, its important that many parents recognize that all behaviour is purposeful, even the habit of lying.When parents confront their children about their pattern of lying, they may unintentionally make the problem worse. 

Parents need to rethink their perspective for dealing with their children when they lie. Parents should never use the word lying in front of their child/children. It is preferable to use phrases such as "you need to be more up-front with me" or "you need to be honest with me" or "I trust and I know you too". This relaxes the encounter and makes it more likely that you will get to the bottom of the situation.

Children may embellish stories and lie to their friends if they lack self-confidence and proper social skills. Children may feel the need to gain approval from their peers. If you are aware that your child is fabricating information, explore the issue with gentleness or seek professional counseling assistance if necessary.

Some guidelines for parents to cope with children who conceal the truth are:
  • All behavior is purposeful, even lying. Lying is not always intentional deceit/pretence and may be aimed at getting attention from parents or manipulating a situation.
  • All children will lie on occasion. It is inevitable. Remember your childhood?
  • When children tell the truth, reinforce their positive behavior.
  • Never set-up your child by being aware of a lie and then asking him for the truth without discussing that you have information. Acknowledge up-front that you know what's going on.
  • Monitor your children's behavior (without over-involvement).
  • Remember lying is always a byproduct of other more meaningful areas of exploration with your children.
  • As a parent, role-model honest communications and behavior demonstrating integrity with your children. 
Unfortunately, some children are pathological (chronic) liars. These children wreak/cause havoc at home.Remember that lying is purposeful behavior that can be minimized with healthy involvement with your children, appropriate monitoring, sensitivity and understanding, and role-modeling of honest, open, and emotionally expressive communications.