Reflecting upon my student teacher findings, I was extremely
surprised to discover that my fellow student teacher, was completely unaware of
the term ‘popular culture’ and its meaning, much less how to utilise it within
the classroom environment.
However, once I had taken the opportunity to explain the
meaning of ‘popular culture’ she was able to provide me with specific examples,
she had experienced within the classroom. One such example was a teacher,
utilising football stickers to support a maths lesson, (understanding the
difference between two sets of numbers); this was something that I had not considered
using within the classroom.
The conversation eventually turned to understanding the
negative aspects of ‘popular culture’, our main concern being; understanding
how best to implement ‘popular culture’ effectively, in order to benefit the
children’s learning. In addition, the necessity of appreciating changing trends
in fashion/toys and games; having changed considerably since we were young.
A particular comment that I found encouraging was
her belief that technology within the classroom represents a vital role. McDougall
S, supports this view by stating working with technology to shape an experience
around the needs of the learner delivers engaged, inquisitive children.
From our seminar we discussed that children were known as
‘digital natives’ having been brought up in a world of technology. Prensky M,
presents an interesting point that digital natives crave interactivity- an
immediate response to their each and every action; something that I believe
will represent a challenge for teachers when planning appropriate lessons.
Prensky M; goes on to say that ‘Digital game-based learning’ is beginning to
emerge and thrive within the classroom environment. This is something that I
think could potentially change the classroom learning and more importantly the
way we teach and interact with children!
Bibliography
McDougall,S.
One tablet or two? Opportunities for change in educational provision in the
next 20 years. Futurelab:
http://archive.futurelab.org.uk/resources/documents/discussion_papers/One_tablet_or_two.pdf
http://archive.futurelab.org.uk/resources/documents/discussion_papers/One_tablet_or_two.pdf
Prensky,
M. (2001) ‘Digital Natives, Digital Immigrants, Part II: Do They Really Think
Differently?’ in On the Horizon 9 (6) (pdf on LN)
I think it is very interesting that the student teacher that you interviewed had no initial knowledge of what popular culture is. I particularly agree with your view that technology is important in the classroom as it presents many opportunities for children to further develop their learning.
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