There Are Many Overarching Pedagogical Approaches To Teachin

There are many overarching pedagogical approaches to teaching, including a student-centered classroom, an inquiry-based classroom, a project-based classroom, a flipped classroom, and many more. Pick one pedagogical approach to teaching in your content area. Why do you like this approach? How does this approach align with your content area?

Jacqueline: As with most topics, I had to first learn what a pedagogical approach was as I had never heard the term prior to this class. My understanding is that it is simply the approach a teacher uses when instructing. “Pedagogy is a term that refers to the method of how teachers teach, in theory and in practice. Pedagogy is formed by an educator's teaching beliefs and concerns the interplay between culture and different ways to learn. In order to help students to build on prior learning, meaningful classroom relationships must exist.” (Tophat, n.d.)

There are different types of pedagogical approaches: behaviorism, constructivism, social constructivism, liberationism. In a math course, I would likely use social constructivism. This approach combines teacher-guided and student-centered strategies, emphasizing collaboration and peer learning. Learning becomes a shared process where students learn from each other, which is particularly beneficial in math, a subject many students find intimidating (TES, 2021). I appreciate this method because it accommodates diverse learning styles, helps students gain confidence by collaborative problem-solving, and fosters peer instruction, which can clarify complex concepts through peer explanations and different perspectives. By engaging students actively and socially, this approach makes abstract mathematical concepts more accessible and relevant.

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In the realm of mathematics education, implementing pedagogical approaches that maximize student engagement and understanding is vital. Social constructivism stands out as a highly effective approach because it recognizes learning as a social process, where knowledge is constructed through interaction and collaboration. This methodology aligns with the nature of mathematics, which often benefits from diverse approaches and peer explanations, making it more comprehensible for students with varying learning styles.

Social constructivism emphasizes active participation, encouraging students to work in pairs, small groups, or as a whole class, fostering an environment where learners can share perspectives, clarify misunderstandings, and develop critical thinking skills. This approach also addresses emotional barriers; some students may feel intimidated asking questions publicly. Working in smaller groups can reduce anxiety, promote a safe learning environment, and motivate students to participate actively (Vygotsky, 1978).

Research indicates that social constructivist strategies improve mathematical achievement by supporting deeper understanding and retention of concepts (Swan, 2014). It also aligns with modern educational standards emphasizing collaborative skills. As a future educator, integrating social constructivism into my math instruction will promote a more inclusive, engaging, and effective learning atmosphere. Students will benefit from varied instructional techniques, and I will be better equipped to meet diverse student needs and foster critical mathematical thinking (Boaler, 2016).

References

  • Boaler, J. (2016). Mathematical Mindsets: Unleashing Students' Potential through Creative Math. John Wiley & Sons.
  • Swan, M. (2014). Collaborative Learning in Math Education. Journal of Mathematical Behavior, 33, 45-55.
  • TES. (2021). Social Constructivism in the Classroom. Retrieved from https://www.tes.com
  • Tophat. (n.d.). Pedagogical Approaches in Education. Retrieved from https://tophat.com
  • Vygotsky, L. S. (1978). Mind in Society: The Development of Higher Psychological Processes. Harvard University Press.