Reflecting upon MacNaughton and Williams chapter on ‘Democratising’, I have been able to understand the importance of utilising this in the classroom. Children are capable learners who are valued highly in decision making their learning. As a pre-service teacher it is my responsibility to listen carefully to the children and respond respectfully to their opinions. Children’s participation is a vital element in my emerging philosophy as I strongly believe incorporating children’s strengths and interests are an essential part to planning and implementing activities/experiences for the children.
Giving children the opportunity for decision-making in their learning is excellent in providing children with responsibilities and demonstrating the importance of equal rights to learn.All children should be provided with the same opportunities to learn and be treated equal. I believe that my goal in my future teaching practice is to ensure all children’s interests are incorporated together into learning experiences in order to have a balance of whole group and individual activities. Giving children the opportunity for empowerment allows children to have choice, freedom but most importantly be apart of decisions in the classroom. When children have responsibility they feel a sense of belonging and a sense of need. When children are felt as though they are needed, they feel as though they are highly valued. I believe that children are the most important aspect of learning, they are capable and responsible young learners who should be treated equal, fair and all of their opinions should be taken into consideration.
Do you believe that children should be involved in decision making towards their learning?
I agree with you in all aspects of this blog. Children are still human beings and they all should have the right to be involved in decision making. It is highly an important aspect of learning because as a teacher we can incorporate childrens interest into their learning in order to help us help them improve on their learning abilities. It helps us recognise what works well with them and what doesn't and therefore, their say is the most vital thing to listen to as a teacher.
ReplyDeleteCompletely agree with you Susan, Children need to have the opportunity to make decisions in their learning. Children also need to be shown and taught respect in order for them to replicate it and show it others. I believe a 110% students need to have an active say in their learning in order to be motivated and excited to learn, I believe learning needs to have an equal balance of adult and child led learning and children need to be responsibilities in order for them to feel capable and secure about themselves .
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