Competency based teaching-learning:
A quote from
CLAY P. BEDFORD:
“You can
teach a student a lesson for a day; but if you can teach him to learn by
curiosity, he will continue the learning process as long as he lives.”
Introduction:
The competency-based
teaching is a new approach (an innovative) in teaching- learning process. The
word competency means skills, efficient, rather to enhance the abilities,
working strategies. First and foremost, the phobia in the subject say
mathematics is to be removed, create interest in the subject, the reasons why
to study mathematics to be mentioned. Students are three kinds, some are
visual, some auditory, some are kinesthetic.
Teaching methods to be cater to
the needs of all kinds of students. Students progress is important, one has to
work with vision and mission to see the students acquire skills to solve HOTS
(High order thinking skills). The very important aspect how far the learning
has taken place and to meet and answer the challenging questions. I would say
at least, the minimum level of learning (MLL) should have taken place. In this
aspect two people are involved, one teacher and the other the student.
Of
course, the involvement and encouragement of parents are essential. The environment
to say HOME, has to be congenial for proper learning. In brief parents have to
trust their wards at the same time watch them, guide them then and there, if
they are in wrong path. We human beings are blessed with sensory organs. Eyes,
ears, nose, tongue, skin. One has to make good use of them. In the class room,
eyes and ears are used.
One has to make best use of them. It’s a matter of
pride and pleasure, how one sharpens his/her perception skills. I could make a
suggestion. The competency-based teaching could be started right from middle
classes (6 to higher secondary), so that there is gradual learning with more
confidence and without any stress. It goes without saying teachers to be
trained periodically to update their skills. (To adopt changes as and when
required)
Benefits by
this approach:
1. Students acquire skills, be aware of
the knowledge acquired, where it is applied in our daily life, linkage with
other subjects especially with science.
2. To attain proficiency and grip over
the subject whatever study.
3. There is conceptual learning and no
rote learning.
4. There are many methods. Generally, a
class is heterogeneous, students are of different calibres. This method/approach
is based on students centred.
5. In the long run help students to
write competitive exams, Olympiads, entrance exams ----. Shall definitely help and
choose academic career of his/her choice.
Role of teachers:
1. To train the students where to apply,
what has been learnt, the knowledge.
2. Nowadays collaborative learning is
under practice, to be incorporated.
3. Students are to be encouraged to
participate in class room discussion and should not have fear to clarify doubts
with teacher.
4. To link the previous knowledge
acquired to the new topic whatever is being taught, there by fear complex is
removed/ vanished. There is horizontal as well as vertical integration of each
subject. (Students do move from one class to next higher class.)
5. To solve a question step by step, by
involvement of students.
6. Students are to be told what to
study, how to study and why to study. There may be more than a section in a
class, if necessary, the teachers have to change the approach depends on
students’ calibre, understanding abilities.
7. Students may be trained and be
encouraged to solve, under open-ended approach, so to say solving using
different methods using the given data.
8. To give names of reference books for
practice (as there will be some questions apart from the textbook). To refer
the syllabus prescribed.
9. To develop and make an impact,
creating curiosity, creativity, thinking aspects (abstract, analytical,
divergent, critical, logical----)
10. To evaluate the progress of students
periodically, students are to be guided and encouraged for setting their Goals
in academic career.
(Suggestion: Teachers have to keep some time for students’
interaction -to say 10 minutes for interaction out of 45 minutes class
duration)
To conclude, every individual is unique, hidden with lots of
talents. We are fully aware that teachers are nation builders. I am sure teachers’
fraternity shall dig out and bring the hidden talents to the surface.
Note: There are many subjects to study. I am confined to mathematics teaching
- learning aspects.
Learning is a treasure that will follow its owner everywhere---Chinese
proverb.
--------------- be continued with questions on various topics
of different classes.
