I am really confused about several concepts in this module, I just cannot grasp the meanings. What exactly IS the instructional conversation method? Is the text implying that instructional is opposite to conversational? Also, I do not understand the difference between the types of prompts (knowledge-constructing, thought-provoking, metacognitive) of question stems for reciprocal questioning?
The teaching method of inquiry learning involves Vygotsky’s theory of Zone of Proximal Development/scaffolding. Inquiry learning is a step-by-step process of a group of students putting effort into finding the answer to a question, finding supporting information, then sorting all of the information out while analyzing it, then openly expressing their reflection and researched answer as a group. The reason that inquiry learning involves scaffolding and ZPD is because it is vital that the teacher gives frequent feedback and advice to the students as they sort out their information, to make sure they are using metacognitive strategies effectively. A teacher that has lesson plans set up in an inquiry learning-style, would most likely be getting the students to learn by behaviorist theory techniques. This is because the teacher is giving positive reinforcement and/or negative reinforcement to the student as advice on how to organize their research, affecting the strategies the students will use to research answers effectively.
Reciprocal-teaching supports the socio-cultural learning theory. Reciprocal teaching is to help the student with reading comprehension. This teaching method requires the teacher to MODEL the different comprehension techniques as the teacher and students have a conversation with each other about the class readings at hand. The students are learning through imitating the teacher and sometimes even their own peers.
I don't quite understand what you're asking about whether instructional is opposite of conversational because it really doesn't discuss that in the reading. What it is saying about instructional conversations is that both the input of the student and the teacher are valued equally in the discussion of the material that is to be learned. I feel like it's definition of instructional and conversational are just ways of explaining how the two components work together in this teaching style.
ReplyDeleteI think the instructional conversation method is exactly what the name says. Teachers converse with the students and teach them topics and ideas through those conversations. I doubt little kids would ever learn much from a lecture, and this is the opposite. By engaging in conversation with the students, they feel important and will probably be more willing to learn the information.
ReplyDeleteI couldn't have said it better Lauren, I agree with what you said. From what I understood in the reading, instructional conversation is teaching students through conversations.
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