The chapters on "Resistance to Learning" and "Responding to Resistance to Learning" really struck a chord with me. I instruct students who come from a different culture than mine and this can be a recurring issue in my classrooms. I think Brookfield hits the nail on the head when he describes "Even in the most benign of classrooms people are unwilling to admit they're confused about content or don't understand instructions. If a teacher interprets a lack of student questions as a sign that learners are in full command of the material, they may well set assignments that are pitched at too advanced a level." (Brookfield, p. 222)
As an instructor, I need to use a wide range of instructional styles and tools available to me. Formative assessments like the Critical Incident Questionnaire and Jigsaw classroom can change the energy in the room and help me to define what learning is taking place and what I may need to do to refocus my delivery. Simulations, Role Play, Practical exercises, and even co-teaching are instructional techniques I can use to try to draw in my students and break through some of their barriers and concerns. If I want to succeed I have to make an sincere effort to put my students at ease and provide a safe learning environment.
As Brookfield wrote, "Remember that resistance to learning is normal, natural, and inevitable. The trick is to make sure it interferes as little as possible with classroom activities that other students see as important and helpful." (Brookfield, p.238)
References
Brookfield, S. D. (2015). The Skillful Teacher: On Technique, Trust, and Responsiveness in the Classroom. John Wiley & Sons.
As an instructor, I need to use a wide range of instructional styles and tools available to me. Formative assessments like the Critical Incident Questionnaire and Jigsaw classroom can change the energy in the room and help me to define what learning is taking place and what I may need to do to refocus my delivery. Simulations, Role Play, Practical exercises, and even co-teaching are instructional techniques I can use to try to draw in my students and break through some of their barriers and concerns. If I want to succeed I have to make an sincere effort to put my students at ease and provide a safe learning environment.
As Brookfield wrote, "Remember that resistance to learning is normal, natural, and inevitable. The trick is to make sure it interferes as little as possible with classroom activities that other students see as important and helpful." (Brookfield, p.238)
References
Brookfield, S. D. (2015). The Skillful Teacher: On Technique, Trust, and Responsiveness in the Classroom. John Wiley & Sons.