I always use collaborative learning in my teaching for the students to achieve a particular task within the deadline. This kind of teaching method allows the pupils to be engaged in learning in a way that they will be challenged to listen to diverse perspectives and debate or agree on the best ideas for their output. For me, using this learner-centered approach makes it easier for me to integrate at least four core values: love and justice, sense of family, excellence, and self-discipline about a certain topic.
Imagine: Children are naturally creative and imaginative. When I taught the lesson, “Elements of Short Story”, I required first my pupils to be with their respective groups and I asked them to write a paragraph about a story that they would want to develop. A lot of interesting stories were created about mermaids, wolves, love, and other stories.
Revise: Afterwards, I taught them the specific elements of a short story. I criticized their works and discussed the missing elements. I also used discovery learning for them to learn while revising their stories by being with their group mates, identifying their mistakes, guiding them through inquiry-based learning as they ask questions, promoting self-discipline and respect for the ideas of others, and pursuing excellence in everything they do.
Play: After improving the stories, I asked them to dramatize their short stories. Each of the best performers was awarded a medal and certificate of recognition.
By: Arnel Lopez
Sir Arnel R. Lopez is a newly-hired English teacher of Montessori De Sagrada Familia. He graduated Cum Laude from Baliwag Polytechnic College with a degree in Education major in English Language Education. He worked as a writer in a Malaysia-based writing firm in his hometown before becoming a full-fledged teacher in MDSF. He believes that experiential and collaborative type of learning can bring out the best in every student.