SPEC

SPEC
Apr 30, 2009, 05:47

From March 23 – 25, presenters Jack Drury and Cyndi LaPierre from the Antioch Graduate School in New Hampshire joined selected IC teachers for a follow-up session on the SPEC (Student-centered, Problem-based, Experiential and Collaborative learning) approach, initiated and organized by the ERC. They observed teachers using SPEC in their classes and, in further training sessions, introduced more problem solving activities to workshop participants. As with all our SPEC experiences, the days were full of thought, excited discussions and lots of learning for everyone.

Jack and Cyndi’s overall impression of what they observed was very positive. “Not only was the implementation level extremely high, but during the subsequent three days of training we observed many “light bulb” moments when it was obvious that the teachers understood why something had or had not worked. It was clear they had a deeper understanding of the model and its classroom implications.” Comments from SPEC teachers show that they are finding this approach both challenging and beneficial to both themselves and their students. “SPEC has definitely led to changes in my teaching. In fact it came at a moment where I was searching for tools that will allow me make these changes,” commented one teacher. Comments from other teachers confirmed how everyone has found something good in the approach …….:

“I teach better; the hardest part was to change the image of a teacher inside my head.”

“When I plan my teaching, I think of students: What will they do? What will they come-up with? ….. more than What will I give them?”

“…made me see that the process is as important as the content. It made me value students' input and encouraged me to "raise the bar”.

“At the beginning they[students] find it difficult and are somehow destabilized. Once they feel they are in a safe environment and that the rules are set, they enjoy it. Their performance in their classical, conventional tests is better.”

“Students are more active…. They are not anymore passive learners… they have a role in the learning processes…. “

“SPEC changed all my teaching procedure…. Now, it is more students oriented. It is LEARNING.”

“They [students] are taking more responsibility for their work; they listen better and are more quality audience. Their approach is mature.”