Using Reason and Observation to Explore the World
I was a scientist before I was an educator, and no matter what subjects my students are studying, I encourage them to view each of their unique challenges with a scientist’s eye. What do we already know that can help us? What can we infer from the facts we’ve been given? What are the techniques and tools we could use to solve this problem? What are the steps we need to take before we can create a solution? Does the answer we’ve arrived at make sense?
Ask Questions
When learners have questions they want answered, whether it’s about the color of the sky or the influence of Cardinal Richelieu on the Peace of Westphalia, they will always be driven to find out more. A good teacher can use those questions to guide them in productive directions, and lead them to further questions that will enhance their understanding.
Plan Solutions
We need a plan to find the answers to our questions, including what tools and resources we will use to investigate them, and how we will know when we’ve arrived at a solution. Effective instruction encourages learners to make their own plans and adapt them to different challenges they face. Their instructor can be both resource and facilitator, helping them learn not just the subject matter content, but how to become effective problem solvers in any field.
Try Again
Our first solution will probably be far from perfect, but one of the keys to understanding complex ideas is the ability to tackle them in multiple ways. Learners need opportunities to rethink their approach and create a new strategy, if at first they don’t succeed.
Mr. Williams seems really excited about rocks. I didn’t think that was possible.
Anonymous Undergraduate Student
Matthew J Williams, Educator 