Sunnyside's recent workshop on Understanding How Children Learn, held as part of our Empowering the Youth series, proved to be an enlightening and empowering experience for educators and homeschoolers alike. Facilitated by Aneesa Jamal from Cogitation Club, this interactive workshop explored various aspects of learning, including learning theories, the limitations of current teaching methods, motivation, metacognition, the brain's role in learning, and the elements of effective teaching. Let's delve into the key highlights of this transformative event and discover how we can implement these insights to empower our children.
Understanding the Essence of Learning:
The workshop kicked off by delving into the very essence of learning. Participants explored the definition of learning and discovered its multifaceted nature. By examining various learning theories, such as behaviourism, constructivism etc, attendees gained a deeper understanding of how children acquire knowledge and skills.
Challenging Traditional Teaching Methods:
One of the crucial discussions revolved around the limitations of traditional teaching methods prevalent in many schools today. The workshop shed light on the need to move beyond rote memorisation and standardised assessments, encouraging educators to adopt learner-centered approaches. By recognising these shortcomings, participants gained the tools to create dynamic and engaging learning environments.
Motivation as the Key:
Motivation emerged as a vital factor in the learning process. The workshop emphasised on the significance of intrinsic motivation and explored strategies to ignite and sustain children's passion for learning. By understanding the different forms of motivation and incorporating relevant techniques, educators can inspire a lifelong love for learning in their children.
Unlocking Learning Potential through Metacognition:
The workshop took a deep dive into metacognition, a powerful tool for enhancing learning. Participants explored how to teach metacognitive skills, such as goal-setting, self-reflection, and self-assessment, enabling students to become aware of their thinking processes and take ownership of their learning journey. This valuable insight equipped educators with the tools to empower their students to become independent, strategic learners.
Understanding Learning and the Brain:
The workshop explored the intricate relationship between learning and the brain. Participants delved into the cognitive systems and processes that underlie effective learning. By understanding how the brain functions during the learning process, educators gained insights into tailoring their teaching strategies to optimise learning outcomes.
Elements of Effective Teaching and Meaningful Learning Experiences:
Aneesa's engaging facilitation included her signature touch of sharing Calvin and Hobbes clippings, adding light moments that stayed with participants. The workshop emphasised the elements of effective teaching and guided educators in implementing what they learned. From establishing class routines to using graphic organisers, consolidating learning, and creating meaningful assessments, participants gained practical tools and strategies to enhance their practices. Non-negotiable aspects such as play and respect were emphasised, reminding educators not to overlook their vital role in the learning process.
Encouraging Feedback & Looking Ahead:
The workshop itself was an interactive simulation of effective learning in action. Participants engaged in group activities, discussions, and icebreakers such as cracking tangrams and building learning plans for given prompts. These activities fostered collaboration, creativity, and active participation, making the learning experience enjoyable and memorable. The positive and encouraging feedback received from the participants affirmed the workshop's impact and motivated Sunnyside to continue curating empowering workshops.
Join the Empowering The Youth Community:
We are thrilled to curate more workshops under the Empowering the Youth series, designed to equip educators and homeschoolers with the tools they need to unlock the full potential of every child. If you are interested in joining our vibrant community or staying updated on future workshops, we invite you to reach out to us. Together, let's embark on a journey of empowering our youth, creating transformative learning experiences, and nurturing the leaders of tomorrow.
In conclusion, the Understanding How Children Learn workshop, facilitated by Aneesa from Cogitation Club, proved to be a pivotal event in our Empowering the Youth series. Through exploring the various aspects of learning, discussing effective teaching techniques, and embracing interactive activities, participants gained valuable insights and practical strategies. Sunnyside is committed to curating more workshops that empower adults to become better enablers for children, helping them reach their full potential. Let’s empower the youth and pave the way for a brighter future.
Empowering the Youth (ETY) - Equipping Adults to Empower Children is a workshop series curated by Sunnyside. These are unique learning experiences designed for adults who want to deepen their understanding of children and become better enablers of their potential. Whether you're a teacher, parent, alternative educator, or simply have a passion for working with kids, these workshops are for you! Learn more about the Empowering the Youth workshop series here.
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