By Bill Reed - INcompassing Education Math and S.T.E.M. Specialist
As we transition from the season of Thanksgiving to the spirit of giving at Christmas, I think about how much teachers give of themselves to their students. I’m reminded of a question I love asking educators: Are you a Conveyor of Knowledge or a Facilitator of Learning?
This thought-provoking question encourages us to reflect on our teaching styles and their impact on students. Let’s explore what each approach entails and how small changes can help teachers shift toward facilitating meaningful learning experiences.
Conveyor of Knowledge vs. Facilitator of Learning
Conveyors of Knowledge deliver information directly to students, expecting them to absorb it like sponges. While some students thrive in this environment, most do not learn effectively this way.
On the other hand, Facilitators of Learning emphasize active engagement. They ask open-ended questions, allow for peer discussions, and create opportunities for students to connect concepts with real-world applications. Facilitators guide students to think critically, solve problems, and take ownership of their learning.
Key Shifts to Become a Facilitator of Learning
Moving from a conveyor to a facilitator requires intentional changes in teaching methods. Below are three transformative areas to focus on:
1. Ask Better Questions
Instead of asking, “Are there any questions?” after a lesson, have students write down a question they can ask about the material. This small adjustment encourages curiosity and deepens understanding. It also requires students to examine what they were just taught and formulate a question. Students learn to view questions not as a sign of confusion, but as a tool for learning.
When responding to students’ questions, consider answering with another question. For instance:
• “Where could you find the answer to your question?”
• “What resources (notes, textbooks, peers) might help you?”
• “What do you think you would find if you used Google or AI for your question?”
This strategy pushes students to think independently, reinforcing the importance of self-reliance and critical thinking. While students might initially resist, this approach fosters lifelong learning habits.
2. Focus on Higher-Order Thinking Skills
Facilitators ask questions that go beyond surface-level understanding. Instead of simply recalling facts (DOK 1), ask students to:
• Analyze patterns (DOK 2)
• Evaluate solutions (DOK 3)
• Apply concepts to new contexts (DOK 3)
For example, when students work on a problem set, ask:
• “How are these problems similar?”
• “What patterns do you notice?”
• “Where have you seen similar problems like these in previous classes?”
• “Is there an example in your notes, textbook, or online that is similar?”
Guiding students to identify connections helps them develop a deeper understanding of the material.
3. Make Learning Relevant
Students often ask, “When will I ever use this in real life?”. Turn this into a teachable moment. Respond with, “That’s a great question! Let’s explore it together.” Encourage students to research real-world applications using tools like Google or AI platforms.
Additionally, use strategies
like Notice and Wonder to help students relate math problems to prior knowledge. Asking questions like, “How does this concept connect to something you’ve learned before?”, builds relevance and engagement. Asking students to create a word or story problem that would use the expression or equation to represent a problem given, is an excellent way to get students to see how it is related to what they may have experienced.
The Bigger Picture
Facilitators of Learning focus on guiding students toward discovery rather than merely delivering information. This approach not only equips students with subject knowledge but also cultivates critical thinking, problem-solving, and lifelong learning skills.
So, as we embrace the season of giving, reflect on your teaching practice. Are you giving students all the answers, or are you empowering them to find answers on their own?
What kind of teacher are you? A Conveyor of Knowledge or a Facilitator of Learning?
Call to Action
Ready to make the shift? Start by implementing just one of these strategies in your classroom this week. Small changes can lead to big transformations in how students learn and grow!
