Week 13-Chapter 3

Some people say drill and practice is really "drill and kill." What can teachers do to make sure this kind of use doesn't happen and drill and practice can serve a useful function?

Just like most everything that we do in our lives the way I see it is we have to do everything with balance or moderation. Same concept applies here with drill and practice. We need to determine when is the appropriate time to have a student use drill and practice techniques as well as how long they should use it. We have to pay attention to the student’s learning style. Some students may not need to use drill and practice because they clearly understand the lesson, however others that are maybe not grasping the idea can get some benefit out of using drill and practice. Granted, it’s only for a set time like 15 minutes in order for them not to get "killed" so to speak.

Another way to make drill and practice beneficial is to make it fun for the students. They can have small competitions where the last top two compete in the end for the number one spot. This will eliminate the time that can pass to get bored. So again everything in moderation should be beneficial.

Discussion 11: Distance Learning

In regards to distance learning some educators agree with it and support it but others don’t. Some educators feel that distance learning will help extend opportunities to students that live in the country or far away from civilization so to speak. In addition students will gain computer skills that they may use in their future workplace. Also with distance learning students tend to develop their writing skills more because it requires students to interact through writing on a discussion board or whatever the case may be. It also helps them develop critical thinking skills because students tend to think about their responses more when they are writing it rather than just saying it as it is in the traditional class on campus. It also allows for more student flexibility where students will learn when it is convenient to them. Theoretically I would think it would help students develop a sense of time management as well as responsibility and discipline.

Others however, feel that students will lose interest quickly to where they just drop out with distance learning. Some students may not embrace the flexibility as a way to be responsible but rather irresponsible. They might find it easier to procrastinate when they don’t see the teachers expression reaction to not doing an assignment so to speak. Some teachers also feel that students will not be able to develop the normal social skills as those in the traditional classroom. Those students will not develop proper body language in accordance to the different settings.