Education is defined as the process of teaching and
learning. Teachers teach so that students learn. How can
a teacher vouch that his or her students have really learned? It is being able to get a high score in quiezzes and repeat back to them what they have transmitted? Or is it being able to put to good use the facts and theories that has been ecplored inside the classroom – being able to apply the things learned in school to real life siturations and hence, contribute to the betterment of society. Another question now arises, what methods of teaching ensure that
learning will take place? How should lessons be presented? How can the home support real education to take place in the lives of their
children?
Here are some practical points that parents can do and look into:
Project a positive image of school that it is a place to learn new things that they can use in their real life situations and NOT just to get high grades.
Let children reflect on how every new lesson can help them contribute to the society.
Ask the children what they want and can to do for our society at present and in the future.
Find out what kind of learning styles do your children have and decide on how to support their learning at home.
The following are introduced by Marlene LeFever in her book Learning Styles: Reaching Everyone God Gave You to Teach.
An Imaginative learner loves to talk and is quite sociable. This type oflearner values friends and learners best in a group. They prefer people talking or discussing with them while they study.
An Analytical learner values theories and facts. This type of learner prefers to study alone and loves to read to get information even if it is not required.
A Common Sense learner needs to move in order to learn. They love to manipulate and experiment to get the answer. They also prefer to study alone but would only read to get the information they need.
Dynamic learner is very artistic and values what is unique. They love to do things different from others and would take a long time to finish a project. This type of learners prefers to study wit others so that they can get ideas which they will integrate to arrive at a new one.
Provide opportunities at home for the children to apply their new learning such as writing journals or diaries to exercise grammar, doing an experiment to reinforce a science lesson, or going on field trips for social exposure.
Provide concrete and experiential learning at home through productive and quality family activities.
Be actively involved in their school as well be enthusiastic about their learning in school.