Sharing Good Practice
phenomena is provided as the starting
point of the learning. Phenomenon
based teaching and learning use the
natural curiosity of children to learn in
a holistic and authentic context. The
phenomena are studied as complete
entities, in their real context, and the
information and skills related to them
are studied by crossing the boundaries
between subjects. Phenomena are
holistic topics like human health and
wellness, water or energy conservation.
The starting point differs from the
traditional school culture which is
typically divided into subjects. A
phenomenon-based structure creates
better opportunities for integrating
different subjects and themes. Taking
students out of the classroom to study
a phenomena works quite well in
stimulating retention of information.
Try the following outdoor task. First
ask students to measure circular
objects and collect their findings
about the ratio of the circumference to
the diameter. This part of the activity
usually goes well and students like to
shout that they already understand pi!
The second part needs a larger space
than your regular classroom, because
they have to draw a large circle. An
outdoor playground or a spacious
corridor will work best.
When you take this activity outside
and allow them to use their own shoes
as a measure, they will be amazed!
Drawing a circle on the ground with
the help of rope and stick is not so
obvious to them. This activity helps
to reinforce the concept for students,
when they discover that even when
using their own shoe as a measure the
ratio remains the same.
Maybe we just need to think more
widely about where learning can take
place. We know that learning happens
at a child’s home with their family
members and at free time with their
friends. We can develop co-operation
with different school partners. We
can offer our students interesting
new learning environments. Think
differently and take your students
outdoors.
Art, Maths, History and Geography
naturally lend themselves quite well to
outdoor learning. Teachers with their
students can design a big board in
the school yard. Students research the
history of municipality, plan the board
and rules and how to play the game.
Students can play the game during the
breaks and during their lessons.
Mathematics outdoors
Sports may be the subject that first
comes to our minds when we think of
taking learning outdoors. Maths can
be done outdoors too! The concept of
pi is familiar to students, but they may
not really understand, what it means.
Students often tell you that pi is 3.14
and somehow connected to the circle!
Mrs. Rossi is a Math teacher, principal and CEO of Paths to Math Ltd. She was
one of the top 10 finalists in Global Teacher Prize 2016. She is one of the Top
Teacher Bloggers in The Global Search for Education by C M Rubin. Twitter: @
pathstomath & www.pathstomath.com
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Nov - Dec 2018
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