Last month, over 200 teachers and administrators from 15 of the schools across our Diocese gathered for a workshop presented by the team from Teach Like a Champion (TLAC).
For those in attendance, it was a day filled with adult learning – silent solos, everybody writes, turn and talks, cold calls and many other strategies to enhance the teaching and learning in our classrooms.
One of the reflections I had throughout the day centered on how aligned these best pedagogical strategies are with our Catholic faith.
When we consider the model and example of Christ the Teacher, we should be inspired to employ the strategies that He used.
For example, much of the content from that day centered on asking questions. Christ did this masterfully. Throughout the New Testament, Jesus asked 183 questions, offered 3 answers, and asked 307 questions as the answer to a question (Weddell, 2012). In shifting the cognitive load to our students, we must question like Christ did.
Another key component that aligns with a pedagogy of Christ is the importance of dialogue in the learning process. We are made in the image and likeness of a triune God and as such learning is inherently social. Allowing students the opportunities to talk with classmates in low stakes ways honors our communal nature as humans. Frequent turn and talks provide social opportunities to test learning and fine tune answers,.
A final connection – and there are probably many more – is the importance of using names. Our presenters, Doug Lemov and Denarius Frazier, used the names of participants throughout our time together. Doing so honors the inherent dignity and worth of our students and helps to build a classroom culture that is positive, supportive, and safe. The use of names was one of the many reasons that within about 15 minutes the TLAC team created such an environment in a room filled with over 200 educators.
God's Divine Providence weaves together research-based strategies with a pedagogy of Christ.
Teaching like a champion, especially in Catholic schools, should be synonymous with teaching like a Christian.
Reference:
Weddell, S. A. (2012). Forming intentional disciples. Our Sunday Visitor.
