In the late nineteenth century, surgeon William Stewart Halsted used a unique teaching method at Johns Hopkins University’s surgical residency programme. Under this program, medical students learnt by watching surgical techniques, then performed them and once they became adept, they went on to teach others. This method embodied the 'learning by doing' tenet as well as the oft-discussed "each one teach one" philosophy.
"Modern pedagogies have evolved today to encompass personalised and collaborative teaching methods. Traditional, passive and non-interactive models have now been rendered obsolete when it comes to serving the needs of diverse learners, " says Dominic Tomalin, Founding Headmaster of Shrewsbury International School, India.
In this context, residential schools in particular benefit
students because they not only focus on 'whole person' education within the
classroom but also have mentorship programs and personalised academic
modules. These enable students to work
on their weaknesses and polish their strengths post-school hours. Dominic says,
"This personalised system is very close to one-on-one teaching modules
that enable students to learn faster."
He also elucidates some of the advantages of this system:
Increase in positive engagement:
Personal attention and one-on-one teaching encourage students to actively engage with the learning process. The quality of interaction in such an environment is far superior as the learner and educator are on the same wavelength. Students are free to ask questions, clear their doubts and seek help to overcome difficulties and bridge learning gaps. This level of focused attention is not possible in overcrowded classrooms where students with specific needs can fall behind.
Constructive feedback:
In a one-size-fits-all system, it is not possible for educators to give feedback to every student in a short period of time or to monitor their progress quickly. However, during personalised sessions, students receive constructive assessment and teachers can also gauge which areas need more attention. This then helps students to address learning problems quickly, improve study skills and prepare better for examinations.
Bespoke teaching and open communication
Modern education initiates bespoke teaching where learning materials are tailored to match the needs of the student. Modern educators are realising that every student has a unique learning style and they must meet a pupil halfway and create a channel of open communication. When students learn at their own pace and are taught in a way that matches their aptitude, they enjoy the academic process a lot more. This joy can also lead them to become lifelong learners and engage in self-directed study with enthusiasm.
Increased confidence:
Personalised teaching emboldens self-expression in students, builds their confidence and mitigates the pressure of competing with other students. It builds life skills like active listening, creativity, effective communication, critical thinking, problem-solving and time management. In such a nurturing and appreciative environment, students get the time and space to realise their full potential.
Encourages holistic development:
In a far cry from the impersonal environment of a
conventional classroom where only grades define merit, modern pedagogies and
one-to-one teaching encourage the holistic development of a student. While
addressing the student's academic needs, the personalised modules also focus on
a student's intellectual, social, creative, emotional and moral development.
The goal of modern education hence is to create not just academic achievers but
fulfilled individuals who can also contribute positively to society.
(Views are personal. Email: rajashree@thestudiotalk.com)
