Module 7 - Weeks 9 and 10 – Role of Facilitation In the Classroom

High school re-design is not only changing the direction of student learning but changing the way instructors teach. For years, teacher-directed classrooms have shaped our teaching practice. Today, constructivist views of learning and teaching are at the forefront of education. It is essential that teachers move ahead with this new teacher pedagogy to get the most out of the 21st Century student.

PBL is one technique that requires the use of new constructivist learning methods. The biggest change in teaching with PBL is the move from the teacher-directed classroom to student-centered learning. This change has resulted in the instructor adapting to a different type of teaching - one of facilitator rather than teacher. 

The facilitator must let the students explore and problem-solve, therefore, the facilitator’s role is to help and guide the students in their endeavours. There will be very little lecture time in this new role but it is important for the facilitator to keep the students on task. The facilitator must also be in tune with letting students collaborate with each other to find the appropriate answers.

There are certain skills needed to be an effective facilitator. Some of these skills are listed below: The facilitator must be able to

·       Engage students following educational standards

·       Guide students in developing a deeper understanding of concepts

·       Help students in collaboration

·       Guide students in reflective learning

·       Help students become self-directed learners

PBL gives educators an incredible opportunity to help students gain 21st Century skills (competencies). With the use of a well-developed project and well-managed classroom, students will gain experience in many areas of life skills such as teamwork, collaboration, creativity, learned technology skills, problem solving, innovation, organization and time management.

Personally, I have tried to incorporate many of constructivist views of teaching such as personalization, authentic learning, reflection and collaboration into my classroom. However, to become a strong facilitator, I will need to change aspects of my teaching, especially when using PBL. I will have to trust the students more and let them learn from their mistakes. At times, I can be like a father figure who does not want to see failure – even the first time around. Another change I will have to make is to stay away from teacher-directed lessons. I will continue to hold mini lessons to help in certain situations, but I need to let the students explore more. Another very important change is the introduction to the projects. I need to become more creative when using an entry event so as to create more engagement in the project.