Teach knowledge not mental skills

Xanthi Papadopoulou
Journal 2
Language Development Course
07/31/2010

After having talked about the difference between mental skills and knowledge in class most of us held the view that teaching mental skills is more important than teaching knowledge. Thus I found it interesting that the text demonstrated a different view.It is striking to hear that teaching knowledge according to the “core knowledge” curriculum helped students improve to such an extent.
Having read the text I think that by having specific contents which need to be taught to the students it helps to increase the comparability between schools and thus raise students’ achievements to a higher level.
Although the effects of this method are striking it can be regarded from a critical perspective as well.
I think by specifying in such a precise way what contents need to be learned in class it is difficult for the teacher to work autonomously.
He does not have the choice to adapt the material to the class but has to teach what is already set.
I believe teaching should consist of a balanced amount of teaching skills and knowledge. The teaching of knowledge should be pre-determined to an appropriate extent.

Language Technology Workshop

So far I haven't had any courses at university dealing with the use of technology in the foreign language classroom.Thus my view on technology in the classroom was rather sceptical as I feared that I might not be able to deal with it.
But now I find it really enlightning to get to know about technologies which do really help to design the classroom more creatively and modern.
A homepage I found really interesting was pbworks.com. It helps to let the students communicate with each other and facilitate a better exchange of ideas.
As I realized that those technologies are not difficult ton handle I will definitely introduce them into my classroom.