The article about studying abroad was interesting to me. I studied abroad in Spain and I loved every minute of it. There were so many opportunities that opened up once I landed in Europe I couldn't even handle it. I traveled and to this day want to continue traveling. I encourage all of my friends and people younger than me to study abroad no matter where because once they leave the US it's a whole different world. It does not surprise me what students are taking into account when looking at different universities. I obviously chose Spain because I'm a Spanish Education major, but the reason I chose Granada was because of the popularity of the university. The program guide that I was given made it seem more than worth it, and I'm glad. I think studying abroad really opens people's eyes to different cultures and a different way of life. It allows people to be more accepting and another plus is the opportunity to travel.
In terms of heuristics, and the battle of inductive versus deductive teaching in my opinion can never be solved. I believe that the student needs to be taken into account moreso than which method has more potential to be effective. There are different types of learners and some do well when explained how to use a rule or the definition of a word. These students would likely excel from a deductive teaching method. Students who have the ability to think critically and figure out reasoning for themselves would be more likely to succeed with an inductive approach. I do feel that both types of students have potential to learn language skills. I do not see one way as better or worse. I do find though, that the students who would do well with an inductive approach would be more likely to notice the gap because they think for themselves more than the students who need be told what do in a step by step process.
I agree that some students respond better to deductive methods whereas others learn more intuitively. I do have to admit, though, that I agree with Kuma that inductive teaching fosters more intellectual growth, because it requires more effort on part of the learner. Regardless, it is of the utmost importance to take into account which methods will most benefit our students, no matter which I feel is more effective. Being able to balance between teaching in these two manners to a class filled with students who all prefer to learn in different ways will undoubtedly be one of the greatest challenges we will face as educators.
ReplyDeleteWHOO for study abroad in Granada!!! I definitely agree that being naturally exposed to the target language is one of the best ways to acquire it. As far as inductive vs. deductive teaching...this is so hard! I do understand what Kuma is saying and I think ideally, sure it would work out and be the best case scenario, but realistically, sometimes we are just going to have to spell out the rules for our students. It all goes back to context and knowing our students. To me, it seems like this self-discovery would be more beneficial and effective in higher level classes...
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