SHOULD STUDENTS IN PRIMARY SCHOOLS BE ACTIVE CONTRIBUTORS AS WELL AS PASSIVE ABSORBERS?

Students in primary schools should definetely be active contributors to learning. When students contribute they feel valued, their sense of belonging is promoted, they take ownership of their learning and are engaged. From observation when teachers include student contributions in terms of establishing classroom rules, rewards and learning experiences their classrooms have minimal behavioural disruptions and students learning outcomes are promoted.

From a personal perspective in regards to online study, I find that when I actively participate in online discussion forums, blogs (as this unit requires), wiki's and verbal interaction with teaching colleagues my learning is enhanced, concepts and understandings concreted and perspective broadened.

Technology is a great avenue to promote active participation through web 2.0 technologies.

In reflection upon web 2.0 technologies and blog 1 postings I think it is important to consider the importance the teachers understandings of these technologies to ensure that the learning outcomes are achieved.