for smartwriter only

Here are my comments on your paper.  I think you will need to Do more work before submitting it.   I have also attached YOUR FRIEND draft for that class so you can see how SHE handled all the sections.  The draft doesn't have assessments nor has it been formatted.

I think you can keep what you have with a little rearranging. And then add more.

Instructional Strategies in Teaching Kindergarten

7/25/2013

YOUR NAME THE CLASS INSTRUCTOR

Table of Contents

4 Purpose of the training manual

Team work instructional strategies 5

5 Advantages of team work in teaching kindergarten children

5 Disadvantages of team work in teaching kindergarten children

5 Use of visual and audio aids in teaching

6 Advantages of using audio and visual aids in teaching kindergarten children

Disadvantages of using audio and visual aids in teaching kindergarten children 6

7 Learner instructor participation strategy

8 Advantages of applying participation in teaching kindergarten learners

Disadvantages of applying participation in teaching kindergarten learners 8

Assignment strategy 8

10 Advantages of using assignments in teaching kindergarten learners

10 Disadvantages of using assignments in teaching kindergarten learners

10 Cooperative Learning Strategy

12 Advantages of using cooperative learning strategy in teaching kindergarten pupils

12 Disadvantages of using cooperative learning strategy in teaching kindergarten pupils

Use of Carousal Questions 12

Advantages of Carousal Questions 13

Disadvantages of Carousal Questions 14

Use of Assignments that Require the Choice of the Child 14

Advantages of Use of Assignments that Require the Choice of the Child 15

Disadvantages of Use of Assignments that Require the Choice of the Child 15

16 Conclusion

17 References

Introduction

Learning is a continuous process in the human development. Learning involves both the practical and cognitive aspect. In order for effective learning to be accomplished, these two aspects should be well coordinated. Instructional strategies are a very essential application in the learning process. This method is highly recommendable for small children especially children in kindergarten. The creatively use instructional techniques to ensure all the students get the concept being taught. In order to achieve this, instructors should be enlighten on how to effectively apply instructional learning techniques in their classrooms (Driscoll, 2004). This training manual will vividly describe how instructors should use different forms of teaching in order to achieve the set goal. Every instructor’s goal or dream is the success of his or her students. On that note, using instructional method is one of the significant ant ways of achieving this.

According to Siemens and Driscoll, cognitivism, constructivism and behaviourism are the three main traditional learning theories. Siemens and Driscoll theories basically support the theoretical aspect of learning. Contrary to this, Mayer advocates for practical learning as the recommended method for instilling knowledge in students. Motivational and case based theories are more of practical than practical. Even though different instructors have their own preferences, instructional strategies deal with both Mayer’s and Driscoll learning theories (Mayer, 2002). This paper is deals with educating instructors on the importance of using instructional teaching methods. Apart from that, the paper also highlights various advantages and disadvantages of this method.

Purpose of the training manual

The main objective of this training manual is to educate instructors on how to make the learning process more interesting and lively by applying instructional learning strategies. Secondly, this manual also aims at enhancing the level of understanding of kindergarten students by application of instructional techniques (Mayer, 1996 ). The target audience are kindergarten instructors who can also be referred to as teachers. Various instructional methods and strategies which are essential in teaching kindergarten students shall be discussed in this paper.

Objectives

Chapter 1 Team work instructional Strategies

Team work instructional strategies

Learners have different levels of understanding. Some learners are quick learners while others are slow learners. Instructors should therefore apply team work especially in teaching kindergarten students. This is because most of these students are illiterate and have a very short concentration span. Using team work will ensure that the students maintain their focus for the concept being taught. Instructors can apply different techniques in using this method. One important aspect is the use of reasonable groups. Instructors should divide the students into reasonable groups (Driscoll, 2004). The groups should consist of a minimum of three students and a maximum of five students. This number will ensure that the student understand more . According to the cognitive theory by Driscoll , children have a shorter concentration span than adults. This means that the instructor should give the students work which requires a short period. Instructor should also make the team work session to be interesting and living . Kindergarten children should be allowed to mess around as they indulge in the learning process. In order to ensure the efficiency of the groups, the instructor should keep an eye on all the students. Educational psychologists prefer placing the students in a round table for easy monitoring . This arrangement also makes it easy for the instructor to observe the behaviour of his or her students in class.

Advantages of team work in teaching kindergarten children

-Helps the instructor to effectively observe a child’s cognitive and behavioural development.

-Assists in the physical development of the child especially the fine motor skills.

-Makes the learning lesson lively and interesting.

-Avoids boredom in class (Driscoll, 2004).

-Ensures that all students participate in the learning process.

Disadvantages of team work in teaching kindergarten children

-It is tiresome and involving as kindergarten children are very difficult to handle and control.

-The children might loss interest and concentration if the lesson is prolonged.

-It is not that effective as kindergarten children are mostly illiterate.

-This method is suitable for specific lessons like physical education lessons.

Description of Strategy

This you already have, although I would try to bring in more Driscoll and relate a strategy to a theory.

When to select and use it

You could use what you already have for advantages and disadvantages, but make it a narrative

Why it is effective?

You need to do outside research to show that this strategy is valuable. You need evidence of why this is a good strategy for instructors to use

How it is best utilized

Here you would talk about

Related research

You should find other articles for people to read on the subject

Assessment

You should build in some way for the person reading this manual to assess their knowledge of the strategy.

Use of visual and audio aids in teaching

In order to enhance the understanding of kindergarten children, instructor should use visual and audio aids. This is advisable as children tend to grasp and remember what is taught visibly than theoretical. Instructors should use drawing of various things like animals and shapes in teaching. This will assist the learners to remember the name and the identity of that object. In addition, instructors can also use songs in teaching (Mayer, 1996). Songs are a source of entertainment by using this; the instructor will have made the process of learning very interesting. Songs are also significant as the children can sing while at home or even in their play time. Children will also be able to relate the knowledge that they have achieved in class to the existing reality of the world. This is strongly supported by the constructivist theory of Driscoll.

In the course of the training period , instructors will be taught how to compose song in relation to the subject to be taught. The instructors will also be advised on the most preferred song length and the appropriate wording to be used. Kindergarten songs should be in simple English and of a good rhythm. The song should also have some aspects of repetition for easier memorisation of the song by the children (Driscoll, 2004). Instructors can also incorporate digital devices in the teaching process. These devices will make the learners to concentrate more than using the theoretical aspect only. Apart from this, audio aids are also important in teaching kindergarten children. Kindergarten children can be directed by their instructor to listen to an audio conversation and then repeat what is being said. This method can be effectively applied by instructors while teaching alphabets and simple numbers. The instructors will be taught during this manual how to handle students and to ensure than their level of concentration is not disrupted while using audio aids. In addition, instructors will also be instilled with the knowledge of how to prepare kindergarten students for a visual and an audio class session.

Advantages of using audio and visual aids in teaching kindergarten children

-The learners tend to understand more.

-Learners are able to relate what is being taught in class with the real world.

-The concentration level of learners is maintained (Mayer, 1996).

-Audio aids and visual aids make the lesson to be interesting.

-Learner’s memory ability is enhanced.

Disadvantages of using audio and visual aids in teaching kindergarten children

-Some learners might concentrate more on the entertainment part and forget the learning process.

-Audio visual aid can lead to laziness of some learners.

-Audio visual aids are limiting to some learners who are either hearing or visually impaired.

Learner instructor participation strategy

This strategy is highly recommended for learners at all level especially in kindergarten. Participation involves the sharing of ideas by both the students and learners. Application of motivational theory by Mayer can be essential in this strategy (Mayer, 2002). The instructor can apply the reward technique in ensuring the effectiveness of this technique. The most active student can be rewarded or appreciated by the instructor. In order to ensure the effectiveness of this strategy, the instructor should reward the students publicly. This will motivate other learners to participate more in class with the soul purpose of being appreciated or rewarded like their fellow students.

Participation method is also good as it helps in improving the learners’ performance. Learners who previously had a hard time in understanding the concepts being taught in class by the instructor can improve due to this strategy. The learners will be encouraged to participate in class like his or her fellow learners. This step will help the instructor to identify the strengths and weaknesses of that particular child and the most appropriate way of handling them. The learners will also enjoy the aspect of being appreciated by the instructor as majority of learners look up to their teachers as their role models (Driscoll, 2004). Being rewarded by the instructor is on that note a great achievement to kindergarten students. Instructors are trained not to be biased in their reward and appreciation strategy. The deserving learner should be appreciated appropriately. In addition to this, the teacher should also encourage the participation of all learners. This can be done through rotational; participation in class. The instructor can choose the children according to the rows or columns.

Advantages of applying participation in teaching kindergarten learners

-The instructor is able to identify a learner’s areas of strengths and weaknesses.

-It is appropriate in building the self esteem of the learners.

-Through the reward system, learners feel appreciated for their efforts.

-Students will participate due to the rewards being given.

-Makes the process of learning more lively and entertaining as it involves the whole class.

-It is important for maintaining the learners’ concentration in class. This is because the learners are fully involved in the learning process.

Disadvantages of applying participation in teaching kindergarten learners

-Some kindergarten learners can be bright but very shy in participating in class activities.

-Learners can be participating with the intention of being rewarded and not understanding the concept being taught.

-This kind of strategy is time consuming and tiresome to the instructor (Mayer, 1996). This is because the instructor has to ensure that all the learners have participated or grasped the concept being taught.

Assignment strategy

This is also another effective instructional learning technique to be applied by instructors. This method is important as it assists the instructor to gauge a learner’s cognitive ability. However, while using this strategy instructors should be very keen and considerate. Firstly, the kind of assignment given to the learner should be of his or her educational level. Secondly, instructors should give learners the adequate amount of assignment. This means that the instructor should not overload or under load a learner with assignments. The assignments given should be proportion to the Childs ability and understanding. Thirdly, instructor should give assignments from topics that have been covered in class. Instructors should avoid giving kindergarten learners assignments from topics which have not been covered in class . This training manual provides effective methods of how instructors should issue assignments to kindergarten learners (Driscoll, 2004). These assignments do not necessarily have to be theoretical. Instructors can diversify the type of assignments that they give their learners in order to gauge all their developmental aspects.

Relying on theoretical assignments only assist the instructor in gauging the cognitive development of the child. On the other hand, giving kindergarten learners assignments in all the areas greatly assists the instructor to gauge the improvement of the learner in all sectors. In addition, it also assists the learner to improve in both the cognitive, behavioural and physical aspects. During the process of this training manual, instructors will be advised on how to diversify the type of assignment they give to their kindergarten learners (Mayer, 2002). Instead of an instructor giving the students assignments which require him or her to use majorly use the cognitive aspect, the instructor can apply different techniques. The instructor can instruct other students to do some painting, draw or even to construct an object. By so doing, the instructor will also have achieved the goal of nurturing the learner’s talent.

By giving assignment, the instructor can also apply the concept of problem based learning. The teaching can give learners problems which are almost similar from the ones taught in class. The teacher can then be able to establish the competence and how motivated the child is. Alternatively, instructors are advised to give learners a question and an example which show how to approach the given problem. This also assists learners in doing their assignments (Mayer, 1996).

Advantages of using assignments in teaching kindergarten learners

-The learners are able to understand the concept while on his or her own.

-The teacher is able to gauge the learner’s level of understanding.

- The instructor can easily know a learner’s area of weakness and strengths.

-Practical assignments like painting enable the instructor to identify a child’s talent (Mayer, 2002).

-Assignments to be done at home are important as they involve the parents in the learning process.

Disadvantages of using assignments in teaching kindergarten learners

-Some parents instead of assisting their kids in dong the assignments do the assignment themselves.

-Some parents are not concerned about their child’s performance.

-Instructors can over rely on assignments and therefore neglecting other teaching techniques.

-This strategy is time consuming as instructors have to be patient and give the learners a humble time to complete the given assignment.

Cooperative Learning Strategy

This learning strategy is similar to the team work strategy. The only difference between these two learning strategies is that cooperative learning strategy focuses mainly on the social aspect of the learners. In this strategy, instructors should focus more on the social interaction of the learners. Instructors can be able to clearly and easily note learners’ social interaction through involving activities. These activities include sports and other related activities. The theory of behaviourism can be suitably applied to this strategy (Jonassen, 2013). Through the application of this strategy, the instructor can be able to observe learners behaviour. Social interaction between learners identifies the true characteristics and identity of a learner. Sporting activities also helps in the development of the learners psychomotor skills. Some sporting activities are essential for aiding in the development of fine motors skills. Such activities include throwing a ball and grasping an object.

On the contrary, some activities like kicking a ball and climbing the staircases are essential for the development of gross motor skills. In all of the instructional learning strategies applied, cooperative learning strategy is the most efficient and flexible. This is because all the other learning strategies can be complemented by these strategies (Mayer, 2002). Instructors can use academic songs during sports activities and hence reminding the students of what they learnt in class. A child’s behavior can also be observed by use of this strategy.

In addition, the aspect of motivation can also be applied in this strategy. Learners can be told to compete in a given sporting activity and the winner can be rewarded. Through this process, the instructor can be able to identify a child’s improvement from the previous performance. Apart from noting improvement, the instructor can also identify his or her learners’ talents. A learner’s good sporting performance can be used by the instructor as a motivational factor for him to perform well (Driscoll, 2004). The instructor can use examples relating to the learner’s favourite sport in order to make understand a certain concept. This training manual emphasises on the need of instructors to use cooperative learning strategies. Instructors should however be careful not to use it inappropriately. This learning strategy has the purpose of incorporating all the other strategies. To add on this, cooperative learning strategy makes the learning process enjoyable and involving. Instructors are advised on that note, to embrace this learning strategy in teaching kindergarten pupils.

Advantages of using cooperative learning strategy in teaching kindergarten pupils

-Cooperative learning strategy makes the learning process enjoyable.

-It can be used as a way of motivating kids to perform better.

-Instructor can be able to identify his or her learners’ talent.

-Knowledge gained in class can also be applied in the field events. A good example is the use of songs by kids while playing.

-Instructors are able to identify both the cognitive and physical development of the child.

Disadvantages of using cooperative learning strategy in teaching kindergarten pupils

-Cooperative learning strategy requires a lot of concentration from the instructor (Mayer, 1996).

-This learning technique is time consuming and demanding on the part of the instructor.

-Some children are not good in practical activities and therefore they cannot be motivated through this instructional learning technique.

Use of Carousal Questions

Carousal questions refer to the strategy which engages the interest of the learners by utilizing cooperative skills, as well as, allowing movement. In addition, it encourages the learners to practice HOTS which is the acronym for “higher order thinking skills”. This strategy is actually classified as part of the cooperative learning strategies (Mayer, 1996). The utilization of the carousal questions within the classroom setting leads to carousal brainstorming. Carousal brainstorming is also termed as the rotating review. Carousal brainstorming offers scaffolding for novel information which is to be learned or even existing information that is waiting to be reviewed by making use of movement, conversation in addition to reflection. Basically, Carousal brainstorming is actually the cooperative learning activity which can be utilized to not only discover but also discuss background information before studying new topics. Nevertheless, it can also be utilized in the reviewing of the content which has already being learned within the previous lessons (Mayer, 2002). While applying the carousal questions technique, the learners first indulge in small group discussions which are later followed by a reflection which is made by the whole class.

While in the process of carrying out the carousal brainstorming, the learners rotate within the classroom while they are subdivide into small groups, stopping within certain “stations” for a set time period (which is mostly one to two minutes). At every station, learners improve their initial knowledge concerning a certain concept or topic. Moreover, they also share their ideas while attempting to come up with the best answers to the given carousal questions while conducting discussions within the small groups. Every group posts its ideas within every station so that the other groups can be able to read.

Prior to the commencement of the strategy, it is of great essence to give clear instructions to the learners on how to complete the questions presented to them. Generally the carousal strategy offers knowledge, attitude, as well as, interest assessments. It also allows the exploration of a certain topic in diverse perspectives, encouraging not only conversation but also the exchange of ideas (Mayer, 1996). This strategy can be applied within various topic areas, for instance reading and mathematics. The brainstorming encourages the learners to express their opinions freely, as well as, work with others.

Advantages of Carousal Questions

There are several advantages which are associated with the utilization of the carousal questions as a learning strategy. The advantages are such as:

-Carousal sharing is considered to promote conversation .

-The utilization of the carousal questions encourages idea generation.

-It allows the students to express their individual thoughts within the structured learning situation.

-Within the classroom setting, it fosters decision making along with creativity.

-It offers learners the opportunity to make reflections on a certain topic (Driscoll, 2004).

Disadvantages of Carousal Questions

-It usually leads to the consumption of many learning hours.

-Some learners simply camouflage within the groups and thus do not make any contributions.

-The instructor cannot evaluate each learner’s understanding of a certain topic as everything is done in group work.

Use of Assignments that Require the Choice of the Child

There are certain reasons which make giving young learners the opportunity to make choices quite beneficial. Allowing the children to undertake assignments of their choice is crucial to their development. Offering choices to the young learners is a high-quality fundamental aspect of early childhood curriculum (Driscoll, 2004). So as to offer the learners a wide range of choices; the instructor should comprehend the essence of choices. In addition, the instructor should be willing and in the position of allowing an array of activities, as well as, behaviours within the classroom. Basically, this learning approach is not teacher centred but child centred.

This strategy is considered to play a significant role in the cognitive development of the children. Making choices is actually one of the components of problem solving. Once given choices, young learners stretch their minds thereby creating novel, as well as, unique ideas along with materials combinations. Nevertheless, prior to being able to make choices which are wise, the young learners should learn the convergent thinking skills, which involves identifying the correct answer along with divergent thinking that involves seeing numerous possible answers. In the event that they are presented with the opportunity to make choices, the young learners get the necessary skills which will assist them in making meaningful choices within their later life (Driscoll, 2004).

Moreover, allowing the young learners to make choices makes a significant contribution to their moral development. Within the classroom setting whose basis is on the renowned Piaget’s constructivist principles, each one has a share within the decision making responsibility. By presenting the young learners with the opportunity to make choices, the instructors promote their self-regulation. Once the children are accorded the opportunity to make their individual choices, they feel powerful daily and shy away from breaking the rules once their teachers are absent. When the young learners’ desires are respected, they in turn respect the wishes of other persons. This strategy enables the learners to comprehend how to make decisions. It also assists them on comprehending the importance of considering other parties’ needs while making choices (Mayer, 1996).

Advantages of Use of Assignments that Require the Choice of the Child

This strategy is associated with several advantages such as:

-Facilitating the development of confidence amongst the young learners.

- It also makes the children have a feeling of independency as they control themselves.

-Young learners are more committed in the activities which they have individually chosen.

-Making choices assists the young learners in learning persistence, as well as, task completion. Disadvantages of Use of Assignments that Require the Choice of the Child

-In some cases the learners can make the wrong choices.

-It can make the learners rely on misleading information especially after making the wrong choices (Mayer, 2002).

-Some of the learners may never comprehend the essence of choosing a certain choice at the expense of the others.

-Making of choices is sometimes a complex task foe the young learners.

Conclusion

Instructional learning is an effective method of ensuring the proper understanding of concepts by the student. This system is very advantageous as it involves the participation of the learners and the students. By using this method, instructors are able to attain more positive results as compared to using only one teaching technique. Instructional learning strategies are also effective as they comprise both the learning theories of Driscoll and Mayer. The above training manual has illustrated how various instructional learning strategies can yield positive results while teaching kindergarten pupils. Positive results can however be achieved if the strategies are used appropriately and effectively (Driscoll, 2004). This approach has various advantages which can apply in the learning process by instructors. On the other hand, these strategies can also be disadvantageous due to some factors. The above training manual outlines all the advantages and disadvantages of using various learning techniques by instructors. Effective ways of using these strategies by the instructors are also provided (Jonassen, 2013).

References

Driscoll, P. (2004). Psychology of Learning for instruction. USA: Publisher Ally and Bacon:3rd ed

Jonassen, D. & Driscoll, M. (Eds.). (2013). Handbook of research for educational communications and technology (Vol. 2). Routledge.

Mayer, R. E. (1998). Cognitive, metacognitive, and motivational aspects of problem solving. Instructional science, 26(1-2), 49-63.

Mayer, R. E. (2002). Multimedia learning. Psychology of Learning and Motivation, 41, 85-139.

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