First do then learn principle

Jan Viljoen Jul 10, 2012 7:37:32 AM
I am of the opinion that the best way for kids (all people for that matter) to learn is by solving problems (hence the first do then learn principle). I have been applying the principle for a couple of years now and it has been quite successful and "produce" the results I was aiming for... independent and life long learning. The learners come to realise that they can use common sense in solving problems and if there is a lack of knowledge and skills, they need to master it... on their own. Result: They are less likely to wait on someone to provide them with a solution to the problem, they set out to discover it themselves. Google IT, for example. Unfortunately, this is a learning/teaching process that requires a lot of individualised support, guidance and facilitation. Not practical, considering the expense on the one hand and the masses needing it on the other. My challenge to you... Modern technology, specially forums, could possibly fill this gap, and when synchronised with something such as e.g. Skype. Wouldn't it be feasible to implement a "first do then learn principle" in a cheap, effective and responsible manner?
Andy Bytheway Jul 10, 2012 8:16:39 AM

Hi, can I ask what you mean by "Google IT"?  And why is it so difficult? 

I actually think that there is a pre-requisite to learning by doing:  there has to be an interest and motivation to "do".  In school, for learners this can be peer pressure, but we have been working with primary teachers in Cape Town where it became clear that until there are clear, identified BENEFITS that motivate teachers with no prior PC experience to learn how to use them, and even then when it comes to applying technology in the classroom they have difficulty.  But that is because the application of technology to any teaching and learning activity raises questions of pedagogy.  The jury is still out on that one, it seems.  Anyone got a pointer to pedagogical research in the context of IT in teaching and learning? 

Jan Viljoen Jul 10, 2012 2:58:50 PM

On your question about Google IT...

Searching a term or concept on Google isn't the problem, but filtering through the search results and locate useful information quickly (i.e. info that will results in solving a problem or answer a question) that is the real challenge. That is why I regard it as difficult. People need to be coached in refining searches, dealing with key word, tags and information categories in order to find what they are looking for. Filtering e.g. 4 million hits to a workable list of about 100, while maintaining relevancy to the "problem" YOU are trying to solve is an art and requires lots of guided practice. One thing for instance, how accurate, trustworthy and valid is the source of info.

Pre-requisite for learning by doing...

I agree with you in this regard. However, interest and motivation - in my opinion isn't it - once a person realise that mastering this skill/knowledge will help him/her to overcome a difficulty or obstacle, the required interest and motivation to do so is kind of automatic.

The best way that I can explain my my point of view is... Babies enter this world with no idea whatsoever on what this place is all about. But within 4 to 5 years (without any formal training and/or certified courses) they learn and master an unbelievable amount of skills to survive this "hostile" environment. They show interest in and are motivated to learn about language, communication, social skills, how things work, etc. by observing, experimenting, asking questions, pushing limits and exploring.

Thus, my emphasis on solving problems (first do, because then the individual experience a problem). Which largely corresponds with your "identified BENEFITS". However, I would like to extent pre-requisites to include reading, writing and arithmetic as well.

Technology to any teaching and learning activity raises questions of pedagogy...

Why??

It is a well accepted and established practice to use books, the blackboard, pens, paper, etc. when teaching and assessing learners. Why then is technology and computers any different?