Learning about learning…

It sounds a little complicated, but I am learning a lot about learning while here in Costa Rica. A major component of learning is engagement. After visiting multiple classrooms at various schools in Costa Rica, I have noticed that almost all of the students are engaged in their lessons; with their teacher or the ones that we taught. Each afternoon when I am in Spanish class (for four hours) I am also fully engaged the entire time.

                This past week we met as a group to discuss our observations and field notes. Together, we came to a few conclusions about why learners are engaged. Introducing things that are novel or new are a great way to get students engaged. When we went into the classrooms and began teaching lessons in English, we changed the students’ routines. New people, new activities, and a new language, all helped the students remain engaged in the lessons and hopefully resulted in them learning something new. Each week we get a new Spanish teacher and a new classroom. For me, this new teaching style and new environment keeps things interesting and therefore I am reengaged each week.

                Relationships are also a factor of engagement. While working in the classrooms we were with groups ranging from one to four students. Teaching small groups allows for closer interaction between the teacher and the student(s), therefore the students are more engaged in the lesson and able to get more out of it. It is similar with our Spanish classes each week. We are in groups no larger than four people. The teacher is able to answer more of our questions because there are fewer students. I am also able to talk about what we’re learning with my peers. Sometimes they are able to explain things differently than the teacher and in a way that I can understand. Working with partners or in small groups allows for close relationships resulting in engagement and students working and learning together.

Yes this is real! We saw it on a hike. It was paralyzed after being stung by a wasp.

                Competition is another major factor of engagement. Using games throughout the learning process creates the sense of competition. With competition, students are engaged and motivated to learn the material. Another way of engaging students in learning is creating a need to know. Since I am living with a family that only speaks Spanish I need to know how to speak and understand the language. While at the store or asking for directions on the street, I need to know how to use the language to communicate. Making learning meaningful is another important part of engagement. Making it real to students and even making it enjoyable is also part of creating engagement. All of the hikes that we’ve been going on these past two weeks have been wonderful learning opportunities. Spotting different plants and animals and learning how they work and live together is much more engaging than if we were to just read about them in books. 

Sloth or Perezoso-Translation: Lazy Bear