Research tells us that learning is enhanced when there is a connection between what a student does at school and what a student does at home. It appears that the prevailing practice follows the current catchphrase of the Las Vegas Tourist Board; “What happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas.” In this case, “What happens in Mr. Mason’s class, stays in Mr. Mason’s class.” While it might save you from having to explain embarrassing moments on your vacation to Vegas, it goes counter to current research on learning.The more we can get students to engage the curriculum, the greater the concept retention. If you would like to see one explanation of this phenomenon, follow this link to an article on the Curve of Forgetting. This article discusses the effects of lecture review practices on retention and test preparation.
One of may goals in incorporating the tools of Web 2.0, i.e. blogs, wikis and digital media (Oh my!), is to extend the conversations which go on in the classroom. While I understand that school is becoming less and less important in the lives of our children, I recognize that the importance of learning is at an all-time high. Students must learn to learn.
Join me in making these tools an important part of our student’s “school” day.
