I am convinced that students learn best in a collaborative and supportive environment. Thus, teaching my students to be self-directed learners and creating a learning community within the classroom is surely one positive step in that direction. Gerlach (1994) aptly described collaborative learning a natural social act in which participants learn by talking to themselves.
However, I must admit that it is no easy task, as the students themselves are reluctant to change and told me that they prefer 'old-school' methods. I can understand their reluctance, as being self-directed learners require that they be hardworking, responsible, team players, and generally be 'uncomfortable'. In fact, I came face to face with hostility when some students told me not to ask them to do my job! Imagine!
Initially I was a little discouraged by their comments, verbally and also in the course evaluation survey but I did not let the disappointment get in the way of good learning. Thus, it can be a challenging task for teachers to
embrace the new 'education paradigm shift'. However, I strongly believe that there is much value in learning this way, as it mirrors real-life situations that they will certainly encounter in their lives eventually. It is one way of preparing them for life. So, this semester I spent some time in the beginning of the semester, educating them on the benefits of becoming active members of the classroom learning community.
