Discovery Learning
Discovery Learning has been introduced at Bluestone School to help junior students develop social skills and to enrich oral language skills while at the same time developing their key competencies; managing self, relating to others, thinking, participating and contributing, using language, symbols, and texts. (Refer to the last section of this page for key competencies to be further unpacked)
The Home & School agreed to fund the set up and maintenance of this valuable and worthwhile programme.
Discovery Learning is an activity-based programme held once a week in the Year 1 & 2 area of the school. It provides opportunities for teachers to meet the diverse needs of students through well planned, structured, "hands on" experiences.
A typical session might see the teacher planning and preparing a range of activities such as : skipping, construction, cooking, painting, craft activities, co-operative games and puzzles.
The teachers begin by introducing the focus for the day, which may target a specific aspect of the key competencies. There might be discussion about why it was chosen, what it would look and sound like, and how one would know if it was happening.
The various activities for the day are explained providing a link to our current Bluestone learning curriculum. The children then select and participate in the activities. During the session the teachers take the role of facilitator: observing, providing feedback, asking questions and encouraging students.
At the end of the session the class comes together to share and reflect on what they have done and what they have learned.
At Bluestone we believe our students need to:
- direct their own learning
- participate in new experiences
- encounter new challenges
- extend existing skills
- work co-operatively
- interact socially
- problem-solve creatively
Our Teachers need opportunities to:
- observe students in a range of situations
- spend quality time with individual students
- cater for students' individual needs
- model and extend oral language
- meet our curriculum
- provide fun learning experiences
Through Discovery Learning the possibilities are endless...
Key Competencies and Discovery Learning:
THINKING
Problem solving, using initiative, being curious, asking questions, making connections, thinking creatively, making choices, reflecting on experiences and learning.
USING LANGUAGE, SYMBOLS AND TEXT
Making meaning, talking and listening, verbalising ideas, presenting, communicating through drama and dance, making and listening to music, expressing themselves through a broad range of media, following instructions, retrieving and processing information through communications technology.
MANAGING SELF
Being self motivated, taking responsibility, working independently, completing tasks, persisting with difficulties, coping with change, coping with failure, being organised, setting goals, making plans and choices, meeting challenges, taking responsible risks.
RELATING TO OTHERS
Establishing relationships, sharing and taking turns, co-operating, asking to join in, including others, dealing with conflict, helping and supporting others, respecting others, negotiating, taking different roles, competing.
PARTICIPATING AND CONTRIBUTING
Accepting responsibilities - local, national and global, understanding rights, roles, and responsibilities, valuing diversity, respecting boundaries, looking after equipment, taking part in cultural activities, debating issues.
Special Note
In developing our thinking around Discovery Learning we have appreciated
the support and sharing of other schools. We have also appreciated the
work of Brenda Martin and Gay Hay. Their book
Discovery Time is a valuable resource in gaining further understanding. Refer to
www.discoverytime.blogspot.com