REFLECTING ON AN INNOVATION,

by Sarah Doolittle (1986)

 By: Ross McDonald

Issue/focus 

The key problem identified by the author is the introduction of the “teaching for understanding” concept to teachers. She feels that if the concept is delivered in a lecture type of approach then it would have much less of an impact, then if it were delivered through a practical format. The purpose of the article is to provide a first hand account of the issues and problems that teachers face when working with this way of teaching. 

Reasoning 

The author explains the way in which these teachers were presented the TFU concept. They took part in active participation when they were introduced to the concept, it was then followed by a group discussion and a question period. Her argument is supported by the teachers who had taken the workshop and applied what they had learned in the classroom. The teachers returned eight weeks later and had very good reviews about the way in which students responded to the new way of teaching. 

Assumptions 

From what I read I really didn’t pick up on any possible assumptions that the author made. The article just provided a framework for change, by pointing out a successful account of this occurring. 

Conclusion 

I learned that it is not only the students who benefits from the TFU approach but that teachers also receive a new perspective on their teaching styles. By teaching a different way, the teacher themselves learn to see the games differently. When learning new things there is always a little reluctance in applying it in the classroom, because it is different from what most have been doing their entire careers. Once those teachers got over their hesitation they had only positive things to say about the TFU concept. It worked for them in the classroom and the positive response they got from their students was encouraging.  Significant Information  -not all of the teachers that were involved in the in the work shop chose to teach in the TFU concept and they were not included in this article -a little unexpected enthusiasm from pupils goes a long way to encourage teachers -some teachers found that the low ability pupils showed a superior grasp of the game sense when traditional teaching was replaced with TFU. -examining your own teaching technique can be frightening, and asking a colleague to observe your teaching is unsettling for some teachers.  

Personal Comments 

I think this article would benefit teachers who were already out in the school system teaching. It would perhaps provide evidence for them and help those teachers understand that it is possible to change the way you teach from the traditional way, to the TFU idea. Most importantly, both the teacher and students could benefit from the switch in concepts, providing a rewarding experience for both parties.