Teaching Teaching & Understanding Understanding (1/3)

Summary

This script contrasts two types of students, Susan and Robert, highlighting their differing approaches to learning. Susan, a deep learner, seeks understanding and reflects on the material, while Robert is a surface learner focused solely on passing exams and obtaining a degree. The script explores the impact of an increasing number of surface learners in the education system and discusses three levels of teaching: Level 1 (blaming students), Level 2 (blaming teachers), and Level 3 (focusing on learning outcomes). The ultimate message emphasizes the importance of deep understanding and active engagement in education.

Takeaways

• 😀 Susan is a 23-year-old computer science student at the University, known for her deep learning approach and self-driven learning style.
• 😀 Robert is also a 23-year-old computer science student at the same University, but his focus is more on obtaining a degree rather than truly understanding the content.
• 😀 Susan prefers deep learning and engages in higher cognitive processes, constantly reflecting on implications and applications of what she learns.
• 😀 Robert, in contrast, uses surface learning techniques, aiming for the minimal effort necessary to pass exams and get a degree.
• 😀 The familiar structure of a finite automaton can be interpreted as a labeled transition system, where the configuration represents the states of the automaton.
• 😀 By simulation between two systems is defined by a relation on the states, where related states should maintain behavior equivalence between the systems.
• 😀 Susan's approach to learning contrasts with Robert's as she seeks deep understanding, while Robert's goal is to simply pass exams and get a degree.
• 😀 The growing trend of students like Robert outnumbering students like Susan in universities presents challenges in modern education systems.
• 😀 There is a shift in student demographics, where the number of students focused on superficial learning is increasing, raising concerns for responsible teaching.
• 😀 Different teaching approaches, such as Level 1 (blame the students), Level 2 (blame the teachers), and Level 3 (focus on learning outcomes), impact the student experience and engagement.
• 😀 Level 3 teachers prioritize what students do before, during, and after the lesson, ensuring active participation and focusing on achieving tangible learning outcomes.

Q & A

What is Susan's approach to learning?

Susan has a deep learning approach, actively engaging with the material and reflecting on its implications, applications, and consequences. She tends to teach herself and uses higher cognitive processes naturally.

How does Robert approach learning differently from Susan?

Robert prefers surface learning. His primary goal is to pass exams and get a degree with minimal effort. He only uses higher cognitive processes when absolutely necessary and cuts corners to achieve his goal with the least amount of work.

What is a 'finite automaton' and how is it related to the lecture?

A finite automaton is a theoretical computational model that can be represented as a labeled transition system. This concept is being discussed in the context of the lecture on semantics.

What does 'bisimulation' refer to in the context of the lecture?

Bisimulation is a relation between two systems where, for each related state, one system can perform an action that leads to another related state in the second system. It is used to describe the equivalence of two concurrent systems in terms of their state transitions.

Why is there a growing concern regarding the number of students like Robert at universities?

There is a concern because the increase in students like Robert, who focus on surface learning and aim for minimal effort, is outpacing the number of students like Susan, who engage in deep learning. This shift may impact the overall quality of education and the effectiveness of teaching.

What is the 'good student, bad student' perspective mentioned in the script?

The 'good student, bad student' perspective refers to a simplistic view of students where some are categorized as 'good' based on their performance, while others are deemed 'bad.' This perspective is criticized for neglecting the complexities of student engagement and learning styles.

What is meant by the 'blame the students' approach to teaching?

The 'blame the students' approach refers to a teaching philosophy where the responsibility for success or failure in learning is placed solely on the students, without considering the role of teaching methods or environmental factors.

What is a 'level 1' teacher according to John Biggs?

A 'level 1' teacher focuses on sorting students into 'good' or 'bad' categories, often using exams as a way to assess students without considering the quality of the learning process. This approach is limited to basic sorting rather than fostering deeper learning.

How does a 'level 2' teacher differ from a 'level 1' teacher?

A 'level 2' teacher focuses more on what the teacher does in the classroom, using various teaching techniques and strategies. However, even with these techniques, the result is often passive learning, as students are not actively engaged in the learning process.

What is the main concern of a 'level 3' teacher?

A 'level 3' teacher is primarily concerned with the learning outcomes of students, focusing on what students do before, during, and after teaching. This level of teaching emphasizes active engagement and deeper learning rather than just the process of teaching.