How does elementary work?

[elmostoney]

I have heard two completely different approach about elementary teachers' involvement. Which one is true?

1. Because the topics for the year can vary greatly depending on what the children in class choose to explore, the teacher's work can be very intensive as he needs to write up his own curriculum based on the children's choice. The work can be very time-consuming and involved.

OR

2. The child chooses a topic of his interest. Obviously, no one can know EVERYTHING. The teacher will assist at appropriate moments as the child requires when doing his research, e.g. how to search for the info on the web, what facilities are available (e.g. the local science museum, art museum, etc), call up an expert in the area...The teacher won't do the work, but will provide guidance only. Essentially, kind of like doing a project together, but the student will do most of the work of course.

Which approach is actually used?

[RiverTam]

Originally Posted by elmostoney

I have heard two completely different approach about elementary teachers' involvement. Which one is true?

1. Because the topics for the year can vary greatly depending on what the children in class choose to explore, the teacher's work can be very intensive as he needs to write up his own curriculum based on the children's choice. The work can be very time-consuming and involved.

OR

2. The child chooses a topic of his interest. Obviously, no one can know EVERYTHING. The teacher will assist at appropriate moments as the child requires when doing his research, e.g. how to search for the info on the web, what facilities are available (e.g. the local science museum, art museum, etc), call up an expert in the area...The teacher won't do the work, but will provide guidance only. Essentially, kind of like doing a project together, but the student will do most of the work of course.

Which approach is actually used?

The classes at our school take both approaches. The teacher leads some lessons and the kids take the lead on finding research topics that interest them.

[rumsmyname]

More of the number 2

and in fact a somewhat strong no for number 1. The guide aspect is the most important part. During the year, there are areas covered which are selected by teachers. These areas have them doing a lot of background work, supporting materials to make them more enjoyable....ancient civilization study, areas in science as examples here. A student desiring to pursue an interest only has the teacher as a guide, not the researcher. Researching, doing the work is the job of the child...its the process that is useful.