Balanced Approach to Teaching

Gail Tompkins (2018) states, “The goal of literacy instruction is to ensure that all students achieve their full literacy potential (p.6).” Teachers are tasked with a great responsibility for students to not only learn how to read and write, but become active participants in society. As I begin my journey in the profession of teaching, the task at hand can be daunting and overwhelming at times. The balanced approach to teaching begins with an understanding of how students learn.

While a teacher-centered approach to learning used to be highlighted in classrooms, there has been a greater focus on student-centered approaches. Examples of these theories include constructivism and sociolinguistics. Teachers must also make sure to create a community in the classroom with guidelines that make sure students are safe, respected, engaged, responsible, risk takers, and collaborators. As technology constantly changes, the ways in which we teach students needs to adapt. This includes using e-readers and word processing applications, in addition to traditional books and paper and pencil.

Students have various needs and it is essential that teachers use different levels of scaffolding. The five levels of scaffolding build from modeling, sharing, interactive, guided, and finally independence. Instruction should be differentiated for students and assessment should be linked with instruction. This is incredibly important for students so that they can have instruction that best fits their needs.

The nine principles that Gail Tompkins provides a great framework as I become a teacher. The most important principle, in my opinion, is creating a community within the classroom. I want my students to feel safe as they learn and are pushed outside their comfort zones. The task of learning to read and write can feel daunting and challenging, especially for students who may have learning disabilities or do not get support outside the classroom. I want to help model for students, but also know that I will be learning from them too.

Reference: Tompkins, G. E. (2018). Literacy for the 21st century: A balanced approach 7th Ed. New York: Pearson