Virtual Outworlding: 2020 #VWEDU: #DTA: Knowledge-based learning teaches study skills. That is learning how to "learn." The DTA can coach study skills.

Sunday, April 19, 2020

Knowledge-based learning teaches study skills.
That is learning how to "learn."
The DTA can coach study skills.

A consideration of what skills are needed to succeed in knowledge-based learning and how the DTA could teach them

Wondering what knowledge is

"Learning" objectives for descriptive knowledge. The limitations of academic knowledge
In knowledge-based learning, students are expected to "know" the subject.
They are given specific sources of information defining the body of knowledge.
At the concrete level "know" is usually defined by tests that they have to pass.
Students execute this routine repeatedly over years of high school and college.
They are practicing study skills and test-taking skills.
Repeated practice develops those skills.
Study skills are defined by the skills needed to pass knowledge-based courses.
Those skills vary with the evaluation practices of the courses.
Experienced students want to know "What kind of tests are used in this course?"
This collection of skills could be called: learning how to learn.
A desirable goal for this learning may be preparation for lifelong learning.
A Digital Teaching Assistant (DTA) can coach students in learning skills.
Not just how to pass the tests, but how to study effectively.

VWBPE Immersive events continue Want To Teach ESL Online? A Dimension Beyond Offers Free online Meeting Rooms.

***********************

Knowledge is at the bottom of Bloom's famous taxonomy of educational objectives.
That objective is not inferior. It is basic, the prerequisite of the upper levels.
And knowledge is simple enough that DTA can manage and coach student practice.
The actions used in studying for knowledge based test: Collect/organize, rehearse, recall.

Knowledge-based instruction has two major categories: vocabulary and facts.
The DTA can provide exercises and formative tests in vocabulary.

Magnolia gardens of knowledge. A demonstration of introductory training on the parts (of anything).
Collecting facts was usually done by reading text and (in the old days) marking them.
The DTA can give practice by presenting text passages and asking students to copy/paste the facts.
This might be a case where gamification would help maintain interest.

Skill-based learning: Requires evaluated practice. A job for the Digital Teaching Assistant (DTA)