Jump into this hub!

Read and learn. Get a pool of information, activities and lessons to help you learn English. Be a habitue here at SkyBlue's Activity Hub.

Saturday, June 29, 2013

MY VIEWS ON THE CONFLICT AND CONSENSUS THEORIES

by Mrs. Ritchelle Blanco Dejolde
Master Teacher 1
Ilocos Norte College of Arts and Trades


Two sociological theories that can possibly exist in any class are the Conflict Theory and the Consensus Theory. Conflict Theory (which is traced to Karl Marx) makes one group dominant over other groups.  Usually, the dominant group dictates the rules and expects unwavering obedience from its members.  Conflict Theory stems from the precept that this obedience can bring forth order.  Such belief/concept has been and is still evident in communist and socialist societies. 

In the field of education, Conflict Theory can develop the students’ ability to focus and achieve mastery of certain skills and concepts if the teacher is seen as dominant or “ruler” over the learners. In some cases, the dominant entity can be the school administration, or the supreme student council. This can exact order and cut down misbehaviour, but I personally think that if Conflict Theory is applied all throughout the learning process, order may be present but freedom is curtailed. Later on, rebellion will rise.

The Consensus Theory, on the other hand, gives the opportunity for real education to flow freely. Decisions are made out of a unified agreement among leaders and members of a group.  Learning competencies and strategies are well-planned by a conglomeration of experts.  Educational resources target common objectives to help and guide the learners achieve their dreams. Meetings and consultations are made to come up with acceptable school rules and regulations. In the classroom, the teacher does not only teach, he also facilitates.  The teacher creates a teaching-learning atmosphere that is inspiring and fulfilling. He is not somebody to be wary of, but someone to approach for clarification and for supplemental or remedial measures.  The Consensus Theory can make the learner feel involved. To ease myself from too much pressure when there are discipline issues, I let my students sign Behaviour Contracts with their parents as witnesses.  At the start of the school year, the students fill-up rubrics for study habits and behaviour.  By doing this, the students will immediately know that they, too, are responsible for their own learning experience.  Other activities related to the subject (English) I teach are agreed upon by the students.  These are done individually or in groups. Through the Consensus Theory, creativity is optimized, learning is actualized.

                                              Copyright©RitchelleBlancoDejolde 2013
 

Thursday, June 27, 2013

School Blasts While the Heat is On


Yes, the school blasts once again with the noise of students in all buildings, at the canteen, the corridors..everywhere!  We are full with lessons to teach/learn, tests to hurdle, challenges to face.  All these would be easier if not for the searing heat roving.  I have a new room (DepEd 1) which looks better than the room (RA-1) I occupied for about a decade.  But it is as hot as the old,dingy one.  Anyway, here are some pics of the new room. Thanks to DepEd and our Superintendent for this new classroom.

https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6jKTXkoUlq4vBFbqk-FkSqUuY5X9YfW-nf_3idbnMAyZHEd5DYXN6QKL1iOefKWBlH4yCdlZf2hS-jtFnrqSmwYQNlkoCKX4jGp9-GciOUEgIFr3i_4VI6iVOdF0eUaStIgYjEuH0Y-ev/s640/Snapshot_20130607_33.JPG
This year's Third Year students...eager to try the new room.


Camera-shy Third Year Students

Busy with English activities

My former III-Topaz students (now Seniors) helped clean the new room. Thanks guys!
 

Prepping up for the new shool year.


Trisha, my trusted video editor and former student.  She's now a college Sophie. She had the chance to edit videos with me here just a few days before the opening of the new school year.