Paul Hickman recently (January 30, 2008) provided a list of "tensions in teaching" on the AAPT's CTP-L listserv.
LESS EMPHASIS ON
Treating all students alike and to responding to the group as a whole
MORE EMPHASIS ON
Understanding and responding to individual student's interests, strengths,
experiences, and needs
But there are genuine tensions between the extremes in teaching practices
and beliefs that novice and experienced teachers deal with every day. As
novice teachers develop their personal style and professional judgment AND
have the opportunity to observe more experienced colleagues they can begin
to see the value of conversations about these issues.
We have had many such conversations on this list. Unless novice teachers
are part of a learning community like the one that Eugenia described they
will continue to be asked to sink or swim and presumed to be much more
expert than they actually are. They need to be asking tough questions like
these and realize that the answers will not be quick or easy.
Tensions in Teaching ( A very incomplete list any other suggestions?)
Teach for Mastery vs Cut your losses and move on
Depth vs Breadth
Laboratory vs Exposition
Teaching for Understanding vs Teaching for exit exam
Content vs Pedagogy
Text as the Bible vs Text as a Resource
Reading (about Science) vs Writing (about Science)
Real World vs Abstract
Prior Knowledge vs Blank Slate
Individual Work vs Collaboration
Student Centered Instruction vs Teacher Centered Instruction
Seat Work vs Out-of-Classroom Experience
Formulas vs Phenomena
Interactive Demonstration vs Gotcha
Direct Instruction vs Inquiry
Test for a Grade vs Assess to Improve Instruction
Yours in Physics,
Paul