Channel Surfing: The Bear Necessities of Learning Channels
I did something different. This week I set aside the traditional format of early morning emails and elected to go with a more dynamic presentation (that’s what we’re calling it). This week I did a video instead (see below) on the innovative educational concept known as learning channels. Introduced by Eric Haughton, a pioneer in generative instruction and precision teaching, learning channels propose a multifaceted approach to teaching, especially effective in the field of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA). This method challenges the conventional one-dimensional teaching strategies by advocating for the exploration of concepts from various angles, thus aiming to foster a deeper understanding and better generalization of knowledge among learners.
The video delves into the practical application of learning channels by using the example of teaching the concept of a bear. It emphasizes the importance of engaging multiple sensory inputs and outputs to convey information, thereby accommodating the diverse learning styles of students. Through the demonstration of how a single concept can be approached through seeing, hearing, touching, and more, the presenter illustrates the potential of learning channels to enrich the educational experience. This method not only seeks to prevent rote learning but also ensures that learners truly grasp and retain the concepts being taught.
Highlighting the effectiveness of learning channels, the vlog showcases various teaching strategies tailored to both early and advanced learners. By presenting examples such as tacting (labeling), matching, and receptive identification, it underscores the versatility of this approach in adapting to the unique needs of each learner. The vlog concludes with an encouragement for educators to consider this innovative teaching method, suggesting that learning channels can significantly enhance conceptual understanding and engagement in the learning process. Through this insightful presentation, the vlog offers a compelling case for the adoption of learning channels in educational settings, promising a more comprehensive and effective approach to teaching and learning.
Check out the video below!
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