Learning in a Flexible Environment

       Isn't it amazing how much information that we all have access to and how it affects our learning and thinking? We have a lot of resources: our old books, library books and most importantly internet resources.   

        Learning in a flexible environment, with constant exchange of ideas, is a valuable and never-ending process. But are we accustomed to flexible environments? Do we believe in different modes of learning? We are only accustomed to learning in the classroom or the lecture hall. By practice I found out that I learn through different ways: face-to-face, lecturing, watching videos, discussion, learning by doing and reflection.

      

      As a teacher, I want to be a part of an interactive mode of learning where each talent is tapped and valued without so much pressure and insistence on the traditional teaching and assessment form. This is the disconnect that many educators feel in their lives. They work for an organization with a very specific theory of learning - but believe a different theory of learning is more powerful for students. 

I feel a lot of frustration in my job, there is a disregard to my subject: English language. The whole educational system in Egypt creates disqualified teachers. The students dislike education.  They feel education is humbug. They have to memorize in order to get marks. They do not understand how they will apply the information.

     It is important to understand and have a variety of learning opportunities available to everyone. For teachers they should be professional opportunities, scholarships for all teachers whether working in the governmental sector or the private sector.

    As for students we should open up their minds to new ways of getting information, practicing and applying new material. We should also listen more to their thoughts. This is definitely a hard job.