For the past six years, Grand Valley State University, located in Grand Rapids, Michigan, USA, has provided pre-service teachers an opportunity to complete a 6-week comparative education study abroad program in Stellenbosch, S. Africa. During this time, students work in three different educational settings; a privileged school, an impoverished school and an informal school setting. This experience provides a diverse perspective into the educational system of S. Africa and the changing culture of a country so recently recovering from Apartheid. A frequent comment of the GVSU pre-service teachers relates to the dominance of lecture style instruction used in South African classrooms regardless socio-economic status, grade or school location. This type of instruction is in direct contrast to the active, student centered classrooms teachers are encouraged to create in the public schools of the United States.
Given the social nature of African cultures (i.e. Xhosa), where teaching is typically done through demonstration, story telling and in a social manner, the traditional lecture style of instruction that dominates most schools, proves to be difficult and ineffective for many students. This premise is supported through educational research which states that the person who actively participates in a lesson is the one who learns what is being taught. Active involvement in the classroom also increases the time students spend on task and decreases inappropriate classroom behavior. In addition, current research from American public schools states that 25% of all students answer 75% of all questions asked in classrooms. Therefore, there is a need to change current pedagogy to ensure that all students are given the opportunity to participate and learn.
Involvement strategies can be seen as one way to reshape the language and practice of education, curriculum and pedagogy. Involvement strategies can also become a common denominator of disciplines and various areas of study. This presentation will provide an overview of the concept of involvement strategies and how to incorporate these strategies into daily instruction.