My focus on the subject,"What is Learning" has deviated somewhat over the last couple of weeks. This shift in focus has evolved while on prac, having a good exposure to teaching a number of classes of middle phase learners. The range of diversity within these classes flutuates, however the consistant characteristics, are the number of special needs students in these classrooms. The "learning" in these classrooms, relates in my ability to understanding the needs and requirements of all learners, enabling me the facilator to effectively deliver task modified activities that cater for the differentiation.
The structure of the subject IT&D gives Middle phase learners, exposure to a variation of medias, for most, this exposure is their first. Learning expectations with this year level, is more targeted towards safety awareness in the workshop. Embedding this knowledge is enhanced when the facilitator can call on real life experiences, to exemplify the importance of safety in the workshop, while the learners are being exposed to small tasks and projects.
The "exposure" students gain through this engagement may well enhance the positive experience to the offerings in the area of IT&D. This exposure needs to be implemented and delivered in a way, the learners are hooked with the subject, laying the foundations and the opportunity to further explore the subject in the senior phase years, when the important "stuff " sticks and makes sense (Learning).
What you are talking about here Jamie is very similar to Situated Learning (Collins, Brown, Duguid)- be very aware of your language as you talk about learning however. Your heading discusses "learning" whilst your discussion talks about "teaching" - two very different things.
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