Making Sense of Educational Strategies

Well after doing some readings and some discussion from last night's class, I think I realized why the Behavioral Model (Direct Instruction) is widely used and can sometimes considered to be overused. After listening to some classmates' discussion last nite in Elluminate, I think the BM is used because of time constraints and curriculum content that needs to be covered, especially with high school students. As students get older, the curriculum becomes more intense and students are expected to take more rigorous state tests, such as the Regents. Because there is so much focus on student test achievement, teachers need to get through the most curriculum content and in the quickest way possible- Direct Instruction. There is often no time to allow students to explore and ask questions that can guide their learning. Teachers feel the pressure of teaching to the test that they use Direct Instruction because they know this will be the quickest way to cover content and move on.
I also think another reason why Direct Instruction is used so often is because teacher's are often nervous about introducing Information Processing and Social Interactive because they may not be aware of what technology exists. Therefore, using this would be outside of their comfort zone. I often times see newer teachers attempting to integrate technology into their classrooms. Older teachers however, are not comfortable with this technology and therefore rely on Direct Instruction as the primary instructional strategy in their classroom.
I think the new Web 2.0 tools really help support Information Processing and Social Interactive learning. These tools allow students to get more involved in their learning and to be social and share what they have learned. I thought about how using this blog has helped me illustrate what I have learned and share it with others in class and those just stopping by to browse. I think the use of the Web 2.0 tools really has helped me gain a better understanding of course content, while becoming more familiar with technology. If this has worked for me, why not try it with students?!