Definition
Educator provides students with a range of approaches and solutions to problems, and expects students to defend their reasoning with evidence.
Rationale
It is important to connect the life-world of students to work and study if only to show the inherent connection between classroom and life. To that end, I have invited special guests to class both live (in person) and virtually (via Skype) to bring expert knowledge, testimony, and experience to our class discussions. The students entrusted to my care always prepare beforehand so that they can make the best use of the time that our guest presenters have made for our class.
Example
During class discussion in my Religious Studies 3 class on the notion of authenticity, its relationship to the dignity of the human person, and the sacrament of the human person, I shared with the class an article written by Dr Darron Smith about Justin Bieber's misappropriation of Black culture to further his music career. After encountering some resistance in class, I decided to ask Dr Darron Smith over Twitter to join us in class conversation via Skype to clarify his intentions. We studied his article in detail, prepared questions beforehand (which were also forwarded to Dr Darron Smith so that he was able to prepare), and we had the conversation over Skype with two of my students acting as conversation moderators. In the process, the students were exposed to ideas from Critical Theory, interacted with a guest presenter using educational technology, and seemed to appreciate the opportunity to engage with a noted researcher.
Evidence
Original Article Written by Dr Darron Smith
Guest Speaker Clearance Protocol for Dr Darron Smith
Official DLSHS Invitation for Dr Darron Smith
Student Prepared Questions for Dr Darron Smith
Classroom Walkthrough of Lesson (courtesy of Mrs Mary Ann Mattos)
Photo: Skype Conversation Moderated by Student (courtesy of Mrs Mary Ann Mattos)
Photo: Mr T as "Guide on the Side" with Students Engaged in Skype Conversation (courtesy of Mrs Mary Ann Mattos)