Dr. Arthur Robinson talks about oral self-teaching as a method used by his homeschooled sons. Robinson cited that this method was first described by M. L. Jones, in his book The Overnight Student (currently out of print). This method is based on the belief that those who teach, learn. With this in mind, Robinson suggests that students who "teach" themselves are better able to comprehend and retain new information. For a more detailed explanation of Robinson's findings visit Specific Answers.
The basic steps for oral self-teaching are for the learner to read new material in small pieces and then to orally present the information using visual prompts. This oral presentation or "teaching" is best when done privately so the learner is not inhibited by the idea of a real audience. As the student orally self-teaches they are made aware of areas in the new material where their comprehension is incomplete. Conversely, during the process of orally self-teaching, students will gain deeper understanding and longer retention. For a more thoroughly description of this method along with preliminary research please visit my wiki. A more comprehensive look at this method will be posted to the same wiki in the future.
Although oral self-teaching seems to theoretically be supported by research I have questions as to its practicality. The time needed to implement this method might prove too troublesome for both parents and students. Further research and input from those who have used this method is needed to assess the potential benefits or lack thereof.
Of further consideration is whether student videos of oral self-teaching could be used to teach other students through web postings.
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Jenna,
ReplyDeleteThe concept of oral self-teaching is new to me and intriguing. It seems similar in some ways to self-talk. For example, I often mutter steps to myself when I'm cooking a new dish or tackling a new craft project to keep myself on track, and this helps me sequence material and also helps me spot goofs.
The other strategy oral self-teaching reminds me of is the "one room schoolhouse" approach (still alive and kicking in martial arts schools) where students teach other students as a way to cement and deepen their own understanding.
Like you, I have doubts about the practicality of this approach in many situations, but it bears looking into. Interesting how we, as a culture, seem to be moving away from teacher-led edcation and moving toward "do-it-yourself" education. I think this reflects a profound shift in the way we look at the world.
Thanks for posting this! I'm going to read up on Dr. Robinson's work.
I am glad that someone else posted on this topic before I did, because I thought I was the only one that did oral self-teaching. I have a hard time with directions, so I will read them to myself, then I will read them again. If I still don't get it, I will read them out loud, so I can hear myself reading the instructions to myself. It sounds crazy, and maybe it is, but that is how I finally get to understand something.
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