This is a brain-training system created by one Dr. Jan Strydom. Recognizing that learning is a stratified process, this system seeks to automatize the foundational learning skills such as concentration, perception, memory (visual and auditory), logical thinking and imagination. The creators draw an analogy with football. They say that in order to be a footballer one has to learn certain skills like dribbling and passing. So in reading, so long as one can master the foundational skills then reading is possible. Having isolated the skill and provided activities for practice, opportunities are created for the students to apply these skills in reading scenarios.
On the website, there were video clippings of sessions with teachers using the Audioblox materials. It was very interesting. Among the many testimonials, there was one from a teacher of remedial students who praised its effectiveness with her students. We may not have access to the programme but I found the compilation of the cognitive foundational skills very useful. In my planning, I can seriously consider incorporating activities to strengthen those skills. For example, I would have many read - aloud sessions using books with vivid descriptions to develop and enrich their imaginations. I must also bear in mind that practice time is essential for mastery. Failure to develop some of these cognitive skills can jeopardize their learning.
Hi Heather,
ReplyDeleteThe title of your post immediately caught my attention. I know a lot of research has been done with the concept of brain-based learning but I haven’t heard about ‘audioblox’ and I do not know what it pertains to. After reading your post, I have to agree with your opinion that it is important to recognize that learning is a stratified process and I am glad that at least someone or persons have come to realize that the foundational learning skills are of paramount importance to the success of future learning.
On Wednesday 27th July, in commemoration of UWI’s 50th Anniversary, Dr. Conrad made a very inspiring speech addressing the issue of “Enhancing the Literacy Initiatives” available in our country – she being an advocate for literacy development. Unfortunately, little mention was made of the Ministry of Education’s vision for seamless education with its thrust on Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE). Fortunately, the Supervisor for ECCE, Mrs. A. Thornhill, was present and this oversight was not allowed to pass. She expressed her dissatisfaction concerning the oversight and she reiterated the importance of inculcating those foundational literacy skills as early as Pre-School stage. She pleaded for more recognition to be given to those very formative and crucial years of a child’s life when those said foundational skills can be naturally and pleasantly developed.
During my session with Mrs. Aisha Wood-Jackson (concerning Lessons), she also spoke passionately about what teachers are doing to scaffold how students learn those foundational literacy skills. She made multiple references to giving students enough time and opportunities to practice those skills because they are so fundamental to successful learning.
I conclude by agreeing with your comment that “so long as one can master the foundational skills, then [mastery at] reading is possible.”
Hi Clara, I'm sorry that I was unable to attend the lecture. Glad that you benefitted from it. Yes, foundational skills are the key and we should remember this when we are planning our lessons, especially those with the new technology.
ReplyDeleteI think that we should really bear in mind Ms. Aisha's comment about ensuring that in our lessons we give the students ample opportunity to practise the foundational literacy skills. Let's do our utmost to promote our students' reading success.
I hope that you are clearer now on her requirements. All the best.
Hi,
ReplyDeleteWhilst, the audioblox may have worked successfully based on inventions that were conducted on some students, we have to remember that we must find and use appropriate electronic tools that will facilitate the multiple intelligences of the digital generation.