ERIC Number: EJ794463
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2006-Aug
Pages: 5
Abstractor: Author
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-0730-3084
EISSN: N/A
Available Date: N/A
Learning to See: Developing the Perception of an Expert Teacher
Schempp, Paul G.; Johnson, Sophie Woorons
Journal of Physical Education, Recreation & Dance (JOPERD), v77 n6 p29-33 Aug 2006
The purpose of this article is to identify the perceptual skills of expert teachers and offer suggestions for teachers to learn to see like an expert. Being able to perceptively read the critical cues in a learning environment allows teachers to recognize present problems, anticipate potential problems, link immediate problems with previously successful solutions, and make exceptional in-class decisions. Four features distinguish what expert teachers see: (1) focusing on events relevant to student performance and learning, (2) making inferences from observations, (3) being alerted by atypical occurrences, and (4) observing with a critical eye. Because the skills of an expert are learned rather than inherited, anyone can increase their expertise by learning the skills of an expert. To do so requires knowledge of the skill and practicing that skill until it is mastered. The article offers specific suggestions for practicing the perceptual skills of an expert teacher.
Descriptors: Cues, Inferences, Thinking Skills, Decision Making Skills, Experience, Knowledge Level, High Achievement, Observation, Pattern Recognition, Perception, Competence, Knowledge Base for Teaching, Skill Analysis, Teacher Effectiveness, Critical Thinking
American Alliance for Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance. 1900 Association Drive, Reston, VA 20191. Tel: 800-213-7193; Fax: 703-476-9527; e-mail: info@aahperd.org; Web site: http://www.aahperd.org
Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Descriptive
Education Level: N/A
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A
Author Affiliations: N/A