TPCK+T
Yes I know TPCK
sounds like some sort of gang member’s name and you may be wondering where I am
going with this acronym. Actually TPCK
is a teaching model I have learned about this summer. It stands for Technology, Pedagogy, Content,
and Knowledge. These are the essential elements for 21st Century
instruction and learning.
This model intertwines
these four components of teaching in order to make
the biggest impact on student instruction.
Although I agree with this model and find much validity in it, I think
it lacks one descriptor, Theatrics!
The best
lessons I have taught have a high level of knowledge about relevant content. They use technology to facilitate this
information using a research-based teaching strategy along with a huge punch
of drama! Once when teaching narratives,
I wrote about being homecoming queen in college, wore a fancy dress and did a
dramatic reading of my narrative. The kids loved it, the narratives the
students produced were great and the best part of all, I got to wear a tiara
for part of the day!
As a parent
think about potty training (content), you have the knowledge of the obvious benefit,
you look up strategies on Pinterest (technology) but without the jumping up and
down and cheering of celebrating this achievement (theatrics), the behavior isn’t reinforced.
Working and
learning with kids requires drama and theatrics. We all love to be entertained! It helps a concept stick. I am currently
working with my youngest child on not saying, “ain’t.” In doing this, I correct him when he says it,
remind him it is not a proper word and of course over dramatize how it sounds
when he does say it. I use an exaggerated accent and respond, “You cant say
aint ‘cause people will think ya don’t know nothing!” He laughs because I sound ridiculous but he
is finally starting to correct himself when he says, “ain’t; granted he is now
saying isn’t when he should say aren’t and vice versa but I am picking one
battle at a time! After all we are all a work in progress.
In all
seriousness, TPCK is an up to date model for teachers to examine when planning lessons. Pair theatrics with knowledge, content,
technology, and pedagogy/theory and you have a creative and memorable lesson to
convey information. Go TPCK+T!