The old model is out of date...

The traditional model of pouring knowledge into our students' brains is no longer valid. As professors, we are no longer the dispensers of knowledge and wisdom. Even if our students wish we would simply lecture and tell them everything they need to know, we can no longer take this approach. In a world where information is plentiful and critical thinkers are not, our approach must be to design our courses so that students will be forced to take responsibility for their own learning. Our role should be to encourage, guide, and challenge our students--not simply attempt to transfer our knowledge to their brains. 


We should be prepared for some resistance to this approach. Most of our students have experienced more of the traditional teaching model than the student-responsibility model. They may complain that "they are not getting their money's worth" if the professor doesn't take the traditional role as "the sage on the stage." As we move from face-to-face courses to blended courses, it will become more apparent to everyone--students and professors--that students must take responsibility for their own learning. 


Think about the Blend 101 course you just sat through. Did you enjoy the professor-led class sessions more than any of the online weeks? The model where the students simply listen and join in a class discussion may be appealing to those of us who were educated with that model. Did you take responsibility for your own learning during the online weeks? How will we motivate our students to take this responsibility?