The Dynamic Systems of Teaching and the Teaching Brain

• In Event: Systems Thinking as a Paradigm for Understanding Teaching and Learning

Abstract

Teachers are a critical lens in the classroom. Therefore, a new phase of research is underway to investigate the teaching brain. The teaching brain is a dynamic system in constant interaction with the learning brain. Our study investigated cognitive processes of master teachers through this dynamic systems perspective. Using an interview protocol influenced by microgenetic techniques, 23 master teachers used the Self-in-Relation-to-Teaching tool to answer “What are you focusing your mind on throughout the process of teaching?” One emergent theme, Awareness of Interaction, is discussed here and refers to teachers’ recognition of the learner-teacher interaction as a separate system. Results suggest that master teachers acknowledge their perspective leveraging their teaching brains to embody a systems thinking view of their practice.

Authors

• Vanessa Rodriguez, Harvard University

• S. Lynneth Solis, Harvard University