Comments on: Learners and teachers as tour guides

By: Charlie Roy

Charlie Roy — Wed, 16 Apr 2008 01:00:00 +0000

@Wes
Since you mentioned Friday morning Bible study you might be interested in the works of Luigi Giusanni. This late Italian priest from the 1950’s is gaining much popularity for his take on how catechesis best works. Your tour guide analogy hits the nail on the head not only for good teaching but also good catechesis. The Guisani method is very relevant. If you have time give it a look.

By: Wesley Fryer

Wesley Fryer — Tue, 15 Apr 2008 15:05:34 +0000

Lisa: You point out that the role of “guide” is focused on helping others experience a particular place and context. Authentic learning must be tied to real experiences, in my view, and this is also why I like this analogy. We hear people talk about teachers being the “guide on the side,” but I’m not sure I can form as developed a picture of what that looks like as I can when someone says “tour guide.” Background experiences are important. If students haven’t been with an accomplished tour guide, this analogy may not work for them. I like the concept that a tour guide is encouraging others to explore on their own, ask questions, and interact actively with their environment. A good tour guide (in my view) doesn’t want those on the “trip” to remain passive. Their own learning as well as enjoyment of the experience will be sharply limited if they remain passive. By becoming active participants in the tour, asking questions and reflecting (as you said) everyone learns more and “gets more” out of the experience.

By: Lisa Parisi

Lisa Parisi — Tue, 15 Apr 2008 15:01:01 +0000

I like the idea of thinking of my job as a tour guide. It reminds me to give the students time to observe and reflect on the “sites” or their learning. This is a great part of tourism. Spending time observing and experiencing the area. Let’s do that in the classroom - give students time to observe, experience, reflect while we guide.