Le Faasoa Method

Introduction

'Le Faasoa' is a Samoan term meaning 'the sharing'. I am using this term to define an approach that could be adopted for teaching in classroom settings. The concept may also be applied to actual practical experience between supervising coodinators and learners.

In a typical classroom scenario, often the teacher seen talking and students listening. The simple reason is because the teacher has to teach the curriculum content guided by hours of contact per subject schedule. Relating to this scenario, a common behavior observed in students is to sit and listen quietly. Sometimes if not many times, the teacher finds it difficult to receive students immedicate feedback.

In Le Faasoa Method, an immediate feedback from the student is encouraged just by the way teaching is conducted. This method will not change the content of curriculum to be delivered but focuses on a slightly different approach used to deliver the content of curriculum.

One likes to think that it is enhancing to set a scene where you wish to start working with your group in an equal mindset.

To start, let us use the Hibiscus to set our scene.

Activity

This activity may take the first 15-20mins of your class. It may also be considered as an icebreaker for your class. Pick a hibiscus from outside Set and display the hibiscus attractively in the front of the room Ask the group to sit in a semi circle making sure everyone sees the flower. Formally greet your group with a big smile. Then ask your group to take turns to share what they think of the hibiscus and what it reminds them of.

Activity

This is the sub-activity to the introductory one as above-seen. Group is taking turn to share their thoughts on the displayed hisbiscus Listen to what each individual is saying and see if their descriptions depict a unique mindset Once you observe they are all taken with the object they are sharing thoughts with, intervene and summarise their thoughts. While you are summarising, encourage the group's input to ensure what you are saying repeats what they said Express a few points of yours to add on to the discussion. Ask everyone to go outside, pick up a hibiscus and put it on their ear before the actual lesson is introduced.