EDUC 6711 – Reflection Post Week 8
My personal learning theory continues to evolve through my experiences as a teacher as well as through professional development. Initially when I began teaching, I followed the behaviorist theory of learning. I designed my class around rewards and consequences. I realized that my students’ behavior had improved using this theory but their academics did not. Therefore, I decided to explore other options. Eventually, I implemented a social learning approach in my classroom. One reason why I did this was because for several years in a row, I had chatty classes. I thought that if I let them socialize more in academic settings, then I would be able to maintain their attention when necessary. I noticed that those students that had difficulty with concepts were able to learn through their classmates as they held discussions in their groups. Their peers “helped them understand and made things more concrete” (Laureate Education, Inc., 2009a). Although they improved academically, their behavior was a little bit to be desired. The talking continued during inappropriate times and I spent much instructional time trying to correct this behavior.
My personal learning theory continues to evolve through my experiences as a teacher as well as through professional development. Initially when I began teaching, I followed the behaviorist theory of learning. I designed my class around rewards and consequences. I realized that my students’ behavior had improved using this theory but their academics did not. Therefore, I decided to explore other options. Eventually, I implemented a social learning approach in my classroom. One reason why I did this was because for several years in a row, I had chatty classes. I thought that if I let them socialize more in academic settings, then I would be able to maintain their attention when necessary. I noticed that those students that had difficulty with concepts were able to learn through their classmates as they held discussions in their groups. Their peers “helped them understand and made things more concrete” (Laureate Education, Inc., 2009a). Although they improved academically, their behavior was a little bit to be desired. The talking continued during inappropriate times and I spent much instructional time trying to correct this behavior.
Throughout this course, I noticed in order for students to make progress academically and behaviorally I would need to use a variety of learning theories and styles. Therefore, my intention is to incorporate multiple teaching strategies and learning styles throughout an instructional day in order to accommodate the needs of all my students. “The more modalities you use to enter information into the brain, the more avenues you have to retrieve it” (Laureate Education, Inc. 2009b). One learning theory that I would really like to begin implementing more is the constructionist approach. Technology applications are the perfect way to do this. “Technologies readily address the multiple ways of knowing that humans demonstrate” (Weiss, 2000, p. 55). By using this approach, students can interact with one another in order to create an artifact that will display what they have learned in class. It allows the students to take ownership of their learning. I know from prior experience that students become very engaged when technology is involved. “Students whom are actively engaged in the learning process will less likely become a distraction to others (Laureate Education, Inc., 2008). Therefore, my students can grow academically and behaviorally.
One technology tool that I would like to begin implementing is a concept map. This will enhance their learning because it will help organize their thoughts and information so that they can study for tests and quizzes in the future. Parents have told me in the past that their children do not know how to study or what to study. This would help parents and students to focus on and determine what is important and essential for them to study. When the students’ create the organizer themselves, it will enhance their ability to retrieve and use the information appropriately. It provides a personalized tool to help them study. Another technology tool that I would like to begin implementing is a Voice Thread. It is simple, kid friendly and versatile, and it provides an opportunity for students to respond in various ways that is comfortable for them. Since the students will have access to what others have shared, this can be a great learning experience for everyone. It is a terrific way to share ideas, perspectives, and explain concepts more clearly to one another.
One long term goal that I have is to become experienced with Whiteboards. My school will be receiving several of them in the next couple of months. Although, I might not be getting one in my room, my colleague next to me is. Hence, I plan to ask my colleague frequently to use the Whiteboard in order to gain experience with developing lessons that will enhance my students’ learning. I also hope to observe lessons that my colleagues have created so that I can acquire various ways in which to implement this application. Another long term goal that I have is to include a technology tool throughout each week. I will do this by reflecting on my lessons that I have planned for the week and determine where I can use one of the applications learned to support my students learning. For instance, I have just begun teaching my students fractions and I could have my students play some games on the internet in order to reinforce the concepts that they have learned throughout the week. These are possible websites that the students can engage in:
http://www.aaastudy.com/fra.htm
http://www.oswego.org/ocsd-web/games/fractionflags/fractionflags.html
http://www.oswego.org/ocsd-web/games/fractionflags/ffthirds.html
http://www.visualfractions.com/FindGrampy.html
http://www.visualfractions.com/
Many of these interactive games provide immediate feedback which correlates with the behavioral learning theory. Dr. Orey (2001) stated, “The desired response must be rewarded in order for learning to take place.”
I have really enjoyed this course and I have learned the importance of creating a student centered environment. By allowing the students to take control of their learning the students are becoming actively involved in their education rather than passively learning.
References
Laureate Education, Inc. (Executive Producer). (2008). Creating an Effective Classroom
Learning Environment. “Understanding Influences on the Learning Environment”. Baltimore: Author.
Laureate Education, Inc. (Producer). (2009a). Program eight. Social Learning Theories [Motion picture]. Bridging learning theory, instruction and technology. Baltimore: Author.
Laureate Education, Inc. (Producer). (2009b). Program two. Brain Research and Learning [Motion picture]. Bridging learning theory, instruction and technology. Baltimore: Author.
Orey, M.(Ed.). (2001). Emerging perspectives on learning, teaching, and technology. Retrieved from http://projects.coe.uga.edu/epltt/
Weiss, R. (2000, September). Howard Gardner talks about technology. Training & Development, 54(9), 52. Retrieved from Academic Search Premier database. Document ID: 3568542
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