REFLECTIONS

My personal learning theory in week one was not defined.  I articulated that there was no one theory of learning that I embraced but I thought then that as an educator, I should use an appropriate theory depending on the situation and circumstances at the point in time.  Even then, I was very unsure of an appropriate theory of learning that depicted my style of teaching.   During this course, we discussed and examined the major theories of learning.  Although I am still of the view that choosing one particular learning theory would not best fit what I believe in, I am able to articulate my belief more explicitly.  As noted earlier, I will take into consideration the learning environment and the social context from which I operate.  I believe myself to be a constructivist/constructionist.  However, I believe that every educator must also bear in mind behaviorism and the social learning theory as important theories to bear in mind. 

Educational technologies used in those learning theories also had a great impact on how I intend to approach my classroom in the new academic year.  I intend to create an active learning environment for my students.  I will endeavor to create an atmosphere where my students could be actively involved in the learning process. 

We also examine the nine instructional strategy clusters that teachers generally use (Laureate Education Inc., 2011).  In the past, I mainly used technology as an instructional tool.  Today, I wish to use technology as a learning tool.  Two technology tools that I intend to use with my students are voice thread and concept mapping.  I believe that using those two leaning tools will enhance the learning that takes place in my classroom.  I see my students being more involved in the learning process as they become active and no longer passive learners.  I am convinced that my repertoire of instructional skills has expanded as a result of this course.  I think that I am better able to utilize those clusters of instructional strategies in my classroom.  More importantly, I think that I am better able to utilize them to encourage active learning in my classroom. 

Two long term goals I would like to add to my instructional practice is to firstly plan lessons that would better build 21^st century skills.  By that I mean I will ensure that my classroom is more student centred.  For instance, in the past, I did use technology in my classroom, but they were mainly used as instructional tools.  I would like to see a transformation in my teaching ability in that when I utilize technology, it would be student centred.  I would want to see my students utilize various technologies to make their presentations or for homework and practice.  Secondly, I hope to use technology to improve student effort.  I intend to use technology to provide better feedback for my students and to showcase their work.  This I am convinced would help them to monitor their progress.  As I teach them the importance of improving their efforts, I intend to model appropriate behavior in this regard.  As a strategy, I intend to focus on reinforcing effort and feedback, homework and practice and cooperative learning as three strategies to use during this semester.  As I use appropriate technology to bring out those strategies, I am convinced that my classroom practice would improve.

I was very tentative when I started this course.  However, it comes to an end I feel that I could not be the type of teacher I desire to be without it.  I was fascinated with the new technologies I learnt.  More importantly, the instructional/learning tools we focused on will help to make me a better and well-rounded educator.

References

Laureate Education, Inc. (Producer). (2011). Program eleven: Instructional strategies, Part one [Video webcast]. Bridging learning theory, instruction and technology. Retrieved from http://laureate.ecollege.com/ec/crs/default.learn?CourseID=5700267&CPURL=laureate.ecollege.com&Survey=1&47=2594577&ClientNodeID=984650&coursenav=0&bhcp=1Pitler