Module 1 - Activity 4 Reflection

Wow! Activity 4 has been a life-changing experience. As teachers we think we are doing the right thing. The information gleaned in the readings for this activity has caused me to reflect on my teaching effectiveness. It outlines the principles of learning that should be modelled in every classroom across the world. I am so enthralled, my brain is ticking. We have much to do to make our classrooms a pleasant place to be; a place where learning is more meaningful to both student and teacher; where students are encouraged to excel, to achieve their fullest potential. We must now make these perspectives of/approaches to learning the guidelines of our teaching career.

The most powerful lesson I learnt is that teaching/learning can never be successfully achieved unless we build on the students prior experiences and motivate them to want to achieve. Learners' interpretations of concepts may be very different due to their background; behaviours are exhibited as a result of their levels of understanding of what is going in the classroom. I am convinced that if we take the time to 'know' our students, we will have a better opportunity of educating them not just for the present but for the future.

Module 1 - Activity 3 Reflection

Observational learning is a major process in the classroom. teachers need to observe the reaction of the students to determine if there is a need change the teaching methodology in order to gain/regain their attention. Make learning fun and relative to the experiences of the students to assist them in the retention of concepts. Be sure to include feedback in a reasonable time, praise students where necessary and assist others along the way as needed. In this way we can be assured that as learning takes place, students will be encouraged to produce more. As has been discussed by the group, these changes are vital to the success of the students and ability of the teacher to transfer knowledge.

How many teachers know the names of their students by the end of the first week of class? Use a game to find out, pay attention to responses and retain the information accordingly. The personal touch will always create a better learning environment. One can motivate students not only through positive feedback but also through modeling of the behaviours expected. Demonstrate to students that you are human just like they are,  and that you are genuinely interested in their achievements. These are my experiences which have been successful time and time again. Not all students will achieve as we would want, but modeling the behaviours expected will leave only a very narrow margin for failure.

Module 1 - Activity 2 Reflection

A  few things stand out from the interaction derived from Activity 2. If learning is to be achieved it is important to:

• know what experiences each child brings to the classroom - This is important to design the lessons to be taught.
• relate the concepts being taught to the experiences of the children. This is a sure way to help them retain the information delivered
• help students to understand themselves and their way of thinking and learning.
• focus more on the students' learning and not solely on completing the syllabus. Taking a child from one level to the next can be considered learning and achievement

Yes, there is still great emphasis placed on academic achievement, but little by little managers and policy makers are realizing the need to cater to the individual needs of the students and not solely on the syllabus to be covered. Change does not take place overnight. It is a process and it is up to us as educators to effect that change. Every little step counts.

Learning, Teaching and Thinking with ICT Module 1 - Activity1 Reflection

There is so much information contained in this activity. however, the most most powerful lessons surrounded the need to move away from the old paradigm that learning fits within a particular structure to one where the student plays a great part in his own learning and that the teacher's role has to be changed to that of a facilitator.

I discovered that learning is described as a change in mental associations and behavior due to experiences.  All learners can learn, are willing to learn and have the ability to learn if teachers would utilize the learners’ experiences (social and cognitive) and the outcomes expected to design appropriate methodologies for the transfer of knowledge. Note that learning takes place in different ways such as:

 - observing and imitating behaviour,

 - via experiences,

 - interaction with others,

 - memorizing, and 

 - asking questions

It is also important to realize that learning is voluntary as well as involuntary. Hence the need to move to the new paradigm principles of learning where the learner is very much involved in the creation of the learning environment. After all he is responsible for his own learning. He just needs the opportunity and environment in which to do so.

I really believe that if we would all take this new knowledge to heart and seek to put these things into practice, we would reduce the levels of "failure" and instead encourage students to strive for greater success.