Reflections - Week 1

Learning Styles

My learning style

We all learn in differing ways. My learning styles were informative and alarming at the same time. By taking the online questionnaire on the Felder and Solomon website I was intrigued to discover that my learning style has become very rigid.

My results in most areas returned results of around 9 which states a strong preference for one dimension of the scale which could mean difficulties in an environment which does not support that preference (Felder and Solomon).

It seems I am an active learner, so I am regularly looking for practical examples as to how the new information can be applied.  Diagrams and discussions are useful to my learning as is working within a group environment.

As can be noted from my results on the Multiple Intelligence test (pictured below), how I learn is quite distinct.  My strongest category is Visual/Spatial (picture smart), which for the most part is quite accurate.

Applying different learning styles within a classroom

It seems obvious that every classroom will be made up of students with not only varying ability but also varying learning styles.  In my view the most effective teachers are those that adapt their knowledge to suit the styles of most children or include a range of experiences into lesson plans to capture the interest of the majority of the students.  Although the teacher learns in a particular way, a good teacher is one who can adapt his/her style to the needs of the students.

Support learners with ICT

Introducing a range of software for use by the students is a way to support their learning.  There seems to be a comprehensive bank of software applications that are available that could be successfully introduced into specific curriculum areas.  These include such programs as the ABC's Reading Eggs.  Click here to read more about this application.

Making learning interesting and interactive is vital.

Multiple Intelligences

Prensky's Ideas

Without technology in the classroom, we as teachers would loose a large part of our audience.  I believe learners do 'demand' technology in the classroom. If we as educators can't provide stimulating material that keeps pace with current technologies then we will fail in our efforts to educate.  

Introduction to technology is starting early.  Only the other day I was reading a classic family favourite - Spot the Dog - to my 2 year old only to be stopped most unceremoniously by him when - much to his disgust - the page didn't change or talk or shake when he attempted the 'Apple' swipe at the bottom of the page!  Story time is going to take on a whole new meaning!

If 2 year olds are expecting interactive technology at story time then I suspect by the time they arrive in a formal classroom expectations are going to be high!

Technology is not only demanded by our learners but it is expected. Prep classes are doing homework on IPad Apps and year 5 students are doing all their prescribed maths homework on interactive and specialised websites.

With this kind of expectation on our educators, then it naturally follows that the "engage or enrage argument" has merit.  Unless our students are stimulated and engaged then there will be frustration and boredom.  We need, no we MUST learn the language of our students or we can forget our message all together.

To use Prensky's words:

"Digital Immigrant instructors, who speak an outdated language (that of the pre-digital age), are struggling to teach a population that speaks an entirely new language" Prensky. (Digital Natives Digital Immigrants; 2001, 2)

Connectivism

"Connectivism was proposed by George Siemens as the learning theory for the digital age. It identifies the networked nature of learning with computers and the internet. Siemens stated that it is no longer possible to know everything, that it is more important to identify how and where to find knowledge than it is to know. In other words, the pipeline and its connections is more important than what is in the pipeline." (program notes)

Siemens point seems to be a fortuitous one.  Our children are learning in different ways from the way we were taught.  Technology dictates that it be that way.  If we don't adopt the pace at which today's learners source, retain and share information our teaching techniques won't be effective.

Gonzalez (2004) provides evidence of this by discussing the changing nature of how learners learn and the pace at which it takes place.  He suggests that the "amount of knowledge in the world has doubled in the past 10 years and is doubling every 18 months.."

With this in mind, we need to find new and engaging ways to stimulate our learner.  We need to not only take on Siemens ideas but attempt to incorporate  them into the way in which we deliver information to our learners.  A more interactive, fast paced approach is needed.

To incorporate such an idea into a classroom, lets say year 5, could involve a project not unlike the basis for this course.  Rather than setting a project on the Eureka Stockade which needs to feature and oral presentation using cardboard and cut our photos/maps/diagrams etc, why not encourage students to extend their research outside wikipedia and include a range of information gathering techniques and sources.  Why not encourage them to set up their own Blog or Wiki where the information could be presented and stored.  Encourage other students to comment on the page and add new information.  This kind of project would not only engage its author but also other members of the class.  

In support of Siemens concept, this information is starting with the individual, is inviting comments from others, feedback is being used to collaborate ideas, the learner is ideally of greater benefit as he/she has benefited from the connections that have been made both through the use of technology and by interacting with peers to learn about a new topic and retain the information.

Cognitivism

Mind Mapping

"A mind map is a thinking tool which reflects externally what is going on in your head, its like a swiss army knife for the brain" (Tony Buzan)

Attached is an example of my personal mind map using bubbl.us.