Reflection: Bridging Learning Theory, Instruction, and Technology

As my summer vacation comes to an end, so does another course at Walden. When beginning this course I found myself reflecting on the things I did during the past school year. Now that I am beginning a new school year, I am trying to find ways to incorporate things I have learned during the summer. It had been quite a while since I had really thought about the different learning theories. Of course, I studied them in college, but that was quite a while ago – this class helped me examine my actions in the classroom and how I incorporate the different theories.

Looking back at my personal theory of learning, I don’t think my ideas have changed a whole lot, but I have come across new ideas for my classroom through the use of technology tools. I still believe having a ‘hook’ for the students and creating connections for them is important. Having students actively involved in the learning experience is beneficial to all in the classroom. I still like the statement made by Wolfe that if something is worth teaching then it is worth teaching well. I feel it is important for me to do the best job possible every time I stand before my class. I think all of the learning theories can have a place in the classroom. For example, reinforcement for good behavior as well as consequences for bad will always be around. And constructionism (both in individual and group activities) should be present to give students hands-on experience as well as tap into their creative side.

An immediate change I would like to make in my instructional practice is to help my students develop note-taking skills that work for them. Today I noticed my students writing everything I said and did down. They were not actively listening …. They were just writing and copying as fast as they could. Having my students experiment with graphic organizers, summarizing techniques, and concept maps can help them in all of their classes. Allowing them to share their ideas through power points or concept maps could also benefit the entire class.

One long-term goal I have is to become more familiar with some of the technology tools, such as wikis, blogs, voice threads, google docs we have looked at during this course. Before diving into some of these with my students, I believe I need more experience so I can assist them with any questions they may have. I plan to get this experience by participating in professional development opportunities with my district and creating some artifacts to share with my students. I will also research sites on my own to broaden my knowledge.

My second long term goal is to make my classroom one that is more student-centered. I find myself doing most of the talking and would like to get the focus of the classroom off of me and onto my students. I believe my two long term goals will go hand in hand….Getting technology into the hands of my students will turn it into a learning tool and not just an instructional tool. I want my students to see what technology and the internet has to offer. It is not just a place to socialize and chat with your friends, but a place of immeasurable knowledge, resources and discovery.