Personal Theory Of Learning Reflection

The purpose of an education institution is to prepare young people for an adult world. Through basic education in mathematics, natural sciences, history, and language arts, as well as interpersonal skills, and the integration of technology, students are given the basic stepping-stones to succeed as an adult. I feel as if my theory of learning has not changed too much from the beginning of class. I still feel that students need to have the drive for motivation to reach their goals of success. Not only do I want my students to strive, but I also want them to become independent thinkers and make good choices.

Like I have stated before, as a teacher, I must introduce topics in a way that all students will be able to understand. While watching the DVD clip of Dr. Michael Orey (2009), he discussed the two types of learning theories: Instruction Theory vs. Learning Theory. The Instructional Theory is defined as "anything you do to change the environment to enhance learning: (Orey, 2009). I have to make sure that I am understanding the way that each on of my students learn. What works for them? What can I do so that they grasp the knowledge I am presenting to them? Teachers need to use all the tolls available in order to meet their needs of their students so that they have the opportunity to reach their goals.

As teachers, we understand that every classroom is different and that every child is different. Dr. Patricia Wolfe (2009) states in her DVD, Understanding the Brain, teachers for a long time have "[taught] brains that we have not understood" (Wolfe, 2009). Incorporating all kinds of strategies to teach the students the skills for each lesson, will allow teachers to reach out to all of their learners.

Technology plays a huge role with this discovery. Technology is the way of our future.
By incorporating technology into lessons, it allows teachers to stay connected with their students and to meet the needs of all learners. I love the use of the SMART board in my classroom. It allows me to not only broaden my lessons, but the students are engaged with what is being taught.

With the use of the SMARTboard tool, I am able to show my students engaging lessons. For example, we are able to take virtual field trips. If we are studying a particular place, but unable to travel their to get the full experience, we will still be able to feel like we are their with the use of the virtual field trip.

Another tool that I love is the Voice Threads. I feel that this is a creative tool to use with my students. They enjoy it too! Having students work hands on with a particular assignment is only beneficial. They students are able to work independently and research ideas because they want to learn more. They also love the final product and are able to share that with the class.

I feel that students learn more when they are interested. If they are interested, they are engaged. If they are engaged, they are going to obtain the knowledge and drive for success. The two long term goals that I have for myself is to continue to use technology in my classroom. My students learn when they are able to use this tool. I want to make sure that I do not just put this type of tool to the sidelines. The second long-term goal that I have for myself is to continue up with the use of technology. I want to make sure that I know the latest strategy and use in order for me to keep up on the knowledge! Knowledge is everywhere and to teach students these simple skills will give them the wisdom they need to succeed in life.

Elizabeth Brindley

Resources
Laureate Education, Inc. (Producer). (2008). Program one. Understanding the Brain [Motion picture]. Bridging learning theory, instruction and technology. Baltimore: Author.

Laureate Education, Inc. (Producer). (2008). Program one. Understanding the Brain [Motion picture]. Bridging learning theory, instruction and technology. Baltimore: Author.

Cooperative Learning

When reading the resources for the week, I was able to learn more about cooperative learning. I feel that this theory is vital to a students learning experience. With cooperative learning, students are able to "interact with each other in groups in ways that enhance their learning" (Pitler, Hubbell, Kuhn & Malenoski, 2007 p. 139). This type of social and cooperative learning allows students to engage in collaborative discussions which do not even need to take place in the same room. With the use of technology, students are able to blog about their ideas. Students can become more hands on and deeper thinking can take place. It is also important to know that "cooperative learning should be used consistently and systematically, but should not be overused" (Pitler, Hubbell, Kuhn & Malenoski, 2007, p.139) Just like any idea, lesson and method, students can get burnt out on it. With these theories, "students actively engage in constructing artifacts and conversing with others" (Orey, 2009). Having students engaged in what they are doing is a key factor in their learning experience. Students need to be able to connect with the ideas in order to have a better understanding of the information. With technology playing the role that it does in society, we are able to create and provide opportunities for higher learning for our students.

I think that with this class, I have been able to learn more about how to get my students to collaborate with one another effectively. As I finish my VoiceThread, I am able to understand where students can use this tool to create deeper level thinking and become more hands on with their work. You can view my VoiceThread at http://voicethread.com/share/653679


Resources:
Laureate Education, Inc. (Executive Producer). (2009). Social Learning Theories Baltimore: Author.

Pitler, H., Hubbell, E., Kuhn, M., & Malenoski, K. (2007). Using technology with classroom instruction that works. Alexandria, VA: ASCD.