Wednesday, 27 February 2013

Week 1....in response to Gary's comment

Hi Gary,

Thanks for your feedback!  May I please ask if you could explain your comment around learners seeing potential in every situation and how that relates to Connectivism?

Also, I found the following Utube clip which supported your idea that as teachers we must incorporate a mixture of theories into our teaching method....otherwise the teaching profession would end up an army of Sheldon Coopers (horrifying thought!)


As a side note, does anyone know how to embed a video or picture as part of a reply to a comment?

Tuesday, 26 February 2013

Week 1....

A REFLECTION FROM WEEK 1 

 
2 things about me:
 
1.  I was an accountant
2.  I moved to Rockhampton to pursue the GDLT study internally.
 
Who cares?  TEACHERS!
 
I had no idea until I read this weeks materials, but those 2 statements alone share SO much about my learning style. 
 
I decided to complete the Felder & Solomon Learning Style Inventory....how accurate can it be right? 
 


 
Let's look at my strong preferences:
  • Sensing v Intuitive
  • Visual v Verbal
  • Sequential v Global
Now how does that relate to being an accountant? 
  • Sensing - like facts, well established methods, patient with details, comfortable with mathematical formulas, good at memorising facts, practical, routine, links to the "real world"
  • Visual - use diagrams, flow charts and visual aids to reflect ideas, colour coding
  • Sequential - understand linear, logical steps, sometimes struggle to see the "big picture"



 
Wendy mentioned in the Week 1 overview that the materials have been structured in a way that both sequential AND global learners' needs are met...LUCKY! 
 
Learning Theories
 
I included the second statement about me as a link to talk about learning styles. 
 
I am a strong believer in Social Constructivism.  So much so that I relocated from Townsville to Rockhampton to be physically present in a learning community where through social interactions and face-to-face tutorials I can learn how to become the best teacher I can possibly be.   
 
 
I believe that "learning" is a state within an individual (the light bulb has to switch on internally).
 


It can happen externally, but does she REALLY get it? 



 
We may well have access to a multitude of resources and have information anywhere, anytime but it is how we process the information (through Behaviourism, Cognitism or Social Constructivism theories) that facilitates true understanding/comprehension/learning.  I don't believe Connectivism is a theory but more a way to support "learning" in an information gathering context. 
 
 
Food for thought....
 

Below is a photo of my favourite artwork I have hanging on a wall at home.  I bought it from a local artist on a recent holiday to China.  As he explained, the painting reflects his interpretation of the famous quote by ancient Chinese philosopher Confucius:
"When there are 3 people walking, my teacher is bound to be among them"
 
 
Social Constructivism or Connectivism? ..............