Last week I delivered a crackerjack class in Communication.  When I asked them to revise the main points this week - they said - uh, what did we do?  How disappointing!   Oh well, at least they have a blog reflection to look back on now.  As they are doing this weeks blog journal entry, I notice they seem to be writing some really col stuff - about what the topic means to them as well as summarising bits of the class information I delivered (at least some of them are).  We watched a couple of cool you tubes.



I've given up on TAFE library - its all so out of date or doesn't work - you tube is so much easier and has more on offer - sad isn't it?  The only hassle there is getting IT to OK the use of it in class.  I asked last week for specific access to 2 youtubes, and was given the ok.  When I came in this morning - they didn't work !  Now that's just BAD.  Anyhow, the ones I chose were on body language - one an overview, and the other an interesting look at body language across different cultures.  Well recieved.

Didn't do my self set CSu homework this weekend - just forgot !  Weekend was so busy with parenting committments and AEC grant stuff that by Sunday night I thought I had done everything on my list - but I hadn't - oops.  Good things (for me) is, that Gill forgot to do it too, so we are both as bad as each other.  Now the aim is to BOTH be a good as each other and get it done !

Cheers,

D.

Reflective learning / teaching

I'm into my second unit in the CSU Associate Diploma of VET and have just handed in my first assignment on the topic of Social context and its impact in the classroom.  Interesting - but VERY broad subject.  Was very difficult to address all the criteria in any sort of developed way in an essay of 1500 words !  We also had to consider the value of reflective learning and reflective teaching. 

I struggled with this assignment and was eventually 2 weeks late getting it in!  But, finally I got my head right into the subject and got somewhere.  The result - well I don't have the assignment mark back yet - but I think I might have actually learned something in the process !!  Wow.  I learned that in order to learn, to REALLY learn, you need to immerse your mind into the subject 100% !!  The last weekend passed in an almost blur.  Even though I did other things than work on my essay (walked the dog on the beach, took family bowling etc) it's almost like I was on autopilot for those bits, 'cos my brain was busy making new pathways and connections.  This process almost physically hurt my brain.  Learning is difficult – it’s hard, the brain resists!  It’s not the easy path and once you are past the easy bits of being awed and wowed and amazed by new material – the process of embedding that new knowledge into your existing thought patterns and storage facility is really hard.

I am now a convert of reflective teaching ! 

I came across a quote a while back – (attributed to Confucius apparently): “By three methods we may learn wisdom: First, by reflection, which is noblest; Second, by imitation, which is easiest; and third by experience, which is the bitterest.”  I was interested in this quote, and took steps to try to “introduce more reflection” into my class room activities, teaching strategies and assessments.  Basically – I felt a personal connection to the quote and the idea of reflection as a learning tool – and also because it offered a way to avoid students just copying and pasting – and even cheating!  When asked to reflect, they have to draw on their own experiences and this makes it REAL !

For me, I’ve always been one to reflect.  It’s a double edged sword.  I do believe it makes for continual improvement – but it also puts a constant pressure on me to re-evaluate and double check that I actually believe n what I’m doing and that it’s the best thing.  I apply this parenting, personal development, life style choices, teaching, coaching, horses ... even down to the way I organise the pantry!  And I am a high stress person.  I try to pack too much into my days and frequently hit overload and have mini breakdowns in order to diffuse.

Reflecting drives me to want to learn – so despite the stress, I keep doing it and I “support’ my choice to do so. (Remember –not all stress is bad!)

In the classroom – after doing the essay, I came out of the “learning” cloud!  Wow – what have I missed while I’ve been away?   First up – I’ve not had time to realise that I was starting a new subject on the very next morning !  Luckily, it was one that I have done before, but none the less –I was NOT prepared.  Spent an hour before class digging up powerpoints and going over the main concepts... then winged it !  And boy – I delivered a kickass class!!  J

To finish it off, I introduced the student’s to reflective learning and had them start a blog style reflective journal (subject matter & computing skills– a double win!).  They seemed to really accept & enjoy the process! 

Another point I made in my essay - “When your schedule is full, you have no room for change” (Thanks Leo Babuata, L. (2011). http://www.zenhabits.net/) I’m now making a conscious effort to NOT get carried away with tasks, and to allow myself time to “play” and “think” - and allow my students the same.

Hated the essay process with a passion last week – almost quit so many times (thanks so much Gill for not encouraging me not to) and now – I’m glad I did it.  Learned something, gained a sense of satisfaction and even amazement !   Such is the roller coaster ride of learning !!