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 !!
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