Friday, May 22, 2009

Widget

How do I envision discovery learning in my classroom?

As seen in today's activity, discovery learning has a great use as a teaching tool in the classroom. Given the right parameters, students can learn a lot from each other in a group setting with social interaction. A lot of the success of the discovery learning hinges on the specifics or lack of specifics that are given to the students. How much creativity is involved? What are the key points that every group has to cover? What do you do as a teacher if one aspect of the assignment is not addressed? It is a great way to get students to interact and teach themselves in a way. You don't have to stand in front of a board and give them all of the information. The most meaningful learning can be accomplished through self discovery.

I think that the most important part of the practical application will be the formulation of the actual assignment. Making the resources available to all of the students will be key. Also, the formulation of the groups will be important. Even distribution of knowledge and skills will be critical. Supervision will be equally important. Making yourself available to those with questions, observing progress, and giving direction to those that are not quite getting where they need to go will insure that all learners will get the most out of the assignment. The point of discovery learning as I see it is to get the student to the next step in their learning on a particular skill or subject. As a teacher, it is important to execute the assignment in such a way that the entire class benefits and can progress in their learning

Friday, May 15, 2009

belief statement

Q :"What are your beliefs about learning and technology? Describe how technology has supported learning in classrooms you have observed?"

A: I believe technology is a great tool in the teaching and learning process. In my experience, technology computers and technology have helped to keep children engaged in what they are learning. It keeps the material fresh. Also, it helps to reinforce the skills you are teaching. If technology is used effectively, It will be an essential tool in the classroom.
I have not had a lot of experience observing children in formal classrooms. In the classrooms that I have observed, technology has been used to reinforce skills taught during lessons. Instructors have used computers in creative ways to keep the learning process going. Computers and technology have also been used in the formation of the lesson to introduce material in a new way. When you use technology to design a lesson in a new way you are able to present the material in a new way that makes the learning process more effective.