Active Learning

Knowing your learner

When considering our own previous learning experiences we can relate to the need to reflect on how successful we were at school in order to understand how we as future learning managers can best ensure the learning success of our students.

The combination of prior experiences, prior knowledge, positive attitudes and perceptions all influence our ability to become successful learners. When we understand the learning styles of different students we can then implement strategies to support and enhance those needs. Marsh (2005) considers that it is crucial for teachers to match their styles with students' learning styles so that they can be more responsive to the individual needs of students.

Learning Styles: My results indicate that I am a hands on learner, I need to make and do. Visual representations such as diagrams and drawings help me to consolidate new learning and I also benefit from verbal instruction and demonstration to absorb new information.

Multiple Intelligences: Howard Gardner's research infers that a broad range of talents within schools provide many opportunities for students to excel in particular those students who are often considered unexceptional or at risk of failing. He considers that curriculum designed around the eight intelligences gives students the opportunity to discover their weaknesses and strengths and to develop a full range of intelligences. Knowing how to build on those weaknesses and enhance strengths will contribute to more successful learning.

So this takes me to the new experience of writing my first blog. Although I feel I have taken some time to find my way about, I am happy that my background looks jazzy although I might change it yet, just having fun at the moment. I can see how blogging would be of benefit to teachers with resources, lessons and homework being able to be posted as a blog. Parents also have the opportunity to keep up-to-date with class happenings. Seems a great way for all stakeholders to collaborate.

Thanks to anyone who takes the time to read through all of this. I'm unsure of how much actually goes into an individual blog and also how informal or formal it needs to be. I would enjoy hearing any feedback on any aspects of this blog.

References.
Marsh, C. (2005) Teaching Studies of Society and Environment. (4th ed.), French Forest: NSW: Pearson Education Australia.
McInerney, M., & McInerney, V. (2006.) Education Psychology: Constuct LearningFrench Forest.NSW: Pearson Education Australia

New to blogging

Hello everyone,

It is exciting but somewhat daunting to be studying using blogging but what a great opportunity to connect with learning using this form of technology. Being a very mature aged student I feel some trepidation towards unfamilar processes or methods of learning. Blogging as a learning method certainly ensures that the student participates in the active learning process. I look forward to looking back and wondering why I was somewhat anxious about it all. Hope you all enjoy the journey of E-learning.

regards

Judy