PIDP 3250
Classmate Blog links
Where are you? And your students?
What is an adult learner?
"Adults are characterized by maturity, self-confidence, autonomy, solid decision-making, and are generally more practical, multi-tasking, purposeful, self-directed, experienced, and less open-minded and receptive to change. All these traits affect their motivation, as well as their ability to learn. So let’s see the adult learners' cognitive and social characteristics, and what instructional designers need to know in order to create the right course content and structure, and adjust their attitude."
According to the information found on this website ("C" click the C in quotations) the statement above tells us characteristics on adult learners, students we may encounter along our teaching pathways, as well as insight to our own habits.
Andragogy VS Heutagogy
Andragogy is the concept of adult learning. Many people would assume it would be the same as pedagogy that focuses on child or adolescent learning as well as a teacher student relationship. Andragogy has different tenets that rest upon a rationale for learning, experience, responsibility, self-interest, and problem-solving. In most cases, adult learning is self-driven and not compulsory.
Heutagogy is self-directed learning. It is a rejection of more traditional forms of learning that center upon the relationship between a teacher and student. In most examples of heutagogical learning, teachers tend to be guides or facilitators that help provide material for the student instead of being an instructional or evaluative force. Heutagocial, as teachers we ought to not only appreciate the learners' intrinsic capabilities that augment their learning outcome, but to also realize that it can have great impact on the learning process.
Self Directed Learner? (SDL), Self Regulated Learner? (SRL), Self Guided Learner? (SGL)
Self-directed learning (SDL) and Self-regulated (SRL) learning are often used interchangeably in research given that all three describe the characteristics of a lifelong learner. Self directed learning is not only an individualistic process but it is also an experiential journey. Self-regulated learning is a process that differs from the other two depending on the degree of the involvement of each person in the process.
One thing I learned in week one
The one main thing I learned in week one, for me was about organization and communication. I learned that I must be organized and log in everyday, I must communicate with my fellow students and my instructor, and be honest with myself in times where I try to justify not logging in. I learned to push myself to not accept logging in, and to create multiple ways to log in and have access to my schooling and the internet. This came as a shock thinking I was doing well, until slash, someone cut my internet feed cable supplying my house and I found myself scrambling to get a service truck here to get me connected. It also let me understand that although I may not be as proficient on my technology as most I must still be prepared and have multiply avenues for that "rainy day" so i can now use my computer or my phone to log on to school and the internet in case of an emergency.
LINKS to Articles and Videos I find Amazing
Let the Children Play - an article on the importance of free play and how it fosters learning of all aspects. an amazing read, thank you Atoosha.
"C" click the colored c at beginning of this line to view a video on power teaching and micro lecturing. Full of energy, fun and passion. I am going to find ways to make this my own and incorporate parts of it into my classes.
Catching Up!
Playing catch up is the worst feeling in the world. Feeling like the world around you has left you behind and that the demand to be on task and in stream becomes trying on ones mind and soul. I was away for due to a death in the family and to deal with family business. I thought in traveling up that it would be no problem at all, I took my books computer and school work with me, routine as usual. When I arrived it was less then routine, family members I haven't seen in over 3 years, family member born that I never met, family business I never knew existed. I was overwhelmed see how much of my family can not work on problems on their own, or come up with solutions without talking it through in a big group. I was amazed at the inability for many of my family members to do any research or search for information to help them process certain problems on their own before coming together in family talks. much of my family calls on me when they need information or answers on their struggles. From vehicle repairs and maintenance, to creating websites for family business, or simply irrigation for gardening needs. Sure its all things I have learned to master on my own, I mean I am not an expert these things and know there are many more out there in the world that are way better at these skills then me. But when I narrowed the scope and focused on the family grounds, it was amazing that I am the only one that sits alone, finds the information to what lies ahead, processes this information in solitude and then applies this information and tweak the results as needed. It was eye opening to come home and get logged back into school and realize that even though I was unable to be logged into school while I was gone, the universe was showing me what I was working on in school without even logging in. All I did was think about school on the way up and what I may miss and the universe put it right in my face to see first had. Watching videos and reading forums, I quickly saw the similarities. I unlike many of my family am an introvert. I can sit for hours, even days, reading, thinking, thinking about what my thoughts are, processing and finding answers before presenting. I unlike much of those around me can function without social stimulus. I would try to go off on my own and like a swarm of mosquito many of my family would find me. On the surface it was that I was missed, and wanting to spend time missed catching up, but underneath it was my lack of social appearance that caused they members to find me and try to get me involved, fit in, be part of the family.
This Video really made sense returning home. I reflected on this video and many of my relationships, and found many reasons why I struggle.
Critical Thinking
One of my classmates is facilitating a forum on a subject I find facilitating and lacking in classrooms and dare I say society. Everyone wants to fit in, and belong and in doing so I believe that we are loosing a very valuable ability and talent.
The video in this link brings up some good points!
https://youtu.be/GzV1pNQUX5s
Forum Facilitation
So in a Forum that my class mate John facilitated, was this VIDEO https://youtu.be/dk60sYrU2RU and in this video it showed how a gentlemen left a computer in a wall for everyone to use. It was hooked up to internet, and anyone that wanted to could use it. It was the start of a study he conducted on teaching learners without teachers. Well I watched this video so many times, just to pin point the hidden meaning. Well sure, kids will learn, they learn fast, faster then adults. But it came to me when I was in my garden, watering, the hidden meaning to me, and I am sure to others is that, Knowledge is determined to prevail in the world, the only limit to becoming knowledgeable is desire, and self interest. Information and learning will always happen, no matter the circumstances learning will happen, even if only ONE mind, One Head seeks it, learning will happen. It is our fears, and judgments that prevent us from learning. These children, and this video truly opened my eyes, it became very clear to me the types of people I am surrounded by, and how so many of them look to others for the EASY answer/solution from someone that already knows and will give them what they seek. The world around me that i see has become helpless and is a constant reminder for me to keep seeking the answers myself, and continuing to better my education anyway I can, so that I have an arsenal of applied information to support me each day in everything I do.
SDL
Something I learned as an adult student. SDL is self directed learning, it talks about students being in control of there learning, setting there own goals, and essential controlling the outcome of reaching their goals. No I have be a student all my life, a SDL for as long as I can remember now, I see a topic that peaks my interests, and I dive in and learn it. As a child I used to tear things apart see what they were made of what made them tick, and then put them back together in hopes they worked again. Sometimes I failed, sometimes I succeeded and they worked the same as when I took them apart. This didn't stop the older I got, someone would say something couldn't be done, or it couldn't be fixed. I accepted these challenges, and nine times out of ten proved the masses wrong.
As I have grown, and am no a registered student again, I have learned that there truly is a difference between being a SDL in the real world and being SDL in school. You see in school, there is always someone there waiting for you to hand in an assignment, or there is a date to hand in work, penalties for not handing assignments and work in when expected. some teachers even put bonus marks (or) an easy 5% to get students to hand in by deadline. Is this true SDL or is it Obedient SDL. If SDL is learning at your own pace, then how can an instructor, or teacher dock marks for a student learning at their own pace not meeting requirements. Are these dates and deadlines here to help keep students on track, or is it hidden agenda and curriculum from institutes creeping in. I think we need to take a look at some of these things around SDL online courses, I know I learn best when left to the topic to figure it out and have someone available to ask questions I have and help with clarity, I know I can't be the only one. How about the rest of you.
Videos and articles of; the Myth of Learning Styles
Learning Styles Inforgraphic
Ben Ambridge 10 Myths debunked.
Causes of disruption in Class
Here are 13 eye opening cause to the disruptive student that we face as teachers/instructors. We all generalize this disruptive student and often forget that there is a root cause to this behavior. We focus on preventing disruption, create contracts of accountability or classroom guidelines. Often times forgetting that these behaviors stem from out of classroom influences and are very difficult to police. If we shift our awareness from preventing or dealing with what we don't want to happen in class, to what positive things we wish, and ask our students to take part in this wish list maybe, just maybe we can create something everyone will want to be part of. The power of the mind is a very powerful thing, so is it better to enforce a rule that deals with negative behavior, or is it better to (for lack of a better word) reward the behaviors we all want to see.
Here are the 13 Causes
At the end
The importance of a blog is starting to become evident to me. I have not always shared many peoples love for computers and technology, but a BLOG is a very useful tool. It allows its creator to create multiple pages for multi subjects. In teaching this becomes a very valuable asset. It puts all the information in one easy and convenient place to find, taking away the need for packing around multi levels of technology, a blog enables its creator to share information with students from afar, not just in a classroom. A blog also give the creator the ability to view from any computer/smartphone,tablet, and gives the ability for frequent updates. But having such an asset also has its down falls. One must be organized, pages and information have to flow and easy to navigate. And having the convenience of connectivity everywhere from multiple ways makes it a dangerous outlet for the untrained or unprofessional type who likes to post much random information. One must be very careful and plan out all posts to prevent a social media page of outburst.
In participating in the PIDP 3250 course with Doug, I found the route cause of my lack of engagement (as it was called) I am an introvert and tinkerer, a thought processor. I find that until I can truly understand a subject or topic I am slow to get involved. I find myself within, searching and processing to understand, I will go and tinker on something and still my mind is focused on the topics of class. I may take a while to get involved, but it seems my "aha" moments come to me in the middle of other tasks or projects. Then I find it is sometimes to late to get involved. That being said it does not mean I am not learning, I am I believe a true SDL student. Things I have learned over the weeks of this course are;
-What a Self Directed Learner is and what it means to me.
-Our current education system is based on a system over 300 years old from the British Empire, and needs some major remodeling.
-Education and knowledge will always find its way to "the mind that has a question"
-Technology is a very useful tool for learning, it puts what we want to know at our finger tips ready to learn.
-Critical thinking is a very important skill, yet it seems many people have forgot or never learned how to think about what they are thinking about.
-Much emphasis is put on teachers/instructors to point the way in the learning process, far too many learners are still lacking in the accountability required to be a self directed learner.
-Flipped classrooms work with any age of student, as long as it is properly explained at the beginning of the course.
-Learning environments whether online and virtual or in a classroom, must be welcoming, and it is the teacher/instructors duty to facilitate this.
-Although role models are a good thing, as an instructor it may not be beneficial to model your techniques from your mentor.
-Instructional techniques should be unique and ever evolving to continue to reach students.
-Disruptive students aren't always trying to be disruptive, it may be a cry for help.
-Learning styles are a myth, find students motivation, emotional drive, interests, and you will have learning.
There are many things I learn daily, some are from school many from my children, and others are just for the fun of learning.
I am constantly learning, the trouble with sharing what I learn is finding the relevance of what I learn to those around me. "You can lead a horse to water but you can't make him drink".
The importance of a blog is starting to become evident to me. I have not always shared many peoples love for computers and technology, but a BLOG is a very useful tool. It allows its creator to create multiple pages for multi subjects. In teaching this becomes a very valuable asset. It puts all the information in one easy and convenient place to find, taking away the need for packing around multi levels of technology, a blog enables its creator to share information with students from afar, not just in a classroom. A blog also give the creator the ability to view from any computer/smartphone,tablet, and gives the ability for frequent updates. But having such an asset also has its down falls. One must be organized, pages and information have to flow and easy to navigate. And having the convenience of connectivity everywhere from multiple ways makes it a dangerous outlet for the untrained or unprofessional type who likes to post much random information. One must be very careful and plan out all posts to prevent a social media page of outburst.
In participating in the PIDP 3250 course with Doug, I found the route cause of my lack of engagement (as it was called) I am an introvert and tinkerer, a thought processor. I find that until I can truly understand a subject or topic I am slow to get involved. I find myself within, searching and processing to understand, I will go and tinker on something and still my mind is focused on the topics of class. I may take a while to get involved, but it seems my "aha" moments come to me in the middle of other tasks or projects. Then I find it is sometimes to late to get involved. That being said it does not mean I am not learning, I am I believe a true SDL student. Things I have learned over the weeks of this course are;
-What a Self Directed Learner is and what it means to me.
-Our current education system is based on a system over 300 years old from the British Empire, and needs some major remodeling.
-Education and knowledge will always find its way to "the mind that has a question"
-Technology is a very useful tool for learning, it puts what we want to know at our finger tips ready to learn.
-Critical thinking is a very important skill, yet it seems many people have forgot or never learned how to think about what they are thinking about.
-Much emphasis is put on teachers/instructors to point the way in the learning process, far too many learners are still lacking in the accountability required to be a self directed learner.
-Flipped classrooms work with any age of student, as long as it is properly explained at the beginning of the course.
-Learning environments whether online and virtual or in a classroom, must be welcoming, and it is the teacher/instructors duty to facilitate this.
-Although role models are a good thing, as an instructor it may not be beneficial to model your techniques from your mentor.
-Instructional techniques should be unique and ever evolving to continue to reach students.
-Disruptive students aren't always trying to be disruptive, it may be a cry for help.
-Learning styles are a myth, find students motivation, emotional drive, interests, and you will have learning.
There are many things I learn daily, some are from school many from my children, and others are just for the fun of learning.
I am constantly learning, the trouble with sharing what I learn is finding the relevance of what I learn to those around me. "You can lead a horse to water but you can't make him drink".