Learning Activity 2.2
Learning & Learning DifficultiesLooking at Learning Theories briefly in my 7407 I must admit that I didn't have an awful lot of time for it as I was very much on a steep learning curve, having only being in my teaching post for a few months. On revisiting this area in a greater detail for Stage 3, I still approached the topic with trepidation…the textbooks I was referring to were a bit hard going. The classroom session with Julie managed to sort the wood from the trees and I developed a better understanding of less familiar theorists (Dewey, Gagne) and explored Piaget a lot more.
I have outlined in my assignment which theorists I feel I can relate to with my e2e teaching. The humanistic approach, where the teacher pays a lot of attention to creating a comfortable learning environment is very e2e. I provide breakfast for monday morning sessions, sweets and drinks for other sessions and as a result, student participation improves.
I am a big believer in the incentivising of learning (Days out based on regular attendance in formal sessions) and know I can't preach to teenagers. This is why taking a role as a facilitator to learning gets a better level of interest from my students than more traditional, formal methods. The students are regularly involved in evaluating their course with Connexions and set their own learning targets which further increases this sense of student autonomy.
I do include behaviourism to a lesser extent, particularly the modification of student behaviour. Rather than focus my attention on poor behaviour from individuals, I make sure that the compliant students are praised and reinforce this via incentive schemes and cash bonuses.
27 Oct 2005 11:01
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Tags: Reflections
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Hi Charlotte
Thank you for your very honest reflection on the lesson regarding learning theories. I am glad that Julie's session has helped to make the ideas clearer in your mind.
The humanist approach certainly suits the e2e work that you do and I am sure your previous life as a physiotherapist has helped you to develop this very individual 'client' approach that you give your students.
I think it is always interesting how lecturers in FE can bring their experiences and knowledge from their previous working lives to enhance their teaching. This is what makes FE lecturers special and I believe is a real USP for you.
I do agree that you have an authoritarian approach in your lessons and as a result you tend not to have a problem with classroom management.
Well done with your reflection Charlotte. Out of interest, are you using the prompts in the learning activities to give your responses?
Helen
28 Nov 2005, 12:10
Ash Phillips
Hi Charlotte
I am currently mentoring a student doing the 7407 Stage 3 and wondered if I could have a copy of any of the assignments you have completed as she has had a couple of referrals on her work which I had first checked over before submission and there did not seem to be a problem in my eyes, However, she has to have her portfolio completed shortly and it seems a shame that she would fall at this stage when she has completed all her teaching hours, personal development journal and observations with flying colours.
Regards
Ash
04 Jun 2007, 10:21
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