I think what I'm understanding in this module is the priority need to listen to your students. Often times we get caught up in lecture and the giving of information without stopping to ask questions of the students as to how the information impacts them, or have them give an example of a time they did this, or experienced that. Allowing them space to have input keeps them engaged and more active in the learning process.
Learning preferences and challenges are important components of learning and instructional design.
A very interesting thing I learned in this module is that surprisingly many students don't make people aware of their learning needs and will drop out prior to letting anyone know they need accommodations of any kind.
It was very interesting to reflect on learning styles and provide a variety of styles as part of the instructions, so more learners could succeed in their goals. I plan to apply more holistic assessments in my classes.
Using various teaching strategies is conducive to learning. The students should be accommodated based on their learning styles and disability.
I loved the concept of modeling professional behavior.
I also liked the idea of mixing up the work groups (perhaps on a weekly basis) so the students get to know each other and learn to work together respectfully. By changing up the classroom activities (part lecture, part discussion, then a small group project perhaps filling in a worksheet or concept map of a subject) to keep things flowing and different to accommodate the variety of learning needs I can address a multitude of education concepts that facilitate learning.
Finally, the idea of a portfolio...I've never been "sold" on it, but after this presentation I can see how it is helpful. In nursing, however, I have yet to hear of any employer asking to see it. They want to know one thing, and that is "Are you licensed." And that license is obtained by passing a very difficult standardized test. So in school, in order to prepare them, we have to expose them to standardized tests. Sigh...
Student portfolios can be an avenue of assessment that showcases student skills.
I enjoy using the grading rubic
it is important to use hollistic assessments
I learned the differnce between learning prefernce and learning challenge. Providing instructional variation can assist the students to succeed in school if they have a learning challege .
It is very important to mix the students up when doing group work and change the assignments up so that each has an oportunity to use all of their talents.
It is important to accommodate for students learning preferences, as well as learning challenges. Offering a variety of instructional strategies can improve access to learning and learning comprehension in both cases. It is nice to know, though, that when a student has learning challenges, I can hopefully help them access necessary accomodations through student disability services, if they disclose this information to me.
Rubrics and portfolios allow students to demonstrate what they learn by evaluating more than yes/no answers.
Learning differences and learning preferences, while not the same, are both important in guiding course design. We have to be aware that students tend to learn information in unique ways. And it's important to realize that some students are challenged by traditional forms of assessment. It's interesting the division between holistic assessment and standardized assessment. While the former tends to provide a shapshot along a learning continuum, the latter tends to label students at specific levels of performance and be valued more by those managing accountability.
I learned you can be a combination of differnt learning styles. I am visual and kinethetics. When teaching it is good to use different styles.
Students may prefer different styles of learning. Some prefer visual, some aural, some verbal, and some social. It would be a good idea for an instructor to use technology and use different styles to enhance students' learning.
Holistic approach is the way to go.
As an instructor it's important to use inclusiveness in your method of instructions.
Never assume, ensure that all students are given the benefits of learning despite their learning preferences or challenges.
Practice modeling. Practice respect for all and always demonstrate the social culture of equity in knowledge.
Standardized tests are great when everyone learns the same way. Learning preferences will vary and may produce different results. Rubrics allow instructors to see that a student does comprehend the subject and does not rely soley on standardized testing.
Instructors can use a variety of teaching strategies to reach out to meet the different learning styles of the students.
