A Reflection on Change

This is the final blog for the course "Bridging Learning, Theory and Instruction". At the beginning of the course, I posted my personal theory of learning. Now I am reflecting on changes that I have made and will be making based on what I have learned.

In the original blog, I described my chosen learning theory as Behaviorism. I also said that would probably change while taking the course. Indeed it has. I still see behaviorism playing a role in classroom management. My understanding of learning theories and instructional strategies has greatly improved. This is already influencing my preparations for the beginnings of a new school year.

I now see the majority of my emphasis being on constructivism and connectivism. The activities I will be using to begin the school year involve cooperative learning and constructivism. I will be using concept mapping frequently. I think it fills a void that has been present in all of my classes. I also plan on using more peer teaching. I believe adding the social and visual elements into my instruction will make learning more effective and interesting for my students and for me.

I have set two long terms goals. Both involve me being the learner. I will be meeting once a week with the computer applications teacher for 45 minutes. I will be learning how we can have our classes work together using technology. She will also help me learn how I can use Excel and PowerPoint with my students. In addition, I will spend 1 hour a week becoming more proficient with social networking and online technology learning tools; like Google Docs and Voice Threading.

I know myself well enough to know that once I feel more comfortable with the technology-based instructional strategies; I will implement them more in the classroom. As a result of this class, I have shed the fear of students knowing more than me when it comes to technology. I used to avoid any technology I didn't understand. I am now ready to have my students become our teachers. I will be there to guide and motivate; something I have always wanted to do.