In the Lesson Planning assignment, I must select 5 of the 8 components provided and write a 100 word summary on my interest with each of the chosen topics; particularly why I chose the resource provided and how it will improve my instruction.
1. Positive Learning Environments: Create an Inclusive Learning Environment
I chose this particular website because I found it relatively easy to read and very applicable. It speaks about habits that can positively and negatively impact learning. Knowing the negative habits and how to avoid them are as important as knowing the positives. The website also contains links to additional information that further expands on the particular topic. Because it is so applicable, much of the information is such that I can use it within my instructional habits (ex. examining my assumptions and using each student’s name).
2. Motivation: Nine Strategies to Spark Adult Students’ Intrinsic Motivation
This particular page captured me immediately in the way it is written: asking questions in a way to pinpoint some of the particular struggles that I have had within my classroom. I enjoyed how the topic was addressed in a list, of sorts, that was easy to read. I also like that this site provides link to additional information as well as a video that summarizes the content. I will be able to apply this information in my classroom as each point listed has an example along with it to be able to create a method of application.
3. Characteristics of Adult Learners: Characteristics of Adult Learners
This topic is a large one. I selected this resources because I found it, like my other ones listed, easy to read. The article captured a list of characteristics and gave a short definition. What I really like about this particular resource is that there are links to podcasts of all sorts that tap into more detail each of the characteristics. Because adult learners are so diverse, this resource will be useful to me as the learning considerations are virtually endless and developing lesson plans often benefits from variety that targets most, if not all, learning styles.
4. Instructional Process/Strategies: Instructional Approaches
The topic of Instructional Process goes hand in hand with Learning Styles/Characteristics. This resource is also a great one because along with the terms and examples provided, there are links to articles labelled ‘Generational Learning Styles’ and ‘Learning and the Brain’. I will use this reference as I particularly like the visual provided with the columns that describes the delivery method and the level of learner involvement.
5. Assessment: Section 3. Obtaining and Using Feedback from Participants
To me, this topic is the most important and the most relevant. This reference provides information on the types of assessment/feedback, examples of methods to obtain this information and how to use it to improve my teaching. I will use this resource as I trial various methods to obtain feedback from my students in the hopes of improving my teaching.
References:
https://www.cmu.edu/teaching/designteach/teach/learningenvironment.html
http://theelearningcoach.com/learning/characteristics-of-adult-learners/
http://teachinglearningresources.pbworks.com/w/page/19919560/Instructional%20Approaches
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