Week 7

What is Learning: I thought this weeks ideas were exciting. I think it is better for the students if we can get their attention and present them with a challenge that they can receive an intrinsic satisfaction from. I enjoy learning new things so I already have an intrinsic value in what I have to do. I know that it is sometimes not fun if the task is too hard like some math (for me) or if I have to rush to get the assignment done. In either of those cases I am not sure if I learn the material or just complete the assignment. As a society we will have accomplished a great task if we could instill in all students an intrinsic value for learning.
How is Learning best effectuated by a teacher: According to this weeks readings we need to get the attention of the students or arouse their curiosity. I try to do that with an anticipatory set. I liked the ARCS +V model presented by Keller. The material we present needs to be relevant to their lives. I use guided practice to help the students to have the confidence they can do the work. I have slacked on the satisfaction area. I use to have a place where I would display a perfect paper. I need to start that again because I think it made the students feel good when their paper was on the board. Most students at the secondary level will not take the work home to their parents even if you encourage them to do so. I like the idea of volition. It seems to me that today some kids leave it up to the teacher to make sure they are doing their work or making up what they miss when absent. I think each student needs to track their own progress in learning. I think this year I will use a blog for each type of class I teach, and I will blog each day what we did. Maybe then the kids will just look for themselves get what they need and take a little responsibility for getting their work done.