WEEK ONE ACTIVITIES: A REFLECTION

Reflection; is one of the most important activities that a teacher will engage in. It forms the core of the Professional Standards for Queensland Teachers (2009), model; standard 10. Perce Marland (2007, p. 107) suggests, "In order to be able to review and reconstruct your pre-existing theories, you need to be able to reflect.". In this instance learning styles and learning theories have been the focus for reflection, through learning activities, like collaborative wiki's and posting to this blog. Therefore, my reflection for this week will be based upon this weeks learning activities.

Profile wiki:
I entered personal information into a profile wiki, in order for other members of my student cohort to view, in turn I was able to view other members. I believe that  this activity was valuable in getting to know the other students. I also value this tool for my learners, as it does allow for my profile to be viewed by the learners as well as for them to construct their profile for their student cohort. Yet, there is a weakness in using a wiki to construct a personal profile; that is any one can enter the wiki ,edit and add information to that wiki.
perhaps, using a Blog as the platform for the personal profile would be best. However, when I consider this activity through the lens of the learning theories, particularly, connectivism. like face to face learning, digital profiles provide a link or platform for building interpersonal relationships within a broader learning community.

Blog Reflection as a Journal:
The blog as a journal is perhaps a profound and dynamic learning activity. This activity perhaps, has consolidated my understanding of learning theories, and learning styles thus far, by  conceptualising  and constructing new knowledge. In this light I would like to suggest that the blog journal does have elements of Cognitivism, where by the new knowledge is reflected upon to reconstruct and  develop further  an existing knowledge.

Learning Theories Wiki
 The learning theories wiki was very informative as I was able to work on a collaborative  project. This wiki allowed my partner and I to work together, without even having to meet physically. In reflection a wiki is a great tool for peer to peer teaching and group work, as it allows you to add and edit information to it.   once again the element of connectivity is evident, however, so to is the notion of being able to scaffold the learning experience (constructivism). I found the wiki useful as it saved on trying to arrange or accommodate face to face corroboration.

 

Reference:

Marland, P. (2007). Learning to Teach: A primer for pre-service teachers. Frenc Forest:      Pearson.

Queensland College Of Teachers. (2009). Professional Standards for Queensland Teachers (graduate level): A guide for use with preservice teachers. QCT:
http://www.qct.edu.au/standards/documents/PSQT_GradLevel_v3_Web.pdf