As I stated in my original personal theory of learning paper, I’d consider my theory to be an integrated approach as explained in Lever-Duffy & McDonald’s book Theoretical Foundations (2008). In their book, Lever-Duffy & McDonald explain that “if you tried to answer the question of which theory is correct…you would ultimately form your own personal answer” (p. 18). I believe that through my experiences different students benefit from different approaches to teaching, so in order to reach all of your students you must use a little bit of every type of approach. Behaviorism, Cognitivism, Constructionism/ Constructivism, and Social Constructivism are all important because in all of them “the learner is active in the learning process” (Dr. Orey, Laureate Education, Inc., 2008). One adjustment that I will try to make to my theory is the degree at which I apply each approach. By taking a closer look at the effectiveness of each theory throughout this class, there was a common theme that I found, which was students being actively engaged in the learning process. If I approach teaching with a student centered approach, my students are more likely to stay engaged in the activity and they'll take away more than just the topic at hand.
Some immediate adjustments that I'll probably make to my instructional practice regarding technology integration as a result of my learning in this course include: using a blog site to create an interactive classroom environment outside of my class that supports what takes place in the classroom; using voicethreads and a variety of other presentation tools (i.e. prezi.com, powerpoint, google images) to introduce new ideas and topics to my students so they can visualize what is being introduced and taught to them; and using FLIP cameras to aid in capturing individual and group projects which can then be used as teaching tools for other students.
Two long term goals that I would like to make to my instructional practice regarding technology integration include rewriting curriculum within my subject area to include more technology based units and lessons, and presenting or giving seminars to fellow Physical Educators on how to integrate technology into their classroom. I can achieve these long term goals by continuing to research and learn about what kinds of technology tools there are that can apply to my field of learning, and I can get in contact with my supervisor and apply to do curriculum writing in the summer and presentations/ seminars throughout the school year.
References:
Lever-Duffy, J. & McDonald, J. (2008). Theoretical Foundations (Laureate Education, Inc., custom ed.). Boston, MA: Pearson Education, Inc.
Pitler, H., Hubbell, E., Kuhn, M., & Malenoski, K. (2007). Using Technology with Classroom Instruction That Works. Alexandria, Virginia: Ascd.
Tuesday, August 17, 2010
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