Learning about LEARNING is indeed a fascinating experience for me. This course has greatly changed my perspective in 360⁰ when it comes to my own learning and how I picture myself to facilitate learning. I was inspired to become a better learner and facilitator of learning.
It has helped me understand what constitutes true learning and describe when it has occurred. I realized that merely knowing is not enough. It entails enduring changes in behavior as a result of learning experiences (Schunk, 2012). This is why I wish to create impact because I wish to help students to apply what they have learned beyond the boundaries of the school. I want them to have a positive outlook, behaviors, and skills in order for them to cope with life.
I learned not to give up on people, especially my students, because intelligence is not fixed and could be expressed in a lot of ways other than scores, grades, or school accomplishments. I want to see the best attributes of students and be able to tap their potential by being keen with their positive actions and performances. I am inspired to also develop other areas of intelligence for a holistic self-improvement.
I wish to effectively apply Learning Theories by taking advantage of reinforcements, but with the goal of developing intrinsic motivations. Second, I became mindful of my own behaviors as I strive to be a good role model. I wish to improve students’ self-efficacy, while I work on improving mine. I learned that I need self-compassion to forgive myself of my failures and mistakes and these are areas for improvement rather than stumbling blocks for learning and success. Third, I had an increased value for attention and retention by employing approaches such as elaboration, repetition, chunking, and association. Constructivism is a new concept for me. I have always thought that teacher’s abilities or expertise is already enough. But realizing that students should take charge of their own learning has helped me to allow students to feel, breathe, and see true learning. I understood the value of using their predispositions and current knowledge to their learning advantage. I am encouraged to pay attention to ZPDs and provide appropriate scaffolds. I learned that I am not the sole MKO (e.g. family, peers, and technology) that could foster the learning experience. I also connected how powerful reflective assessments’ role could be in formatively shaping learning.
My bar for learning went increasingly higher as I became mindful of outcomes that would demonstrate creativity, critical thinking, concept-learning, and problem-solving instead of surface learning which had an impression to me as “disposable”.
I would do my best to emphasize significance and purpose for learning as motivation while continuing to educate myself of learning epistemology to increase the quality of learning.
I learned a lot from collaborating with my group-mates from “Tandikan” and “Future Builders” who inspired me so much. I enjoyed every bit of activities and cherish the knowledge and positive attitudes that I gained from working with them.
I really enjoyed this course. I know that I would apply my learning now and in the future.
Thank you for the wonderful learning experience, Dr. Lou and classmates!
Hinuha 