Module 4: Reflection on activity 3

Diversity

I found the readings of Howard Gardener's theory of Multiple Intelligence very useful.  It helps to categorize the different levels of intelligence and also the different learning diversity of learners in the classroom and in everyday life. If we were to use one method/ tool to implement in the classroom among the diverse learning style of learners, then there will be problems resulting from this because not everyone learns the same way. As educators Gardener’s theory helps us to employ differentiate teaching method in the classroom to bring about learning.

I know at times, I fail to implement the different teaching strategies which cater for the needs of my students with mixed ability. However, the readings by Gardener and Bloom reminded me that my students are all different and that they don’t always learn the same way. Am also reminded that I should always cater for diversity within my classroom with proper planning, analysis and assessment methods.

This activity helps to reinforce Gardener’s theory of Multiple Intelligence and as an educator I have to address these intelligence levels within my classroom. Therefore, I will implement Gardener’s theory of intelligence into my teaching and learning process. I will review my syllabus and learning outcomes more thoroughly and find ways to execute the intelligence levels suitable for my learners as identified by Gardener.

Module 4: Reflection on Activity 2

At first I looked at the activity and then went on to the readings to get a better idea of where I was going. The readings were based on process and product assessment. In my view both assessment methods are important in the teaching/ learning process. It is good to assess students using the process method which gives a better assessment of the students' work. This approach helps teachers to gather evidence of students' abilities and performances; it diagnoses students' strengths and weaknesses. Teachers can then employ a strategy approach to help students get to the final stage which is the product stage. The Product assessment on the other hand gives an overall evaluation by the teacher of the students’ progress, for example the Common Entrance Examination. At this stage the students are evaluated based on what they have learnt throughout their primary school years and the product assessment’s (Common Entrance) result shows their overall performance.

Module 4: Reflection on Assignment One

As I looked back at the task I had to accomplish in assignment one, I felt confident in the first three steps of the assignment because of the rubrics and other methods I use in my everyday teaching/ learning process. The on-going assessment I employ in Language Arts (Literacy) has helped me to think critically and answer what was expected to be achieved in the assignment. However, I was not as confident in the last section of the assignment, where I had to outline the changes in assessment practice that I think are most important to implement. I honestly thought this part would have been a challenge; however, I was wrong and was able to score full marks on all areas.  

My tutor gave me some positive feedbacks which I used to my advantage and in the end it was worth it. I enjoyed working on assignment 1 and I have gained more knowledge and experience analysing surveys. Overall, it was a good challenge for me.

Module 4: Reflection on Activity 1

In this activity I carried out the survey on assessment methods/ tools with the grade 6 students and one of myself to analyse my teaching methods. After comparing the students' survey to mine, most of the students had a higher result than mine. This revealed that most students thought average or above average of my teaching methods, whereas I seemed to have been quite harsh/ bias with my own survey. This is an indication that my students are aware of the ongoing assessment approaches that I use in my teaching/ learning process. Hence, the  teaching methods I employ are beneficial to my students because they help students develop their critically thinking and learning skills based on the feedback given from the assessment.

Module 3 :Reflection on Assignment 3

I really enjoyed this assignment because of the love I have for constructing lesson plans. As I looked back at the way I used the criteria to work on my assignment I can truely say that I have accomplished my task. I am pleased with my grade on this assignment and I have gained more valuable information on integrating ICT into my teaching and learning process. This assignment have given me the boost that I needed and I know if I teach with the same enthusiasm my students are going to love the activities that I have set out for them. I am so happy for the opportunity given to me to complete this course.

Module 3: Reflection on activity 11

In the Initial Stage I was not sure what to do concerning this activity. However, I figured it out and was able to navigate my way around it without help. I created a twitter account but because of my first trial I had to take my time navigating it. While surfing through the site I was able to pick up and learn using the tweet and other comments made by followers. The advantages of using social media is great because they help in developing users self confidence and at the same time educating them on various aspect in life while academically building their learning process. There are several ways in which social media/ network can enhance learning and this can be done through collaboration of ideas. You can use twitter, facebook, Youtube, skype and diigo as PLN (personal learning network) to collaborate which would help other teachers and myself in the process.

Module 3: Relection on activity 10

 The readings that were done in activity 10 focus on social network/ media. The Social media allows me to meet other expert in my industry and gives me an opportunity to research and add my own ideas via the media. Social media provides a platform where we can connect, communicate, support, collaborate and ask and answer questions, also it provides a pathway where we receive and share ideas, resources and experiences, and it helps us solve problems through various exercises / activities and gives us an opportunity to brainstorm together. 

As I reflect on some of the questions asked pertaining to this activity I know that we can be as smart as we want to be depending on our goals and objectives towards a particular task. Smart workers are highly motivated, committed and are dedicated to their work, they have a clear desire to do their job well and aim to improve their performance. Smart workers interface with effective networks for their own self development and for further improved productivity in their place of work. Social media can also be an effective learning tool for engaging with learners and communicating with parents, students and communities. I am now at a stage where I can truly say because of social media/ network, the opportunity is given to me to take part in this online course which requires the use of social network/media.