Karren Week 32
This is a week I have been keen to reach for the last month. Reading the posts of others - I now see why!
The time commitment has been difficult, and the expectations that I had ... and actual
learning are quite different. I am not alone in my thoughts about the program and what
I have gained from Mindlab. When I went to the orientation decided to apply I
believed that I would be learning about using technology in the classroom, and
how to improve my practice through the use of, and integration of technologies.
I have been a teacher for the past 27 years and I believed that this is where my
practice was lacking. The content of the course was so different and I was so wrong!
After attending the first few sessions, which I Initially, I kept accidentally calling ‘ Mindshift’
(which is an educator feed that I follow on facebook) I started to feel the pressure,
that one feels when faced with a challenge. So now at week 32 I conclude that I
really have had a Mindshift thorough doing Mindlab!
I began my Mindlab journey (Nov Intake 2017) having returned in October from a overseas trip
through China, Tibet, Nepal and India, A highlight of this journey was the walking 'kora'
around Mt Kailash. This is a pilgrimage walk for both Hindu and Buddist religions.
It is also a belief that while on the Kora pilgrims will 'let go of something';
In my case, I decided to leave behind feelings of doubt about my capabilities.
Thoughts and feelings that limit your ability to do tasks. I have to liken my mind lab
experience to that of the difficult three day hike, as I experienced all the same frustrations as
I did while hiking at Altitude. I had to will my self onward and upwards!
So what have I achieved through 'mindlabbing' - For this weeks blog I will use Rolfes Model of reflection (2001).
This is a model that we currently use a s a reflective tool in our school also.
What?
When I think about the last year there are many subtle changes that I have made to my teaching
practice that I have come about because of the influence of the Mindlab course. Their is one area that
I decided to focus on for this week’s reflective task was the theme of Teaching from the Our Code, Our Standard document.
I found that the Mindlab courses focus on digital learning at the
beginning of the course was challenging to me and has resulted in changes in my
practice. I am now acutely aware of the importance of using technology as a
way to enhance my teaching and student learning. This has been particularly important
in terms of “Teaching in ways which enable learners to engage with, practice and apply
learning to different context and make connections with prior learning.” And also
“Using an increasing repertoire of teaching strategies, approaches, learning activities,
technologies and assessment for learning strategies and modify these in response to
the needs of individuals and groups of learners.” From “Our Code, Our Standards” (2017).
So What?
This course has shown me how I can be more successful in my teaching by using
digital technology more innovatively and effectively. I have access to a set of
chromebooks in my classroom. As my school is preparing to engage with the
Manaiakalani Col- an online collaborative teacher and student platform, I am pleased
that, I now feel that these tools are more useful to me.
During the last week of school, I found myself preparing my own Kahoot quiz
and having students submit assessments as google docs for comment and I
also had feedback by way of direct email.
I have made videos, slideshow and taken virtual tours...all of the small shifts
That add up to a whole- an improvement in my practice. I have a little smug smile..
This is what i wanted! There is however a higher ‘overarching shift’ -when I think
about the bigger picture;
about week 4 or 5 I had my epthinahy - that the course was about thinking!
I was then projected into considering what I could do in my teaching that
would lead to improvement in the students learning and their readiness for
the fast paced changing future.
While studying this course became aware of the importance of different leadership
styles that supported modern teaching and learning. I wanted to experiment
with being a transformational leader, this is a whole other topic! Ultimately I decided
that I would focus my further inquiry around student agency, and the idea of
students having an involvement in their own learning direction motivating the
students to want to learn. I have trialled the use of students blogging and
discussion, paddlett posts and other tools to engage them with the about
the topics and learning directions to increase student engagement and the
early results are promising.
Now What?
I am very keen to develop my understanding of student agency and how it
can be used to increase student motivation. Students who have completed
the term 1 & 2 evaluation for me, have indicated that they like to have choices
and be involved in their learning directions. I think the fact that i am valuing
their ideas and being enthused has had the same effect on my students!
In order to capitalize on success this year, I am intending to have a wider
forum including the parent and wider community. I will be endeavouring to
implement a change programme next year which will consider
The wider community and opportunity for engagement in contexts that have real
meaning for the students.
I will continue my investigation in this field and hope to have a plan in place
for the beginning of next year. I see that this could be a great way of
strengthening the links between school and our community through the
opportunity to be involved with the school community.
References
Ministry of Education (2017). Our code, our standards Retrieved from
Osterman, K. F., & Kottkamp, R. B. (2015). Reflective practice for educators:
professional development to improve student learning. (2nd ed.) New York:
Skyhorse Publishing.
Rolfe, G., Freshwater, D., Jasper, M. (2001). Critical Reflection in Nursing and the
Helping Professions: a User's Guide. Basingstoke: Palgrave Macmillan.
