Already week 9! It’s hard to believe we have been together in this voyage for two months now. A week and a half to go, it’s all that’s left. So, let’s enjoy the rest the best we can!
For this week, the discussion focused on Learning Styles and Technology. Howard Gardner’s Multiple Intelligence Theory was not new to me; in fact it had already changed my way of teaching several years ago. I started paying more attention to my students as individuals and not just “bodies” that were sitting in front of me having to learn in exactly the same way. But MI Theory changed me in the first place! I’ve always been a reflective person. I like to think about my actions and analyze what I say and do (pretty annoying sometimes!! LOL) and understanding what my strengths and weaknesses are helps me become a better teacher. When I realized I taught according to my own strongest learning styles I understood what was keeping me away from some students. I couldn’t reach them because I didn’t understand them. From then on, I always tried to integrate activities for all learning styles in my lessons. I deeply understand bodily-kinesthetic students and I think these are perhaps the hardest to “please”. Sometimes there isn’t enough movement in our lessons, I believe. But if we change rooms and have some activities outdoors or just ask them to go somewhere and do something that will be enough. Using technology makes it easier to work with all learning styles. Each student may choose the best option for himself/herself or we can design activities to meet all intelligences. The charts included in this week’s readings give us excellent ideas and Dee Dickinson’s article presents some programs and projects that may also be explored in our classes.
This week we had to post our final project plans. Mission accomplished! It’s been fantastic working with Laura and Natalya and they gave me precious suggestions to improve my Plan. I’m looking forward to receiving Donna’s feedback and to have a chance to implement my Plan.
Hi Celeste,
ReplyDeleteif only all the teachers thought the same, to try to adapt to all or to the majority of learning styles and types of intelligencies, school would be a real pleasure for all the students in the world. But unfortunately, some of my colleagues are very stubborn and keep teaching taking into consideration only their personal style of learning. I am positive that this thing will chance soon to our students'benefit. Congratulations for "accomplishing "your mission. It was a pleasure working with you as well and your advice was really helpful for my final project.
Thank you, Laura- Cristiana
Hi Laura,
ReplyDeleteSometimes it is great swimming against the tide. ;-) The feeling of accomplishment is greater. ;-)
I loved working with you and Natalya. We were a great team!! :-)
Celeste
Dear Celeste,
ReplyDeleteBeing a teacher means being a constant learner, and as you have mentioned, this job requires us to be very reflective of everything we do in the classroom to suit all our students´ needs. You must be a really good teacher. Congratulations!
Dear Celeste! Thank you for your great comments to my Plan, they were very beneficial to me!
ReplyDeleteI support you that technology would be useful for students and we will develop Intelligence that they have to improve. We have to think how we can work "individually" with each student and give to him/her chance to develop potential in the best conditions. Thank you for a great discussion at the week! Natalia
Hi Wilma,
ReplyDeleteI do believe we never stop learning, even when we don't want it. :-)
And I think a good professional (whatever the area) must continuously update his/her knowledge.
Celeste
Hi Natalya,
ReplyDeleteIf we promote learner autonomy, then our students will themselves choose the best way to learn. I believe it's not that difficult! ;-)
Celeste
Hello Celeste.
ReplyDeleteI agree that we should treat our students like friends in order to develop their confidence in us. This way they will consider us equals and not be afraid to ask questions in any situation.
Using the Technology helps us to develop the lesson more actively and entertainingly.
Alex
Hi Alex,
ReplyDeleteYou're right! If students see teachers as friends rather than the "authority" it's half way to motivate them. ;-)
Celeste
Hi Lucy,
ReplyDeleteYes, I think it is true! It's great when we finish projects/courses... and we have the feeling we've done our best. It's been great learning from all of you!
THANK YOU!
Celeste