Learning about learning is so insightful. I don’t know why we don’t spend more time teaching students to be more efficient learners, and teachers to be more aware of various learning strategies that students use. I am digging into Kolb’s model of learning styles dealing with abstract vs. concrete dimensions of learning and active vs. reflective dimensions of learning. My own learning and teaching styles suddenly makes sense. I can be a better learner and a better teacher now.
July 24, 2010
April 26, 2010
Online education
With positive experiences in online education, I have not carefully paid attention to its weaknesses until recently. As I move further into my pursuit of a doctoral degree, I wish to have more satisying conversations about class topics than can be accomplished in an asynchronous environment. Each student is required to post two “substantial” replies to other student’s response to discussion questions. A typical response generally follows this pattern: I agree with you. You stated, ” … ” That is so important. If anyone dares to pose a question or disagree, a response is unlikely as the class has moved on to the next question and the next week’s requirement.
Additionally, in an online environment student’s all see each other’s work. While this could be a motivator for some students, I generally see it as a reminder that I work way too hard. I certainly do not want to sound arrogant; however, some of my class mates would not pass my undergraduate classes if they were to submit similar work. I do not know what grades these students get in their doctoral classes, but they continue to submit poor work so I assume they are passing. This leads me to wonder if this degree really means anything?
Online education is convenient. It brings education to those who might not otherwise get an education, but it has some serious weaknesses that need attention.
One Step Closer
Another course is over, and I am one step closer. At this point, I am unofficially pursuing a dissertation study in the policies and procedures that suppport academic honesty. From what I have learned so far, academic dishonesty is prevelant at all levels of education and colleges deal with it in dramatically different yet equally ineffective ways. would like to better understand the problem so that colleges can implement better systems. In light of the growing online academic trend, this is an important topic.
March 21, 2010
Asynchronous communication
Asynchronous communication in an online environment has valuable potential as a conversational tool especially for students that might otherwise be too shy to speak up in a traditional classroom. However, the challenges are many. As I experience the online environment in my own class, I am frustrated by the lack of depth to the topics. Each discussion question requires students to write a post followed by response to two other student posts. Classmates often post information that is irrelevant, blatantly off topic or simply subject to further inquiry. Inquiries are not addressed once students have met the two response requirement. Conversations are therefore prematurely halted. It is especially disheartening when an instructor ends a conversation with a “good boy, Johnny.”
There must be a solution to this problem. Distance learning is here to stay, but it must provide an equally stimulating educational experience. I feel a dissertation topic lies somewhere amidst this frustration.
October 29, 2009
Let the Journey begin again
It is not without some fear and sincere reconsideration that I once again embark upon this great challenge.
“Why am I here?”
“What am I trying to accomplish?”
“Is it going to be worth it?”
I have been asking myself these questions repeatedly. My conclusion: “I don’t know.” For now, it’s off to the land of insane amounts of homework, crazy reading, and more discussions of NCLB.
September 29, 2009
Student Teams
Student teams … an effective teaching method or not. Is the educational experience enhanced with team projects, or does it simply add to the frustration and create a negative experience for many. Do enough students benefit from student teams to warrant the use of teams? Is it necessary to have student teams so that students will be better prepared for the real world work environment? Can student teams really reflect the real world work environment?
So many questions to ponder. More insights to these questions after I have spent some time contemplating.
If anyone out there wants to share their personal experiences working in student teams, I would love to hear it.
August 22, 2009
I’m back …
I know it’s been awhile. My mother passed on July 13, and it has been difficult to deal with life. I was 3 weeks into my curriculum and development class when it happened. I managed to finish the class, but I’m not sure how. I certainly did not gain the knowledge from the class that I had originally hoped. I’m taking a session off from classes now in order to get caught up with life and sanity. As a result of what has happened, I am no closer to a dissertation topic, but hope to use this time to pull some other dissertations to read.
June 23, 2009
Learning styles
It is all too easy to simply assume how a student learns best or how they prefer to learn. As a teacher, we remember how we learned and model ourselves after our favorite teachers. How many students are lost, because their learning style is not understood?
Much research has been done on the topic of learning styles. Gardner’s theory of multiple intelligences, Kolb’s experiential learning theory are just two of the more commonly applied theories among numerous theories, constructs and variations of theories. Some of these theories use simple, easy to understand language that can be interpreted and applied in a classroom. Other theories use odd terminology to define constructs that classify learners such as assimilators or divergers. In a college such as the one I teach at, most of the instructors are educated in their specialty. They have advanced degrees in design, art, business, science or whatever. Very few have formal education in the field of education; therefore, the terminology must be commonly understood in order to be meaningful. Just one more reason this dissertation topic is appropriate.
June 19, 2009
The topic
After finishing my final paper in W7000, I have decided that I am starting to like my topic. It would make an interesting and valuable dissertation topic. My final research question: What is the dominant preferred learning style of design students within each chosen major?
The purpose of the study is to determine if there is a relationship between learning styles of students and the major chosen in an art college.
When I began at Ai, and throughout my career there, I have heard teachers say that most of the students are visual learners. From my experience, I do not believe this is true. Especially with the diverse programs being offered. I would like to dispel this myth once and for all and give teachers something accurate to guide their teaching styles.