Reflecting on Active Learning, Gagne, and Prezi

In class we discussed the importance of designing active learning environments using Gagne's 9 Events of Instruction. These can be practiced in any part or subject of the classroom, including technology to help the educator convey his teachings; which can be used at any grade and cognitive level. It is great for giving the teacher a step by step on how to engage and teach the student. Additionally, the three interaction types can really help to create an active learning environment. Each can be used at different types of learning times for different effects. Student-student interaction creates an environment where students can help and even encourage each other while collaborating together in group-work. Instructor-student interaction is the usual lecture mode, or where the teacher shows and models to the student what is expected from them. Finally, student-content interaction can be used when doing individual work or when learning and working on a computer.

Having students work on a group project using Prezi can actually meet a lot of the ISTE NETS standards for students and teachers. For Students it meets standards 1, 2, and 3. While using Prezi, students will be demonstrating creative thinking, constructing knowledge, and developing innovative products. Secondly, when working in a group, they will be communicating the content of their project through the use of digital media. Finally, students will be applying digital tools to gather, evaluate, and use information.

The ISTE teacher standards that can be met while using Prezi are also 1, 2, and 3. The teacher will be facilitating and inspiring student learning and creativity by promoting innovative thinking and inventiveness by having students create and assemble their own Prezi. Also by designing, developing, and devaluating authentic learning experiences and assessments incorporating digital resources during class. This, when the teacher shows the students how to use Prezi by showing a sample and then incorporating and assigning a project on which they would be assessed on

Rober Gagne's 9 Events of Instruction

What is TPACK?

My Educational Philosophy

When it comes to the classroom, I believe a teacher has two roles; the first is to educate the students and the second is to be a supervisor. It is the job of the teacher for students to learn many new things throughout the year. If it’s a first grade classroom, they must learn to read and write, third grade to multiply and so on. And as goal for students, I feel that they should pass on to the next grade with a whole new view of the world. Students should feel and know that they are smarter than they were the previews year, that they have learned new things. And as a supervisor, the teacher should be in control at all times of the classroom. In a classroom the students are looking up to him/her for direction and are also relying on the teacher for support. But to do this, the teacher has to earn the respect of her class so they will follow her. And this should overflow and continue throughout the community. Teachers also have a role in the community and that is to be a role model. Walking out of the school does not mean that you have left your job behind, you can run into a student or parent anywhere, therefore we should always be ready to set an example to our students anywhere were at.

I feel that students learn best when they are comfortable and familiar with the terms being used. We should build a community within the classroom, where every student is happy and proud to be a part of. Also, students should be taught with what they know and are comfortable with, and now days that is technology. Kids spend most of their free time using technology, either playing video games, using a computer, a phone, or IPod. As teachers we should take advantage of that and include it in the curriculum.

The qualities of an effective teacher are that they should be patient, flexible, a role model, and most importantly believe that every student can learn. The last one being to me, the most important; teachers should not easily give up when it comes to educating students. I believe that every child can learn and will learn when taught the right way. As an effective teacher, we should also cater to all students and teach them in a way they will learn. It is our job to find their learning style, not all students, just as adults are created equal.

Consequently this is why I am studying to become a teacher, to make a difference in one student’s life. I know it sounds cheesy, but I had one teacher that made a big impact in my life while in middle school. She found a way in and was able to put my wall down so I could learn, and this is why I believe every student can learn. And that is why I want to be a teacher, to teach something new to every student that comes in my classroom.

About Liz

I am currently an undergrad student for Elementary Education at National Louis.

On my free time (which is not much), I enjoy reading and am also training to run a half marathon. Three more weeks to go!!