My Multiple Intelligence Quiz results showed my strengths being evenly distributed between the following three learning styles: Bodily/kinesthetic, logical/mathematical and musical. It would be difficult to incorporate activities that support the kinesthetic learning style within an online course. It would also be a challenge to integrate the logical/mathematical learning style into a course design. For the afore mentioned learning styles, I really think that it is up to the learner to adapt the content to their particular learning strengths. The Seeing, Hearing, and Doing Quiz results show that I am predominantly a hearing based learner. Knowing this now, I think that content presented in any auditory form of would increase my understanding, including: podcasts, synchronous chats with audio, PowerPoint’s with voiceovers, video's with audio etc. These test results reaffirm the previous beliefs that I’ve had about my own learning tendencies. In the past when I’ve had to memorize large amounts of information, I would either visualize it or incorporate it into a story or song that rhymed, making it easier to recall.
As an instructor of an online course, I would anticipate a fairly wide range of students with different learning styles and levels prior knowledge. Upon first contact, I would make sure that students had a clear picture of the course including: What will be covered, what will be expected from the students, what the students can expect from me, what technology and tools they will need and or be expected to know how to use, and the course layout (timeline, due dates, submission processes and grading procedures). This way, there are no surprises and the students that may have issues can contact me to resolve them before the instruction begins. One of the primary reasons why I elected to utilize a learner-directed design approach is that it would allow for some flexibility. I could start with just the basic concepts and modify the content to suit the students’ needs as I become aware of them. I would invite students to share information from their past experiences as it pertains to the content being covered. This way I could provide individualized feedback including recommendations on what may work best to optimize the learning experience for all involved. If an instance occurred where a student was struggling to grasp concepts due to either their learning style or lack of prior knowledge, I could assess the situation based on feedback and provide some alternatives. One example would be if a student were struggling with comprehending the content presented in a slideshow format. In such a case, I could also make the content available as a podcast or apply it to a real life case scenario and ask the student to conceptualize it and engage in an activity that requires collaborating with fellow students.
In order to establish classroom management rules, I would set very clear guidelines for my class. Though the instructions or content of the course may vary, there would be no deviation of my expectations from start to finish. The structure of the course would be set from day one so that there would be no discrepancies on what is expected. I would do this via a synchronous session where I would discuss the syllabus, class rules, ect. I would then make sure that everyone had a clear understanding of how the course would be managed as well as how and when to contact me if any issues or concerns should arise.
I think that my main objective as an instructor would be to establish an open learning environment where no one is hesitant to participate due to his or her background and or lack of prior knowledge. I would strive to ensure that everyone was comfortable with the course and promote a positive and encouraging educational experience. I would set the tone of the course in the initial synchronous meeting as well as through feedback and group discussions. I would also ask that students make a point of interacting with different class members from week to week so that they would become more familiar with one another. Once I was able to make some distinctions based on the different backgrounds and experience levels, I would group the students accordingly and task them to complete projects that require extensive cooperation from all group members. At the conclusion of the project, I would ask that each member provide some sort of positive feedback for all members of their team. I would then open up the discussion for constructive feedback amongst all groups. My hope would be that by assigning a brief group project or possibly introducing a new form of technology early in the course, I could build a sense of unity or teamwork within the class from the beginning that would perpetuate throughout the course.
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It seems quite your multiple intellegence is the same as quite a few of the scholars in this class. I agree that musical would be difficult to accomplish in an on-line course. (Your comment makes me think of the song "New Math" by Tom Lehrer.) OTOH, I think logical mathematical would lend itself well to on-line courese design. It calls up structure and relationships that could be presented using organization charts, flow charts, and other relationship presentations that would also appeal to visual learners. Bodily/kinesthetic would be difficult for some subject but easy for others. I think it would depend upon the nature of the assignment. I bet you could think of activities to represent your content for these learners.
ReplyDeleteI love the concept of an open learning environment. Can you describe how you would present that using a specific example? I believe it is a concept I could use if I had a more concrete vision of it.
I also like the idea of an open learning environment. It may easy to create, just through
ReplyDeletepositive feedback on student input on various assignments. I think the instructors in eLearning here at CSUSB are very effective at that.
Bob M.
Hi Donna,
ReplyDeleteWhat I had in mind was to have students build something as a whole, with each member of the group contributing by developing a component unique to them. I would provide guidelines, but at the same time give the students the creative freedom to produce something representative of their knowledge or abilities. For instance, if it were a music class, the task could be to produce an instrumental piece to accompany a video clip that I would provide. I would assign a scale, the tempo and possibly the instruments. I would then ask that one student create the drum pattern, another for the bass-line, the motif etc. This would ensure that the students collaborate and I would get a good idea of what their prior knowledge is as well as their interpretation of the assignment.
Bob,
ReplyDeleteI agree with you. The instructors in this program do a great job at creating and managing positive learning environments. I'm glad to be learning from some of the best.