Education is an ongoing process. Educational professionals are charged with an overall responsibility to engage learners in dynamic learning environments to record maximum success from participants. As intended instructional designers, deliberate effort for acquiring the necessary competencies and expertise to become more effective is a priority. It is in this regard, that three articles have been strategically selected and presented on separate blog sites to enhance your knowledge and attitude as you work in the instructional design field. It is hoped that subsequent presentations will provide you with necessary skills for this profession.
1. The first article by Chickering and Gamson (1987), entitled Seven Principles of Good Learning, provides detailed information that can improve teaching and learning skills. The writers, are from “The American Higher Education Association” and prepared these principles for students of undergraduate education. However the content suits instructional designers who would agree that it is necessary to embrace information which identify ways to produce an environment that is conducive to improving learning conditions. There is also a focus on how these principles can be integrated to form powerful forces in education. An awareness of these seven principles of good practice should prepare students to understand how to deal intelligently with modern life.
1. The first article by Chickering and Gamson (1987), entitled Seven Principles of Good Learning, provides detailed information that can improve teaching and learning skills. The writers, are from “The American Higher Education Association” and prepared these principles for students of undergraduate education. However the content suits instructional designers who would agree that it is necessary to embrace information which identify ways to produce an environment that is conducive to improving learning conditions. There is also a focus on how these principles can be integrated to form powerful forces in education. An awareness of these seven principles of good practice should prepare students to understand how to deal intelligently with modern life.
2. How people learn has been explored by several psychologists who have allowed teachers for centuries to use their research, but, with the emergence of e-learning practices there appears to be an increased desire to understand the factors which contribute to the learning process. The first article from Internet Time Blog Archives on “How People Learn” which was posted by Jay Cross in June 2010 provides answers to both theoretical and practical dimensions of learning. Jay Cross has been passionate about harnessing technology to improve adult learning from the sixties. With focus on the doing aspect of learning, Cross refers to the relationship between the brain, mind, school and the environment with a view that knowledge is constructed rather than transferred. The seven principles of learning have been dissected to reveal the conditions which are optimal for effective learning and should guide our effort to achieving educational goals. Among other useful tips for learners, information to assist with self-examination of ones learning style using perspectives of Blooms Taxonomy is available.
3. The final article is also derived from Internet Time Blog and is of utmost importance to designers. The content for “I am a designer” provides information which is applicable to whatever field of instructional designing one engages in but makes specific reference to instructional design as a replacement for instructional systems design (IUD). Various elements of designing as tradeoffs, history, principles of designs are featured to give the novice designer a feel of their expectations. The article is not limited to the information presented, but provides numerous hyperlinks for easy access to further research on related topics. I would therefore recommend that individuals should to subscribe to these blogs.
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ReplyDeletePlease use the following links to learn more from the content of these topics.
ReplyDelete1.http://honolulu.hawaii.edu/intranet/committees/FacDevCom/guidebk/teachtip/7princip.htm
2.http://www.internettime.com/blog/archives /000023.html
3.http://www.internettime.com/blog/archives/001083.html
My Comment is in response to point number 1.
ReplyDeleteAs educators, teachers and instructional designers we are faced with the confrontations that we are responsible for learning not taking place, may it be at the lower level or higher level of education. Chikering, A & Gamson. Z (1987) outlined seven principles of good practice as effective principles which encompassed the behaviorist, cognitivist and constructivist theories of learning. These includes; encourage contact between students and faculty, develop reciprocity and cooperation among students, encourage active learning, give prompt feedback, emphasize tasks on time, communicate high expectations and respect the diverse talents and ways of the learning.
Does each one teach one sound familiar? Through the seven principles of good practice stipulated by Chikering, A & Gamson. Z (1987); firstly, I do agree that as educators we are expected to be role models, mentors and facilitators to our students. This will in turn aid in building and boasting their self confidence and indirectly allowing them to model a desirable behavior. From a behaviorist perspective, we should be included in their group discussions even if it is not in our field of specialization. As we form or become part of the discussion in a role model capacity we could stimulate and encourage group work and sharing of and exchanging idea, thus developing reciprocity and cooperation among them. As stated by the cognitivist, use it share it or lose it. As educators we should try to foster cooperative group learning to promote each one teach one, so as to reach those that maybe left behind.
Ormrod (2011) through a cognitive information processing theory supported the need to use visual imagery, add meaning and a general gist and verbal form to ensure that the content is effectively stored to memory. Ormrod (2011) postulated that if a learner encode in two different ways, it tends to be much more memorable than if it is only encode in one way. I think this is in sync with using active learning techniques as outlined by Chikering, A & Gamson. Z (1987). Other form of active learning technique can be in the form of challenging discussion, projects etc. After employing effective strategies then there is need for assessment. Not only should assessments be done but the learner must be provided with timely and prompt feedback. Feedback is a good way of promoting confidence, acting as corrective measures, acting as reinforcement and enhancing self fulfillment among learners.
Even though in some setting time is a constraint, adequate time should be given to the learners to adequately and competently complete a given task. Lessons should be structured in such a way that the learner is given the prescribed time to complete given task and the number of items in a task should be manageable in the time allotted. As we strive to achieve success and achievements, not only for ourselves but, the learners; expectation should be stated but in a realistic and achievable manner. Always keep in minds that students are human and as we help them to become self-fulfilled, do not expect the unattainable of them.
Weiss (2000) stated that it is clear that no two humans are alike nor learn alike; this is supported by Ormrod, J., Schunk, D., & Gredler, M. (2009). As educators, it is important to respect diverse talent and ways of learning, and be cognizant of the fact that sitting in front of us are rich talents and a wide variety of resources from which to draw and help to develop. Bearing that in mind, we need to appropriately develop and implement lessons that cater to those needs and challenge the talents of the young minds. Who says teaching was an easy job? Who says the education field was a walk over?