Creating A Significant Learning Environment
This course explores the theories of constructivist epistemology used to create student-centered learning environments. By applying constructivist techniques, students create active and engaging learning environments that utilize technology, increase motivation for learning, and engage the learner.
01
The Industrial Revolution began in the mid-1800s in Europe and later spread to the United States. The changes involved in this revolution included technological, socioeconomic and cultural. (Britannica). Education during this time reflected the needs of the world and in this case the needs were addressed in a factory method of education. Read more. Click the link in the title.
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02
As a foreign language teacher, I often hear students say Spanish is difficult or they're not good at it, leading to a fixed mindset. To combat this, I promotes a growth mindset, emphasizing effort and the opportunity to redo assignments for a better grade using technology like Google Classroom and Quizizz. The blended classroom approach involves presenting lessons first, then using apps for assignments, with Quizizz proving effective due to its repetitive nature and gamification. These efforts have led to students gaining confidence and enjoying Spanish learning, especially with the addition of DuoLingo for Google Classroom, which has had unexpectedly positive results, including students being more engaged and competitive in their learning.
03
A self-directed guide to designing Courses for Significant Learning
Using Fink's Taxonomy's 3-column chart, I crafted a roadmap to guide the execution of my Innovation Proposal. The purpose behind using the course outcomes planning process and the 3-column table is to establish a structured framework that aligns learning objectives, activities, and assessments with the overarching goals of the course. It also supports the development of learning goals, fostering a significant learning environment by organizing goals, activities, and assessments in a manner that creates a structured learning environment conducive to student engagement and achievement. This approach facilitates the implementation of the Innovation Proposal by designing a course that aligns with teaching methodologies, technology integration, and adaptive learning strategies, that will allow the implementation of the proposal.
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The impact of using the course outcomes planning process and 3-column table includes enhanced learning outcomes for students who benefit from a well-aligned curriculum that promotes learning, critical thinking, and language skill development for real-world applications. It also leads to improved teaching practices, enabling educators to design and deliver instruction more effectively, address diverse learning needs, and cultivate a growth mindset learning environment. Overall, the course outcomes planning process and 3-column table serve as foundational tools for educational innovation, ensuring that course design and delivery are purposeful, student-centered, and aligned with broader educational objectives.
​Fink, L. D. (2003). A self-directed guide to designing courses for significant learning.
Jossey-Bass.
04 Understanding by Design
Designing a lesson requires careful consideration and thought. Although starting from the end may not initially seem intuitive, in lesson design, the ultimate goal is to achieve the desired outcome. As stated in Understanding by Design, the focus should be on the desired learning outcome, which guides the teaching approach (2005). In line with this principle, I utilized Fink's 3 Column Table (2003) to create a course aligned with the goals of my Innovation Plan.
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05
Updated Growth Mindset Plan
Embracing a growth mindset can greatly impact the creation of a significant learning environment. The growth mindset is pivotal for fostering a culture of continuous improvement and resilience in both students and educators. In my classroom, I emphasize to students that success is not merely about innate intelligence but is rooted in the effort put into achieving goals. This mindset shift encourages students to view challenges as opportunities for growth rather than setbacks.
Class Collaborative Discussions
Class Collaborative Discussions
Class Collaborative Discussions
06
Contribution to my learning community
Being part of a learning community has immensely contributed to my growth in both courses (5303 and 5313). The courses compliment each other and that makes it easier to juggle the workload in the accelerated ADL program. What works for me in both courses is that they are so interrelated that I feel like the readings apply to both courses and this makes it easier for me to implement what I'm learning in both classes. I think I can improve on my time management while in the accelerated program this summer. I won’t be working this summer so I’ll have more time to dedicate to my course work rather than working furiously to complete assignments on the weekend.
Final Compilation
Focusing on learning and creating significant learning environments has a profound impact on my innovation plan. By integrating technology into the classroom and making it easier to meet students' diverse needs, I am working to add a digital component to the Spanish language program as part of the curriculum. This incorporation of digital tools will not only enhance the learning experience but also foster a shift in students' mindset from a focus solely on grades to valuing effort and progress. I believe this shift is crucial in cultivating a growth mindset am