Final Reflection for EDUC-6711

During my initial personal theory of learning summary, I mainly focused on the theories related to Howard Gardner. These theories continue to remain consistent with my current mindset, as I feel that all students possess various strengths. Although the strengths of our students are infinite, Howard Gardner continues to build upon the eight intelligences. Howard Gardner’s theory suggests that “every child is smart in his or her own way and possesses combined intelligences that should be encouraged to develop” (Lever-Duffy & McDonald, 2008, p. 19). As an Intervention Specialist, this statement is absolutely true! It is important as a teacher to identify their strengths, teach to their strengths, and build upon all other areas of learning using their strengths.

As we have discussed the importance of cooperative learning throughout this course, I feel that my personal learning theories now encompass Social Constructivist Learning theories as my main area of focus. Although I used cooperative learning previously in my classroom, I now understand the importance of using it in the classroom. While learning in cooperative groups, students can become actively engaged in constructing a product. “Technology can play a unique and vital role in cooperative learning” (Pitler, Hubbell, Kuhn, & Malenoski, 2007, p. 140). There are so many technological resources to use while collaborating in the classroom.

In my classroom, it is imperative that my students show growth throughout the school year in all content areas as well as their Individualized Education Program (IEP) goals and objectives. One are where I will immediately incorporate the use of technology into my classroom is through data collection. I will have the students collect and graph their own data for their IEP goals through Microsoft Excel. I feel that this will empower them to strive for more and understand what goals are set for them throughout the school year. In addition to data collection, I would like to incorporate Voice Thread technology into my teaching. Many of my students come to me at different times; therefore, with the use of Voice Thread, they will be able to communicate with their classmates and provide feedback at different times throughout the day. I feel that it could be a great learning experience for all of them. Another aspect of technology I would like to incorporate into my teaching is the use of Inspiration. As a collaborative project, students could work together to identify similarities and differences among character traits, settings, and plots. This would allow the students to be fully engaged in constructing a meaningful artifact to present to the class. They could also teach or share their findings with the class to meet the Ohio standards for oral presentations.

Within the first couple of weeks of class, it is my goal to set each student up with a personal folder to begin collecting data on their individual goals and objectives taken from their IEP’s. I want them to become familiar with the data collection, charts, and graphing tools through the use of Microsoft Excel. After the students become comfortable with the use of these tools, they can begin to chart their own data and look for patterns throughout the year. The data collection will continue to occur throughout the year so that students can see their growth and share their successes with others. Another goal for my students is to develop at least one Voice Thread presentation throughout the school year. I do not want to overload them right from the start with a mass amount of information; although, they are probably more proficient at using technology than I am. By November, it is my goal to have each student set up with a Voice Thread account so that they can begin to play with the various tools related to Voice Thread. It is a very easy to use program, so I think they will catch on quickly. Throughout the year, I would like for the students to answer questions through Voice Thread and dialogue back and forth with one another. By the end of the school year, I would like for my students to complete a collaborative project identifying information they learned throughout the year. The other students can then respond and share their experiences as well. The use of technology will continue to grow within my classroom this year.


Resources

Lever-Duffy, J. & McDonald, J. (2008). Theoretical Foundations (Laureate Education, Inc., custom ed.). Boston, MA: Pearson Education, Inc.

Pitler, H., Hubbell, E., Kuhn, M., & Malenoski, K. (2007). Using technology with classroom instruction that works. Alexandria, VA: ASCD.