Blog Post #5 Initial Goals Reflection

Blog Post #5:

According to Napoleon Hill, "A goal is a dream with a deadline."  My initial goal in module one focused on learning strategies to improve and positively contribute to student learning and instruction. Also to explore effective methods of research and information discovery.

Thus far, the resources used have enabled me to incorporate different programs of technology and applications. Exploring new innovative methods of teaching and learning assists in searching for more effective and accurate resources. Learning about information fluency encourages and motivates learners to find more information that is more relevant to various concepts.

In an article published by Edutopia entitled, Resources for Growing Your Professional Learning Network it states, A personal network doesn't eliminate the need for high-quality professional development, but it does offer a powerful antidote for classroom isolation. Like many teachers I find myself sharing ideas, resources and strategies that I found effective and engaging for learning. Professional Learning Networks (PLN’s) allow, us as teachers, to expand our horizons and increase our learning. Taking advantage of the opportunities to connect and communicate with other professionals allows me to engage in discussions and receive relevant feedback.

Increasing our awareness in 21st century teaching and learning allows us to create an environment that is challenging, rigorous and relevant to our learners. Based on this week’s readings, Even Geniuses Work Hard, the author advises “When presenting learning tasks to students, the teacher should portray challenges as fun and exciting, while portraying easy tasks as boring and less useful for the brain.” This in turn involves the teacher being creative and innovative, trial and error based on the student's’ interest level. These opportunities create authentic learning tasks. Thus learning should be challenging, provide opportunities for progress, growth and praise.