Assumptions change

So, we're looking back at how our thinking has changed, and how we are becoming better reflective practitioners.   As a result, I'm looking back through my LTT work and I've found this:

Assumption #2:

When I created my mission statement, I assumed that it’s important to include parents and the community as part of the group responsible for educating a child:

    I believe that I, the teacher, along with students, parents and the community, will encourage all  to become lifelong learners, able to contribute positively to the community, always valuing knowledge and friendships.  The ability to evaluate information, skills, and situations will grow with this journey.

    Was I supposed to include them, for some kids the family really doesn’t share in the completion of homework, discussions about school, interest in what the kids are doing, etc.   Or perhaps don’t value giving back to the community as I do, so should that be in my mission?  Is that something to consider when I present outreach ideas to my students?

Now, has my thinking changed?   I should reflect on my thinking and my shift in perspective as a result of the readings, discussions, and learning throughout the course.   

   I still think that we are all part of creating experiences, good and bad, for students.   I don't know that what I'm doing is going to lead to all the students being motivated to be a lifelong learner or to give back to the greater community.   

Feb. 1 Blog Post

Where do you turn to to find pertinent research?

I have searched in SFU library, and the article and book links from there.   I've also gone to articles that are quoted in the ones that I am reading.    In addition, I've looked at resources that have been discussed or referred to in Pro-D sessions I've attended, or that others have referred to on Classroom 2.0 and Twitter.

What is the value of peer-review?

Shows if the article can be replicated, if the findings are legitimate and responsible.  I know they're not just unknown ramblings that are randomly posted on the internet.

What are some sources of research? Where do you turn to for research? Sources?

- Google Scholar - more friendly interface
- TeacherTube--used it
- TED Talks-looked here
- Wikipedia to get a quick link
- Eric Ebsco--used often
- Journal references - look at the bibliography--do this
- Ask your network / ask an expert

What are the barriers to academic research?

- information literacy: knowing how to navigate the library databases, perform effective searches (boolean, etc.)

 

This can be frustrating at times, but at this point I can search in another way or another place if the format isn't working for me.  

- Jargon / vocabulary: academic articles are often written to impress, for status or for an audience of academics

If I can't understand the abstract, or first couple of pages, I skip the article as I am not likely to refer back to it if I didn't get it and the article was related to material I'm learning about or interested in.

What are some strategies to overcome these barriers?

- Read with a group (a learning community that reads the same text and shares their understanding)

Done a bit in class, but not as much with self directed--if all else fails, I've done it.
- Read with an expert (read a text that is recommended by an expert in the field and discuss)

Haven't tried this one.   No time, mostly, to try to do this.

Feb. 1 Class

Journal Reflection:

Preparing to share my comprehensive portfolio (the story of my learning):

Can you draw a link between the research you've done and the impact on your practice?

The research that I've done has impacted my practice as it's reinforced some of the decisions that I've made throughout my career.    It's also helped give me a starting point for some of my lessons with my class.

More specifically, I referred to some of the research about feedback when I talked to parents in the fall for interviews.   I explained my plans, and how I was hoping to use the classroom blogging to help assess the kids.   The parents were happy to hear that it was helpful, and to see the link, especially when they don't use technology as much themselves.

How has it informed your field study?

For this field study, it hasn't yet, as I'm just starting my research.    I have ideas about what I want to do, and I hope to find some ideas about what to do or not to do.  Also, I want to see how I can use wikis or other mediums for collaborative writing.   The findings of experts and specific studies will be interesting to read, and share with my kids and parents.

  Where do you see it playing a role going forward?

Don't know, other than what I've said above. 

In your self-directed studies, what foundational thinkers have you drawn in that have caused a shift in your pedagogical practice?

I read some posts from leaders online on web 2.0, etc. and in articles, and looked into links or explored ideas, but I don't know that I actually quoted them.  More so, they've perhaps led me to question my choices.

Can you represent the breadth and depth of your reading and cite relevant passages that have led you to reconsider your practice?

No, not tonight.    I'm in a rough place this week, and can't remember much more than my name.