After watching the OCSB video, I believe that professional learning led by teachers actively in the classroom is more beneficial because we have firsthand experience with current challenges, curriculum, and student needs. We can provide relevant, practical strategies that we've tested in our own classrooms, making the learning more applicable and relatable. Additionally, in-house teachers can offer ongoing support and collaboration with colleagues, fostering a community of learning. In contrast, outside sources often provide generic solutions that may not align with specific school contexts, classroom cultures, or behavior management issues and they lack the follow-up needed for sustained improvement.
Adding Constructivist Elements
To effectively integrate constructivist elements, it's essential to focus on active engagement, real-world problem-solving, and reflective practice. Simply adding an activity isn't enough; teachers should facilitate learning environments where students construct knowledge through inquiry and collaboration this is why my innovation plan is based on project-based learning which offers the ability for the teacher to become more of a facilitator and students take complete ownership over their learning experience through problem-solving challenges.
Culture of Learning
In EDLD 5313, promoting a culture of learning involves creating significant learning environments that encourage curiosity, experimentation (hands-on activities), and peer interactions (collaboration). This can align with constructivist principles by fostering spaces where learners are actively engaged and can relate new knowledge to their experiences while also connecting it to real-world contexts.
Effective Collaboration
Honing in on the collaboration piece, in order for collaboration to be effective, it must have a clear purpose, with well-structured goals, roles, and feedback. It also requires fostering trust and meaningful exchanges, not just cooperative work for the sake of it. You must train students on how to work and collaborate effectively by modeling what this looks like.
In conclusion, integrating constructivist elements, promoting a culture of learning, and fostering effective collaboration are essential steps to improve professional learning and student outcomes. When professional learning is led by in-house teachers, it creates a more relevant and sustainable impact, as they bring practical classroom experience and can provide ongoing support. This approach encourages a learning community that not only aligns with real classroom needs but also empowers both teachers and students to take ownership of their learning experiences.
References
YouTube. (2016, May 19). YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iUusuw-xdr4
Comments