In the DVD, “Instructional Theory vs. Learning Theory”, Dr. Michael Orey (2007) defines learning theory as “what’s going on in a person’s mind”. He goes on to explain that teachers should be aware of how students learn. This is essential in creating effective lessons and activities for students. Two instructional strategies that are addressed in Technology with Classroom Instruction that Works are “Reinforcing Effort” and “Homework and Practice”.
All students are unique and learn differently. In the chapter “Reinforcing Effort”, Pitter, H., Hubbell, E., Kuhn, M., & Malenoski, K. (2007) explain the importance of students realizing that the effort that they put into their work correlates to their achievement. In order for students to reach their full potential, they have to know that they are capable of reaching their goals. In “Reinforcing Effort”, students are made aware of this through technology. Teachers have helped the students create spreadsheets to show the correlation. One school even has a website that shows how hard work helps students to reach their goals. This is such a great way to build confidence in the students and help them realize their full potential.
For students to be successful in the learning process, they must practice the skills that they are taught. In “Homework and Practice”, Pitter, Hubbell, Kuhn, and Malenoski (2007) suggests ideas that teachers can use to integrate technology into homework. Examples of this include using tools from Word, spreadsheets, multimedia projects, web resources, and communication software. Incorporating technology into daily practice and homework helps to motivate students, allows them to be creative, and enhances learning. As a teacher, I am excited to integrate these ideas into my daily practice. Homework is practice. It is important for my students to see that the more they practice, the more likely they will be successful.
Students have to know that teachers want them to reach their goals. It is the teachers’ responsibility to find ways to help students learn. We have to help them understand that the harder they work, the more successful they will be. Technology is essential in reach 21st century learners. It not only needs to be applied in the classroom, but to all aspects of learning.
References:
Orey, M. (2007). Instructional Theory vs. Learning Theory (Laureate Education, Inc., DVD)
Pitter, H., Hubbell, E., Kuhn, M., & Malenoski, K. (2007). Using technology with classroom instruction that works. Alexandria, VA: ASCD
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It is really important for students to understand that they can reach their goals. My younger students like to believe they cannot do certain things but, as their teacher I constantly reassure them that they can. One way I keep my students confidence up is to display their work. My students discuss the activity with their classmates and other students. They feel proud and I feel proud of them. I am constantly changing the assignments I put up because my students love to show what they can do.I want them to know that everything they do in school is important and they should feel good about their accomplishments. So, I agree with you completely about keeping students confidence level high. I believe if their confidence is high their behavior will align correctly. yolette
ReplyDeleteHi Yolette!
ReplyDeleteThanks for the feedback. My school is transitioning into a standards-based school. One part of this is posting student work with teacher commentaries which relate to the standard. I can really see the benefits of this. It allows the students to see the relationship between their work and what they have been taught in the classroom. Displaying student work helps build their confidence. In turn, they want to strive harder to succeed.
Angie