Week 4-1 Personal Blog Reflection

1. 30-word micro session summary:
There are two main approaches to teaching, teacher-centered instruction and student-centered instruction.  Either of the two approaches are used depending on the way the educator personally views the learning process.

2. Direct Instruction K-8 Video: 
When thinking back on my prior learning experiences in the classroom as a student, teacher-centered teaching approaches such as direct instruction have influenced my personal learning in a way that made learning very robotic.  Every grade from K-8, at least in my own experience had a strong presence of direct instruction lead by the teacher.  Lecture/lesson, activities, homework, quiz, activities, test, repeat.  Especially as shown in the video, my experience with direct instruction looked similar to the "call and response" teaching method, where the teacher would engage the class through verbal repetition or an out loud response said in unison for reinforcement.

3.  Thoughts/perspectives about teacher-centered instruction: 
"If you want to change the world, you have to change the metaphor." -Joseph Campbell
After watching the provided videos, my thoughts on teacher-centered learning made come to the realization that the current public education system is more heavily focused on the product rather than the process of learning.  I believe that education needs to been reimagined because there is too much stress on a highly concentrated curriculum.  Students are consistently having new information thrown at them and are required to achieve mastery on these subjects in order to be successful.

4.  Thoughts about teacher-centered vs. student centered teaching:
If I am being honest, this video has a "feel-good" movie trailer vibe to it.  It left me feeling very inspired at the end!
I think that teacher-centered learning enables a factory learning style because like the direct instruction video in question 2, it is very robotic and every student is expected to reach a unified expectation of success regardless of personal needs or ability.  I think teacher-centered teaching is best effective for short-term academic results.  On the other hand, a student-centered teaching model is more beneficial for long-term learning goals because it enhances students' learning experiences as it is a personalized form of learning.  In addition to student-centered teaching having a personalized learning approach,  it also recognizes that learning happens everywhere and not just in the classroom.  As a result, student-centered teaching promotes self-discovery learning and students being able to take ownership of their education because they play a direct role in their academic success.

5.  From a teacher's perspective...I think discovery learning, an aspect of student-centered teaching is the most effective and is also practical in the K-12 and college educational settings because it pushes students to take responsibility for their academic success no matter what age or level of development they are currently in.  In one of the videos, the science teacher would not automatically tell her students the answer if they were struggling, she would let them work it out individually or with their peers.  I think discovery learning is most effective because no one learns from being told the answer, rather than being able to find the answer autonomously giving students that eureka moment.  

6.  Do you have any questions or concerns about course learning?
No!

7. Week 4-1 Activity Completion Check 

	Modules	Topics  & Activity	Check ✓ if Completed
Week 4	Week 4-1 *Due by August 8 at 10:59 am	1) Week 4-1 Reading Quiz	✓
		2) Week 4-1 Discussion Forum: one initial response & two peer feedback replies	✓
		3) Week 4-1 Personal Blog Reflection	✓
	Week 4-2 *Due by August 8 at 10:59 am	1) Week 4-2 Reading Quiz
		2) Week 4-2 Discussion Forum: One initial response & two peer feedback replies
		3) Week 4-2 Personal Blog Reflection

8. Social Blog Activity: 

Bridget O'Hare's Blog: 
Hi Bridget, 

I like when you pointed out one of your weaknesses in the classroom, the way you don't always like asking for help so you work your brain until you get it.  I am very similar to you in that respect.  Although, it is always okay to ask for help!  Also, I enjoyed your example of you using yourself as the MKO in order to help your peers learn.  This combination of individual as well as collaborative learning relies heavily on social interaction.  This promotes teamwork and as you mentioned small group work can be a great source of learning because you are able to "talk through" ideas and perspectives.

Erin Rodriguez's Blog: 
Hi Erin! 

I enjoyed your visual of the Zone of Proximal Development in your blog as well as your personal experience!  I think it is important to remember that scaffolding, although it is guided by a MKO usually the teacher it leads to the student being able to become self-sufficient and autonomous.  It is a small boost the teacher gives to the student, so the student may being learning by their own trial and error, so eventually the teacher is able to fade away from guided instruction.  
I agree that this method also gives me a sense of pride!  Great ideas, thank you for sharing!