Blended
|
https://tinyurl.com/BP-Padlet
|
Welcome to the very exciting world of Blended and Preference Learning where teachers make intention choices of the best learning style to present concepts in the manor most conducive to the most exciting and efficient learning of a concept. And where we allow students the empowering choice of their preferred learning mode when appropriate for the concept as we integrate the best of interactive online/technology learning and face-to-face teacher instruction.
The internet contains a wealth of research on technology-based learning, the flipped classroom, preference learning, learning styles, differentiated instruction, Response to Intervention (RTI), whole-brain advantages. And the opinions of each technique's effectiveness is as varied as the articles written! I feel (yup, I'm offering an opinion too) the appeal of each great technique is lost when the teacher uses only one model to fit the varying needs of the students and the best delivery modalities of the content. Let's use only the best strategies of the best models applied to the correct aspects of the content. Let's offer the student the self-empowerment of choice to increase student self reliance and responsibility for their own education! Teachers Click here to complete a survey to help me understand how to focus our training session. https://tinyurl.com/BP-Teacher-Survey |
|
Why is this class different?
As I stated to the parents, "My hope is to provide, or polish, the tools each of my students need to be successful in whatever path they choose."
Each of my students are unique with unique learning gaps and strengths. I found it frustrating, when I primarily taught in a whole-group environment, that I could only reach a majority of the student's needs. I was disappointing when a group of students grasped the subject would tune me out as I remediated for the another group of students. I wondered how could I have the success of one-on-one tutorials during my entire class period. And so the research began...
As I stated to the parents, "My hope is to provide, or polish, the tools each of my students need to be successful in whatever path they choose."
Each of my students are unique with unique learning gaps and strengths. I found it frustrating, when I primarily taught in a whole-group environment, that I could only reach a majority of the student's needs. I was disappointing when a group of students grasped the subject would tune me out as I remediated for the another group of students. I wondered how could I have the success of one-on-one tutorials during my entire class period. And so the research began...
What is Blended Learning?
This is a classroom strategy that is more of a culture or structure of lesson planning. It BLENDS the best of online learning with the best of teacher-student, face-to-face instruction. Blended learning integrates web interaction, student self-advocacy, interactive technology, in-class group activities, student-centered learning, technology-driven instruction, individual practice, student collaboration, and targeted tutorials. Students are allowed to work at their own pace and select their own learning preference enabling the teacher to remove themselves from majority group lecture with little student interaction to targeted small-group interactive tutorials. This maximizes the efficiency of both the student and teacher leading to maximized learning. Each day is different which avoids ruts and keeps the class fresh and exciting. |
“A blended learning design is really a way to reconceptualize everything you once thought you had to do as a teacher, and it can be one of the most exciting times that you’ll have,”
- Ike Shibley PhD, Professor of Chemistry, Penn State.
What is Preference Learning?
Everyone learns in a different way. Students are given surveys that help them determine their personality profile and learning style. Their learning preference is a personal choice. It is the teachers responsibility to decide when the student's learning style preference meets the needs of the content for maximum learning. My goal is to help students discover how they learn most successfully so they can employ the proper tools to help them learn most efficiently and effectively in all their classes, their job, in college and throughout life.
Everyone learns in a different way. Students are given surveys that help them determine their personality profile and learning style. Their learning preference is a personal choice. It is the teachers responsibility to decide when the student's learning style preference meets the needs of the content for maximum learning. My goal is to help students discover how they learn most successfully so they can employ the proper tools to help them learn most efficiently and effectively in all their classes, their job, in college and throughout life.
Generalized Learning Styles
Output Types = How the student internalizes the material
Active = Risk takers that are in the moment - Use doing, speaking, group work
Reflective = Internalize thought prior to action - Use time to process, deductive reasoning, summaries
Output Types = How the student internalizes the material
Active = Risk takers that are in the moment - Use doing, speaking, group work
Reflective = Internalize thought prior to action - Use time to process, deductive reasoning, summaries
Much of the research on Preference Learning suggests that it is not feasible to teach to each of the different student's different desires. The bulk of this research was conducted prior to the regular integration of technology in the classroom. Now resources can be made available allowing students the choice of what resources best suit them. In many cases, Preference Learning's primary asset is for increasing student engagement.
Be very intentional about which learning preference choices to offer per content studying. Not all content lends itself to all learning styles. For example, Momentum can be studied visually by watching something move and stop, can be explained auditorily in lecture or on a video, can be read about in a text book, and can be experienced kinetically by moving and stopping a student sitting on a rolling chair. But a moment in history may not be as easily experienced in so many varying modalities. Only make available to the student the resources that are well suited for the student's efficient and deep knowledge. Do not get caught up in presenting all modalities. I find it to be beneficial for teachers and some parents to also take the personality and learning profiles so they can see the commonalities and differences they share with their student. This may alleviate the "Do it like this", "I'm not like you", or "You never understand me" struggles. |
Preference Learning |
Click here to take the required Learning Styles Survey.
You are the only one that sees the results. |
Click here to take the required Personality Profile.
You are the only one that sees the results. |
Click here to take the optional Multiple Intelligences Quiz
You are the only one that sees the results |
Click here to take the option Motivational Characteristics Survey
You are the only one that sees the results |