Monday, September 29, 2014

Educating the 21st Century Learner

I can only speak for myself, but something weird is happening right now: In my first year of graduate school, I'm enjoying school in ways I never have.  It may be a matter of being able to apply my education to my career but I think it also has to do with in-class interactions, and the nature of my assignments.  I have been exposed to the concept of self-directed learning and before I knew it I realized that my professors were using self-directed learning assignments on me.

My research paper will be discussing how to effectively combine self-directed learning, the reversed classroom and the teacher website.  I realize this is broad but I am pretty sure I will be able to dial in an organized central argument.  I aim to further my understanding of these pedagogical strategies so that I can meet our "21st Century" learning needs.  In other words, I will be adapting from all my previous learning experiences to becoming a teacher who facilitates learning by incorporating digital technology to supplement my class time and homework assignments.  Part of the theory behind  Self- directed learning is to blur the line between entertainment and education, and for students to advocate for their learning experience.  My goal as an educator is to [as much as possible] deliver content that captures the attention and minds of my students and to provide well-planned, compelling assignments that students can take interest in.

This is why I find this class essential to my development as an educator.  Before taking this class the concept of reaching students, especially at risk students, was a seemed to be the million dollar question; I feel that I have some great tools that I can apply to my career as an educator.

Eric

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