I like it! Thank you for the link. That’s a very creative idea.

LikeLike

Great post, Ray! I enjoyed reading your blog post and the discussion we had in class the other day. I believe there is no one method that fits all. However, the instructor must be clear of the type of method he/she is adopting – traditional lecture, games, or a mixture of both. Any of them could be effective if administered with some intentionality. I agree with you that whether or not one allows laptops in the classroom would depend on the method one chooses to adopt. In my class, while students don’t play games, they use their laptops to take a quiz at the beginning of the class. However, because I don’t want them surfing the net while in class, I ask them to put away their laptops after they finish with the quiz. I incorporate more of a case studies problem-based type of learning in my classroom, and my SPOT evaluations have been very good (I’m not sure whether that’s a true yardstick of effectiveness). I’d think if I needed them to play games, then I’d let them use their laptops to play the games, then put it away afterward – you can only do one thing at a time, right? Lol

Thanks for sharing your experience, Ben! I think every discipline could have an “immersive” aspect to it – it largely depends on the creativity of the instructor. The VR is a good option, as well as other options – case studies, role-playing, foreign exchange programs through virtual means, break out games (https://www.breakoutedu.com/), among others. Great post!

LikeLiked by 1 person

I enjoyed your analysis and reflection about BYU and Virginia Tech. Although Virginia Tech is a public, secular institution, one of the defining characteristics of the university is a commitment to others, through service, as captured in our motto, “Ut Prosim.” However, it is also interesting to learn about how the university supports the development of the whole person, including through nurturing opportunities and connections with communities of faith in the New River Valley [https://vtnews.vt.edu/articles/2017/07/070517-dsa-kshushok.html].

One thing Virginia Tech gets right, either intentionally or organically, is the sense of larger purpose that imbues our student body. Perhaps this is a bit off topic from the mission analysis, but I hadn’t thought of the similarities between BYU and VT until reading your reflection. If any mandate is important for higher education in general right now, it is to emphasize a renewed sense of community and commitment to the ‘other’, and encouraging service is once such way to encourage this.

LikeLike

Ibukun, thank you for your comment! I am so glad to hear that you have used a similar approach in your classroom and that it is working for you. I only started teaching this semester, so feel like I have a lot to learn, but knowing that my ideal way to do so can function is very inspiring. Also, as a psychologist, I appreciate your mention of self-referenced learning, because data shows it is the best way for improved encoding and retrieval!

LikeLike

Hi Heather,
Thank you for this! This is an integral part of my teaching philosophy. I believe each student bring unique perspectives to classroom discussion due to their unique backgrounds, and our job as teachers is to leverage those unique perspectives for the good of everyone – in fact, I learn from my students. I see my job as that of a facilitator who guides discussions in the right direction. This learner-centered approach, I believe, would help students construct knowledge in ways that are meaningful to them, thereby aiding storage in and retrieval from their long-term memory. Interesting post!

LikeLike

Sengulalanbay, I like how you phrased the benefit of blogging as “Increased mental contact.” There is so much to gain from engaging in blogging and other forms of networked learning, all we need is a mix of courage and humility. Thank you!

Thanks, Sarah! I am beginning to connect with people in my field on LinkedIn, and my posts on LinkedIn have been generating some attention. I also registered with Researchgate a couple of days ago. I am learning to put myself out there. Thanks for the tips!