I really think that as a whole, we don’t communicate pedagogy techniques and practices to our students. Just as you mentioned the importance of being transparent, I’d like to focus on another implication of that idea. Learning is a two way street, in that, it requires effort from both the student and the teacher. I feel like when we discuss our teaching practices or discuss student study techniques in context to our class, then the students have a better understanding of WHY the class is the way it is. Specifically, when it comes to math for example, students get frustrated when we don’t give them exact answers in office hours. However, during office hours we are more focused on discussing the process. There’s a disconnect between our methods and the student’s perception of our methods.
Author: Romcholo Macatula
Comment on HPR 2154: Introduction to Harry Potter by Romcholo Macatula
I really appreciate the idea that technology alone will not solve our problems. When it comes to these new inventive techniques, you need a teacher to guide the students to take advantage of the technology. Freedom without direction is also not a productive method for learning.
I also really connect with the idea that when students are passionate about a subject, they put more effort into it. As instructors, we should try our best to spark the student’s passion in the topic.
Comment on Mindful Learning by Romcholo Macatula
I think adding breathing and meditation can add to the atmosphere of the classroom. When we are in pre-school, we often get “nap time”. Essentially, we were able take breaks in between all the things we learn. Perhaps students today are a bit overloaded with all the extracurricular activities, standardized tests, and homework. When we stray away from what learning SHOULD be, and turn it into mindless learning, students get worn out. Of course, then, when we stop and let students relax, they will better concentrate on the topic at hand.
Comment on Looking at the story from a different point of view…or…. a useful Model! by Romcholo Macatula
The discussion of motivation is such a critical component in learning. I truly believe that you excel in things that you are engaged with. A big question teachers face is “How do I make my classes engaging?” We can get a head start on answering this question if we think about what contributes to the student’s motivation to engage with the lecture. I am a big fan of frameworks like these (and having an interesting mnemonic is a great plus)
As teachers I think we should take particular focus on the last component, Caring. We can have a direct impact on student performance by being caring. Isn’t it novel to think that you can improve the effectiveness of your lecture by just being suportive?
With the model you mentioned, we should look at what components are easy to control and which components we have less control over, as students. We should recognize we can make a huge impact on a student’s motivation.
Comment on Simulation and Technology for Active Learning by Romcholo Macatula
This is such a novel way to teach research ethics! I too am curious about the results. I think this speaks volumes about the difference between, I guess, “knowing” something and “understanding” something. People can spend time just memorizing all the different regulations and rules, or they can experience it themselves. Similar to the React to the Past that was referenced in one of the readings.
I truly think that is a major goal for teachers moving forward. Expressing not just the facts, but the more complex nuances that can only be experienced by connecting to it personally. We can say “It’s important for subjects to give their consent” or we can have students experince the feeling of reading a research plan and consenting to it.
