Donna's+Self-Reflection

=**Self-Reflection Learning Adventure for EDU-665**= Donna Lesser 3/21/09

The project was a unique experience on many levels and the reflection seems similar to peeling an onion. __ The Outside Layer: The Implementation of the LA __ The implementation of the LA was a true learning experience for me. I learned that pilot testing is not enough to truly understand how a learner would receive an assignment. I had three individuals pilot test the LA and they felt it was concise, well laid out, and had support mechanisms built into it to allow all adult learners to be successful. What I have learned is that I provided a verbal introduction to the LA to my pilot testers that our cadre XI members didn’t get and that is why there was some confusion. Communication is vital and the ability to get the attention of your audience is equally important. Communication steps were assumed and therefore missed that would have allowed everyone to be on the same page.

The survey results supported that our LA has the potential to be an engaging and an effective LA if incorporated into a Spanish class. The feedback from the Cadre members was pivotal in my learning. Issue that were address and allowed me to think of the project from a different prospective included comments regarding: 1. Having done the LA with a friend. 2. Having allowed the learner to choose the location in Spain to research. 3. Having more explicit instructions and expectations provided prior to and during the LA.

What I learned through the TI self-reflection session were the following equally important concepts: 1. Student learners are more engaged when directed by or motivated by something or someone; this could include experiences with a format. We were the first week and we launched prior to the first week of groups sessions and not all cadre XI members understood the format yet. 2. It is very difficult to separate oneself from a project to really hear/see what others are saying. It is so easy to defend your own thoughts and not hear those of others, whether I initially feel they have merit or not. If others are asked an opinion, their thoughts need to be considered. 3. Running an online chat session (TI) is very difficult to do when student learners are not engaged or off on other tangents. The preparation needs to be done for the expected engagement and then for “what ifs” scenarios.

My growth from this experience has been remarkable. I now find myself preparing to be a student for other group’s TI sessions to allow them to experience the success of a TI session with “engaged” students. And, I understand when TI sessions are dynamic it is a reflection of both the students and the educator leading the sessions. __ Inside Layers: The Research, Readings, UbD, and Building of the LA __ Having the ability to take a concept, research it, look for technology that would enhance the learning opportunity and designing it through the concept of Understanding by Design was a phenomenal experience for me. I allowed me to think about my strengths and weaknesses as an educator, and expand my thoughts on the use of technology in education. Having read many articles about how to effectively use technology, its effect on learners when technology is selected that can enhance the learning, and how technology can drive learning, I found that this project allowed be to see these points of views very clearly. The ability to discuss and running thoughts and ideas off each group members with regard to technology was very enlightening to me as well. I felt this process was a true example of constructivism for me as a student in the OMET program as well as for our student learners who participated in the LA. __ Core Layer: The Furious Five __ The group dynamics was the core of this project and its success for my learning. This project was almost effortless due to the pre-existing relationships between the members that centered on trust and willingness to expand our own knowledge. I had worked with three of the four members of the Furious Five on other class projects and was acutely aware of their strengths. Communication had always been a strength for each of the members in Furious Five and I believe the processes involving discussions, brainstorming of ideas, building and expanding concepts while staying true to each others original thoughts were successful due to the effectiveness of our communication skills.

The group process initiated in Orlando with ground rules that involved open communication including identifying the need for assistance and supporting the group as a whole. I learned the power of this type of initiation to a project. Additionally, I felt the empowerment of working with others that shared a level of expectation and enthusiasm for doing a project that would allow us all to learn from the experience. Five people committed to success and to assisting with each other’s success lead to an exceptional learning experience for me.

My final thoughts and reflection on group dynamics is that when they work with very little effort, the experience seems effortless and is a immensely fun experience to be involved in.