Reflections on Lifelong Learning
The habits I think will be most challenging for me are:
"Beginning with the end in mind." I always WISH I'd done this when I end a teaching concept and realize I didn't cover things as completely as I wish I had. Realized that again today as I gave my students a quiz on standard units of measurement conversions. There's always something we didn't cover as completely as I wish I had; and
"Play." Unfortunately for my own children, going back to teaching full time zapped some of the play out of me. I allow the stress from school to creep into my home...totally unfair to my family.
The habits that will be easiest for me are:
"View problems as challenges." I like coming up with a good solution, especially if it comes about as a result of good collaboration with a few good minds. We have so much to share with one another, not enough time devoted to it.
"Have confidence in yourself as a competent, effective learner." I do like being a student, and I feel I can do it very successfully. I love the act of reading and responding to what I've read. Writing soothes my nerves.
"Use technology to your advantage." I do love the computer. : )
The habits that will be most important as the course progresses:
"Accept responsibility for your own learning." Sometimes I breeze over things and don't read carefully enough...got to slow down so as not to miss something important.
"Create your own learning toolbox." I love this term...I have to make the tools I learn mine by USING THEM...too many times I forget all I've learned because the access to the resources isn't convenient or available. I've got to find a way to practice and utilize my new tools...or be resigned to wasting precious hours I don't have to waste.