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.
I know what you mean about using the tools. I can't think of how many classes I've attended only to be forgotten because I didn't go back and use the tools immediately. But..I guess we are responsible for our own learning.
ReplyDeleteBreaking out of the boxes we've created in the classroom isn't always accepted. I've had fun using my toolbox this year. My students love the computer and anything we use it for. Giving them daily or even weekly access has been most challenging for me. It is frustrating knowing we need to use these tools with are students but we're limited. Ah, I dream of the classroom of the future. Hopefully, it's closer than I imagine. We in charge of our own learning as well as many others.
ReplyDeleteI'll comment on a personal level to what you said about the fun being zapped out of you due to going to teaching. I haven't seen to many moms do it better than you. I'm in awe of the relationships you have with your children and inspired by the faith you have in them. If you have been zapped, Mother Theresa would be an after-thought.
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