So, I've realized I have made a mistake which I can justify by saying it's okay because I am learning about the expectation of this class and blogging (hehe, okay bad excuse). The mistake I made was that I accidentally posted on Digital Doc reflection which wasn't due until 2/27. This means I skipped over the Learning and action blog, which I will do now in order to fix my mistake.
I agree with Gee where he states, "The child, through action and reflection, becomes a "self-teacher," "training" his or her own mental networks of associations" (91). For me, someone can always try and tell me not to do something but it isn't until I have done it myself that I realize it to be either a good or a bad choice. It is harder to listen and learn from someone else than it is from your own experiences and associations. It is true that children (including me) still need active teachers to help guide their experiences but it is true that learning for me comes from my own experiences in which I have chosen to create.
Sunday, February 18, 2007
Tuesday, February 13, 2007
Reflection: Digital Doc.
Actually, I am feeling excited about my digital document. Todays class was nice because we had a chance to answer questions. I also enjoyed playing around on windows movie maker. After class, I decided to change what I want to do my digital doc. on. Previosly, I was going to do it on learning to be a wife and had ideas of doing clips from "Leave it to Beaver" and show pictures from our wedding and then pictures of a messy house, etc. But, after class today and talking about the potential to show this digital document to a specific target audience I decided to change mine to learning to white water kayaking. I thought as a teacher that the kids would better connect to watching me "learn" to be a kayaker than learn to be a "wife". I think it will be easier for them to grasp. I also think the footage will be more fun to watch. I am constantly thinking about my digital doc and am getting excited about the prospect of starting to put it together and being able to show friends, family, and someday students.
Wednesday, February 7, 2007
Situated Learning
When reading about situated learning, it is hard to argue against Gee’s claim, “[….] schools must give children embodied experiences in and through which they can form networks of associations that must continually be rechecked against the world” (94). He compares this type of learning (situated learning) with the traditional learning style. The traditional learning style is one in which schools teach children to memorize facts and grand generalizations. It seems clear to me that the situated learning method far supersedes that of the traditional learning style.
I can’t help but go back to the “teaching to the test” teaching style that “seems” to have developed out of NCLBs plan to ensure curriculum across the US. Unfortunately, teachers are being directed to the “teaching to the test” method of teaching because their schools need results on the tests, their principal get the pressure from the administration and so it trickles down to the classroom and the kids. So how can we get our kids to learn and want to learn? Gee is showing us that kids are learning video games which are extremely difficult and challenging. He is claiming that because they want to learn then they learn. He holds the view that, “[…] humans learn, think, and solve problems by reflecting on their previous embodied experiences in the world. That is, humans have experiences, store these experiences, and make connections or associations among them” (73). Personally, when I can relate to what I am learning then it is easier to learn, for example, going to college as a Freshman and Sophomore is not as exciting as a Junior and a Senior because those years are mostly spent on GE courses whereas in your last two years you are working closer to courses that match your major…match your semiotic domain.
In conclusion, I have to agree with the arguments made by Gee in his chapter on situated learning. I think as future teachers we really need to examine our system for teaching the kids and perhaps be willing to make some changes to how we teach our students, moving away from parts of the traditional method and adding in aspects of the situated learning method
I can’t help but go back to the “teaching to the test” teaching style that “seems” to have developed out of NCLBs plan to ensure curriculum across the US. Unfortunately, teachers are being directed to the “teaching to the test” method of teaching because their schools need results on the tests, their principal get the pressure from the administration and so it trickles down to the classroom and the kids. So how can we get our kids to learn and want to learn? Gee is showing us that kids are learning video games which are extremely difficult and challenging. He is claiming that because they want to learn then they learn. He holds the view that, “[…] humans learn, think, and solve problems by reflecting on their previous embodied experiences in the world. That is, humans have experiences, store these experiences, and make connections or associations among them” (73). Personally, when I can relate to what I am learning then it is easier to learn, for example, going to college as a Freshman and Sophomore is not as exciting as a Junior and a Senior because those years are mostly spent on GE courses whereas in your last two years you are working closer to courses that match your major…match your semiotic domain.
In conclusion, I have to agree with the arguments made by Gee in his chapter on situated learning. I think as future teachers we really need to examine our system for teaching the kids and perhaps be willing to make some changes to how we teach our students, moving away from parts of the traditional method and adding in aspects of the situated learning method
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