Learning refers to the acquisition of different types of knowledge supported by perceived information. As Robert Leamnson said, "Learning is something that you do to yourself." This can be understood as, learning is a construction process of our knowledge base. Here, based on the concept map I designed, I would like to emphasize several points, which seems important in my end.
Prior Knowledge: Importantly, Learning primarily proceeds from prior knowledge, and only secondarily from the presented materials. In order to determine students' prior knowledge on a topic, there are several assessment techniques can be used. The simplest one, which is adopted widely in various courses, is to ask students to give a brief explanation of one of the most important concepts (e.g., can be the core word of course's name) of the course, based on their prior understanding. For example, for the course named "Optimizing Supply Chain", the instructor or TA can ask student to give a definition of "Supply Chain". Suggested by Thomas Angelo and Patricia Cross, another two assessment techniques can be employed:
1. Focused Listing: For an important topic, which is described by a word or brief phrase, the TA or instructor can ask students to write the most important points within a limited time. Using this data, the teacher can determine how student know the topic.
2. Misconception/Preconception Check: For an important topic, create a simple questionnaire, which includes some of common misconceptions or preconceptions, to elicit information about students' ideas on this topic. Using this data, the teacher can determine how student know the topic.
Learning and Practice: Human learning has two components: understanding and remembering. Both of them are necessary and important for learning process. It is quite common that we can not remember something although we understood it some time ago. To keep what we understand in mind, we have to practice frequently to strengthen the "connections between brain cells".
Teamwork and Coaching: Based on some research reports, students who work in teams or collaborative groups also appear more satisfied with their learning environment and easy to make a progress in knowledge construction, since the team members are more willing to provide support, encouragement and assistance in course requirements and assignments. It is important to note, coaching plays an important role for facilitating the teamwork. The guidance from instructor or TA helps to develop trust between team members, provide perspective, to encourage and to critique.
Reference:
Angelo, Thomas A., and K. Patricia Cross. Classroom Assessment Techniques: A Handbook for College Teachers. San Francisco: Jossey-Bass, 1993.
Prior Knowledge: Importantly, Learning primarily proceeds from prior knowledge, and only secondarily from the presented materials. In order to determine students' prior knowledge on a topic, there are several assessment techniques can be used. The simplest one, which is adopted widely in various courses, is to ask students to give a brief explanation of one of the most important concepts (e.g., can be the core word of course's name) of the course, based on their prior understanding. For example, for the course named "Optimizing Supply Chain", the instructor or TA can ask student to give a definition of "Supply Chain". Suggested by Thomas Angelo and Patricia Cross, another two assessment techniques can be employed:
1. Focused Listing: For an important topic, which is described by a word or brief phrase, the TA or instructor can ask students to write the most important points within a limited time. Using this data, the teacher can determine how student know the topic.
2. Misconception/Preconception Check: For an important topic, create a simple questionnaire, which includes some of common misconceptions or preconceptions, to elicit information about students' ideas on this topic. Using this data, the teacher can determine how student know the topic.
Learning and Practice: Human learning has two components: understanding and remembering. Both of them are necessary and important for learning process. It is quite common that we can not remember something although we understood it some time ago. To keep what we understand in mind, we have to practice frequently to strengthen the "connections between brain cells".
Teamwork and Coaching: Based on some research reports, students who work in teams or collaborative groups also appear more satisfied with their learning environment and easy to make a progress in knowledge construction, since the team members are more willing to provide support, encouragement and assistance in course requirements and assignments. It is important to note, coaching plays an important role for facilitating the teamwork. The guidance from instructor or TA helps to develop trust between team members, provide perspective, to encourage and to critique.
Reference:
Angelo, Thomas A., and K. Patricia Cross. Classroom Assessment Techniques: A Handbook for College Teachers. San Francisco: Jossey-Bass, 1993.
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