Numerous interrelated components comprise a successful lesson plan. The discussion below focuses on resources aimed at five of the eight fundamental lesson plan components and how they can be utilized to improve instruction.
1. Characteristics of Adult Learners: Andragogy
Resource: Khattak, W. N, (2013, June 22). The importance of Andragogy. Frontier Post. Available at: http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&db=p3h&AN=BKLYFRP20130622.XXVII.612.00122&lang=en-ca&site=pov-can
I chose this resource as it illustrates the adragogical assumptions where the adult learner is autonomous, self-directed, with a rich reservoir of experience, problem-centered, internally motivated and requires immediate knowledge application. This will improve my instruction as facilitator by incorporating problem-based learning such as case studies, and focusing on meaning, learner involvement and experience as suggested by the article. Each case study will be self-directed thus empowering the learner through autonomous resource selection and time management, have a relevant problem, and provide an opportunity for reflection, assessment and experiential learning, therefore incorporating all essential andragogical assumptions.
2. Creating a Positive Learning Environment: Establishing a ‘caring’ connection
Resource: Ballou, James (2011). Creating a Positive Learning Environment for Adults. Available at: http://www.brighthub.com/education/online-learning/articles/41064.aspx
I chose this resource as it outlines the importance of the creation of a positive learning environment as a result of specific, intentional actions taken by the instructor. I will use the strategies of open collaborative communication and shared learning experiences to improve my instruction and establish a caring connection. Through respectful open discussion I will relay the expectations, format and emphasize my role as facilitator and then allow the learners to communicate their goals and aspirations both verbally via a group discussion and as a journal entry. Portfolio sharing also recognizes the existing skill, experience and individuality of learners and helps maintain a positive learning environment.
3. Motivational Techniques: Self-Directed Learning
Resource: Bengry, S. (2014). TED Talk: The revolution of self-directed learning. Available at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3L9qU7Y-oaA
I chose this TED Talk as it illustrates the revolution of self-directed learning as the predominant form of learning in a student centric world. The learner is presented as the catalyst for its own knowledge gathering and ultimately performance. This will improve my instruction by making the learner a central part of the “network”, as in a self-directed research project, by effectively attributing their success to their own capabilities, knowledge as well as effort. I believe a concise motivational video, available prior to class, would be a powerful tool in eliciting intrinsic motivation in all learners regardless of cultural diversity, age, gender or educational background.
4. Assessment: Pre-Assessments
Resource: Hockett, J. A., & Doubet, K. J. (2013). TURNING ON THE LIGHTS WHAT PRE-ASSESSMENTS CAN DO. Educational Leadership, 71(4), 50-54. Available at: http://cclsw2.vcc.ca:2048/login?url=http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&db=aph&AN=92606749&site=ehost-live
I chose this resource as it conveys the use of efficient pre-assessment instruments to illuminate current learner status and guide further instruction. The ineffectiveness of multiple choice and true-or-false pre-assessments was also revealed as they lack knowledge insight. Due to the diversity of learners in all aspects, this will significantly improve my instruction by using a hybrid open questionnaire/reflection prior to a new unit, with a few key questions aimed at uncovering connections between the learner and the content, reflecting on what they do know and serving as an invitation to the new learning as opposed to a barrier. The pre-assessment will provide feedback for the educator, and will serve as a guide to improve student-centered instruction.
5. Media: Online Resources
Resource: Worley, K. (2011). Educating College Students of the Net Generation. Adult Learning, 22(3), 31-39. Available at: http://cclsw2.vcc.ca:2048/login?url=http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&db=aph&AN=66613096&site=ehost-live
I chose this resource as it illustrates some of the characteristics of the technologically savvy generation which can be defined as technologically advanced, sheltered, entitled, social, education-oriented, impatient, materialistic and self-centred. This will improve my instruction by incorporating technology throughout the course and provide online resources such as a course syllabus, additional readings, previous assignments gallery, discussion boards and links to instructional videos to be viewed prior to class time. This would encourage those uncomfortable with technology to engage in new learning, providing an opportunity for the technologically savvy for perspective taking and compassion by helping those students. Moreover, the use of media in the creation of assignments, such as a blog, would increase the learner interaction as well as enhance their technological skills.
vivianachiorean 