http://www.edtechmagazine.com/k12/article/2013/03/why-i-flip-flopped-flipped-classroom
“What are you going to learn? How are you going to learn it? How are you going to show me your learning? This became our mantra — our framework for learning. This is what it means to give students “control over their education.”
After I read the above article, I began to really think about this statement. It reminds me of how frustrated I am with the current behaviouristic approach most learning institutions have adopted, or shall I day, never left.
As an adult educator, I feel the majority of my prep time and teaching time is spent trying to stay within the perimeters of the schedule set forth by the program administrators. This not only limits the students creativity but also mine as their instructor. So I ponder…can this be changed? Can I change this? When I’ve thought about the possibility of moving towards student centered learning , my mind says “impossible, there is so much to do with so little time”, but my heart says “but I want to, I need to, there has to be a better way then me just blah, blah, blahing for 2 hours”.
Rome wasn’t built in a day, and I tend to be an “all or nothing” type of person, so the thought of changing my teaching approach is overwhelming, yet necessary.
This article has encouraged me to begin change, a small change, but change. Change is good right?
I have decided to assign my students 2 specific learning concepts from their next module. I say specific as I have to ensure that the knowledge they are attaining meets specific requirements for their National Exam. I will go over the learning objectives with them as usual. They will find their resources, and learn the concepts in their own learning styles. They can work in groups, alone, whatever they wish, as long as the concepts are learned within the deadline. They will be in charge of their own schedule.
“What are you going to learn? How are you going to learn it? How are you going to show me your learning?”
Before they begin I will ask them the above questions, taken from the article, to ensure everyone is on the right track, a deadline will be given.
Tell me what you think? Am I on the right track? I welcome suggestions.
I will let you know what happens!
rdatoothfairy 
You have hit the nail on the head Lea-Ann. I feel the same way you do and I have been Instructing for just over 2 years at the College. It is great to learn of all this wonderful technology that is available to us, but most cannot be used because of time constraints, policies and rules, not only within the confines of the College, but also with Apprenticeship Manitoba and C.N. Rail.
Great comments Lea-Ann
Take care and have a wonderful day
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I think you sort of missed the point of the blog. You were supposed to comment on my post I made regarding the article it referred to.
In response to your post, even with policy restraints in place, I have managed to make a few positive changes in my approach to student centered learning. It can be done. It’s not easy, but I see the positive result and it’s worth it.
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Great discourse here! It is important, as you have stated Lea-Ann, that we make the change that we as individual educators can make. It certainly won’t happen over night but change for better learning will happening slowly, one teacher at a time. We don’t have to use all technologies all at once but it is important to choose one that is best for your situation, try it and improve it. If no one even makes a small change, there won’t be ANY change. We have to start with ourselves and take what we believe forward. Keep moving ahead Lea-Ann. You are making an impact on your students’ learning!!
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Thank you Eva. I agree that small changes are just important as big changes. I do see a difference in learning and the biggest difference is the enthusiasm of the students when introduced to a different way of learning.
I must thank you for sharing your knowledge. Your class has been of great value to me, my career and to my students. I look forward to Wednesdays, no matter how tired I am. LOL.
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