Reflection on How Students Learn

By: Arnold Lopez

Reflection on How Students Learn

Introduction: Understanding How Students Learn

In-Person, Virtual, and Hybrid Learning

Students today learn in a variety of environments, each with unique opportunities and challenges. Regardless of which modality , understanding how students acquire knowledge and develop cognitively is essential for creating effective learning experiences.

The application of cognitive development principles and an understanding of how students process information are key to designing lessons that effectively support student learning and growth.

Strategies for Teaching Collaboration

Virtual Collaboration

In-Class Collaboration

Incorporate tools like Google Apps or Microsoft Apps for real-time collaboration.

Use of Think-Pair-Share and group projects.

Global Collaboration

Tech Tool

Padlet, SLack, Trello are tools used to support project management and collaboration.

Platforms like ePals or Mystery Skype to connect with classrooms worldwide.

Strategies for Self-Monitoring and Motivation

Goal Setting

Reflective Journals

Encourage students to set SMART goals to help students track progress with clear, achievable goals.

Promote the use of digital or physical journals for self-reflection in the classroom.

Progress Tracking

Motivation Strategy

Implement tools like Canvas, Seesaw, or Google Classroom for students to monitor their own progress.

Introduce gamification, where students earn badges or rewards for reaching milestones.

Supporting Diverse Learning Preferences

Incorporating Multiple Intelligences

Cater to your students visual, auditory, kinesthetic learners through varied activities.

Universal Design for Learning (UDL)

Offer multiple means of engagement, representation, and expression.

Differentiated Instruction

Tailor lessons to meet individual student needs, addressing all learning styles.

Ensuring All Students Learn with Diverse Needs

Flexible Grouping

Use data to group students dynamically based on their current needs.

Scaffolded Instruction

Provide step-by-step support that gradually decreases as students gain independence.

Culturally Responsive Teaching

Incorporate students’ cultural backgrounds into the curriculum to make learning more relatable.

Regular Assessments

Use formative assessments to monitor progress and adjust teaching strategies accordingly.

Different Teaching Styles

Authoritative

Facilitative

Focus on student-centered learning, with the teacher as a guide rather than a lecturer.

Structured but supportive, creating a disciplined yet engaging environment.

Demonstrative

Environment Impact

Hands-on learning, where the teacher models tasks for students to replicate.

How each style influences classroom dynamics and student participation.

Understanding Global Citizenship and Collaboration

• Encourages students to recognize the interconnectedness of the world and the importance of working across cultures (NEA).
• Cultural Sensitivity: Enhances students' awareness of diverse perspectives and global issues.
• Provides students with real world experiences and opportunities to collaborate globally, building essential 21st-century skills.

Incorporating Multiple Intelligences and UDL

• Multiple Intelligences: Cater to various learning styles (e.g., visual, auditory, kinesthetic) by offering diverse activities that align with different strengths.
• Universal Design for Learning (UDL):
• Principles: Provide multiple means of engagement, representation, and expression to ensure all students can access and participate in learning.
• Implementation: Use flexible teaching methods and materials that can be adjusted to meet individual student needs.

Ways you can ensure students can with diverse needs learn

Flexible Grouping Approach: Group students dynamically based on current learning needs, allowing for peer support and tailored instruction.Benefits: Helps address varying skill levels and promotes collaborative learning. Scaffolding: Provide temporary support to students as they develop new skills, gradually reducing assistance as competence increases. Differentiated Instruction: Tailor lessons to meet diverse student needs, ensuring all learners can succeed.

References

Barnett, J. E., & Jensen, K. (2021). The development and application of metacognitive knowledge in early childhood: A critical perspective. Early Child Development and Care, 191(1), 1-14. https://doi.org/10.1080/03004430.2021.1917266 Deans for Impact. (2015). The science of learning. https://www.deansforimpact.org/files/assets/thescienceoflearning.pdf National Education Association. (n.d.). Teaching global citizenship in the classroom. https://www.nea.org/professional-excellence/student-engagement/tools-tips/teaching-global-citizenship-classroom Understood. (n.d.). 4 ways kids use self-monitoring to learn. Understood. https://www.understood.org/en/articles/4-ways-kids-use-self-monitoring-to-learn Asia Society. (2018). Ready for the world: Preparing elementary students for the global age. https://asiasociety.org/files/Ready%20for%20the%20World.pdf Infobase. (2017). Creating inclusive classrooms: Understanding and addressing diverse needs [Video]. Infobase. https://fod-infobase-com.lopes.idm.oclc.org/p_ViewVideo.aspx?xtid=204281&tScript=0 Resilient Educator. (n.d.). 5 types of classroom teaching styles. Resilient Educator. https://resilienteducator.com/classroom-resources/5-types-of-classroom-teaching-styles/