session 3-reflections for 24 sept

Today, we've touched on topics in relation to self directed learning, collaborative learning and cooperative learning. What is the difference between these three types of learning?

Based on what I know prior to today's session, self directed learning means independent learning and I thought that collaborative and cooperative learning shared the same definition of learning in a group till Dr Ashley explained the difference between these two terms.

To kick off the session, we were told to view a music video which portrayed a very brief example of how collaborative learning works and I cannot deny that I was intrigued by it instantly! How nice it would be if we are able to do something like that for our lessons in school! I'm sure the students will enjoy it! After the video, I had a clearer idea as to what it meant and Dr Ashley gave us a short lecture on their definitions, examples and scenarios. I have learnt that there's a slight difference in cooperative and collaborative learning. Cooperative learning is when the work is divided equally among the learners and then merging the parts together as a whole. As for collaborative learning, there's much more meaning to it than just dividing the work equally. It involves meaningful negotiation and shared understanding among the learners.

Then after, we had to watch videos and attempt questions pertaining to the topic of learning and the three main categories are:

1. Using real-world contexts

2.Tapping on students' prior knowledge

3.Learning by doing

1.Using real-world contexts: An example will be incorporating real world contexts in the use of smartboards. When I was teaching at NorthLight, I realized that the school utilizes their smartboards quite frequent and instead of just teaching the students integers, the teachers teach mathematics by bringing in real life scenarios, taking Macdonalds into context. For example, If the student has 8 dollars, which Macdonalds value meal will he/she buy with the amount given and then how much of change will he/she receive upon paying for the meal. This was defitnitely an eye opener because I have never imagined that learning can take place using real life scenarios!

2.Tapping on student's prior knowledge: An example will be during an art class where students have to use their prior knowledge on shapes and colours and then to jot down items which with the required shape.

3.Learning by doing: For example if the students are learning fraction and proportion in mathematics, we can incorporate home economics to mathematics by asking the students to split the pizzas proportionately. They will enable them to have a better understanding of the real life problem scenarios.

One of the questions which was posted to us is: What are the few factors which hinder self-directed learning in Singapore schools? Honestly, I always thought that there aren't many hindrances when self-directed learning is concerned till I heard some of the answers raised by my classmates. A few answers were:

a.Exams

Since Singapore is a result orientated country, teachers are constantly worrying over grades and exams. As a result, they have to complete the structured syllabus and to make sure that they are constantly on track with the syllabus coverage.Therefore, it leaves them with not much time for students to cultivate the practice of independent learning.

b.Budget/Cost

I believe budget plays a role to some extent in self directed learning. There are several schools which may not have the luxury of bringing in new and advanced teaching tools due to budget constraints.

c. Teachers have to teach

Presumption that teachers should always teach so that students learn. Due to this, students may not have any opportunity to adopt self directed learning.

Personally, I feel that it is very important for our students to cultivate self directed learning as they can learn to be responsible learners, to be in control of their own learning, to set their own goals in achieving the tasks and as well as to experience meaningful and worthwhile learning.

What I already KNOW?

Self directed learning means independent learning and cooperative learning meant learning in a group.

What I want to LEARN?

I want to learn the differences and similarities of the 3 types of learning and how and why are they important in teaching and learning

What I LEARNED this week?

I learnt their definitions and their implications in learning.

What QUESTIONS do I still have?

Does self directed learning have any negative implications?