Lesson Planning - Component 1

Learning Taxonomies


I studied this component of Lesson Planning prior to studying the others which I have already completed. The reason for choosing this topic last is that I wanted to fully understand that the majority of my learning in this course deals in the Cognitive Domain. For myself this process of learning is to climb the “Cognitive Pyramid” in order to be highly creative in my classroom presentations. Moreover I have learned that the students I am instructing are going through the same process as myself, though because of the field I am in, I can see that the Psycho-Motor Domain will have more prevalence to their learning process than the Cognitive Domain.

Knowing the differences in all three domains will help in my instruction while incorporating the Affective Domain theories to building self esteem and confidence into my students.

Source;

Atherton J S (2013) Learning and Teaching; Bloom's taxonomy [On-line: UK] retrieved 3 November 2013

Lesson Planning - Component 6

Setting Instructional Processes and Strategies


I chose this component to enhance my lesson planning process by being aware of the many  techniques and strategies options I have as an instructor to ensure learner comprehension. I feel that by having learned these options I will be able to better assess a topic and decide on the best technique or strategy for the delivery of the information.

To quote from the Cognitive Instructional Strategies article;

“There is no one strategy or approach to instruction that can be
described as the most effective or preferable. In fact, good trainers and
instructors employ as many different strategies as both time and the subject
matter allow. Variety in instruction is both stimulating and highly productive of
Learning.”

While researching this component I came across a very inspirational video on YouTube. It is an interpretation of the book “Seven Steps to Effective Leadership” by McEwan, E. K. (2003)

http://www.youtube.com/user/BlueBearEdVideos

A quote from this video I really like is;

“Leaders don’t create followers, they create more leaders” (Tom Peters)

Sources;

Cognitive Instructional Strategies

YouTube 

Lesson Planning - Component 5

Assessment (Formal and Informal) and the Role of Feedback


My rationale for studying this component is that it doesn’t matter how much time a teacher spends on lesson planning if the students are not fully learning all of the concepts that are being taught. It is therefore an absolute necessity that the teacher must incorporate some of their classroom time into assessing the knowledge a student has retained from a lesson before proceeding.

I have learned from my life experiences, that if a concept is misunderstood or simply not learned, the next step in the progression of learning the subject will be lost and further learning will come to an abrupt halt. At this  point a learners confidence and satisfaction deteriorates rapidly if allowed to continue. This can be avoided by continuous assessment and rectification as need be.

My knowledge of this will greatly improve my instructional practices by not just assuming that the learners are ready to move on.

In the article sourced below, there are 37 informal assessment techniques. I found many of these exceptional assessment strategies but not all relate to the demographic in my field.

Source;

Informal Assessment Strategies: A - Z for the Math Class
Dr. Chris Moersch
LoTi Connection