Module 7 - Activity 5

The readings, videos and activities of this section of the module have caused me to review critically how I engage students in the classroom. I already embarked on the following activities in students' engagement by:

1. winning the trust of the students.
2. engaging them in discussions and activities that build their critical thinking skills.
3. taking curriculum and convert it into meaningful learning activities and experiences for the students.
4. breaking up large projects into smaller, more manageable projects.

However, I do believe that student engagement can be improved if I

1. Empower students to ask questions as well.
2. Teach students new technical skills using content that they already understand.
3. Engage students in real-life processes.
4. Invite experts to share in the learning process.
5. Publish students' work in the community, where persons outside the immediate classroom environment can share in that culminating experience.

This is beginning to get exciting!

Utica Christian

Module 7 - Activity 4

Project-based learning definitely supports knowledge building within the classroom. As such, it is my endeavour to create such a learning experience for my students where

• learning is derived from construction and discovery
• it is learner-centred
• learners are taught how to learn
• lifelong is modelled and perpetuated
• there is customized learning
• the teacher is the facilitator of learning
• the teacher is flexible and creative
• learning is FUN!!

As a result, I will seek to merge real-life 'problems' with the curriculum goals of my subject area.

This is an interesting and exciting stage of my career.

Utica Christian

Module 7 - Activity 2

It was interesting to see how much further I needed to go, as it relates to the teaching of French. The current trends have given me a renewed vigour and interest in the teaching of the language. I am now more excited than ever to start to implement 21st century activities that would be relevant to the students and enriching to the learning experience.

Utica Christian

Module 7 - Activity 3

I have always been intrigued by the thought of improving critical thinking skills. However, trying to integrate technology in the classroom, I have pondered how effective it would be in the improvement of critical thinking skills in students. The activities in this section have definitely enabled me to see reachable methods of improving such skills with the use of the relevant technologies. It is my hope to do engage in such activities with my students.

Project Based Learning is one of the methods of improving critical thinking skills. It is my hope to encourage my students to work along with experts to ensure the accuracy and precision of their information. I believe that in doing so, they will become more well-rounded students

Utica Christian

Module 7 - Activity 1

It is interesting to note that the 21st century learning environment is more involved in the teaching/learning of skills and the manipulation of tools than the learning of content. This would have a direct on the roles that both educators and learners adopt. In fact, the teacher/educator would not be seen as a dispenser of knowledge, but as a facilitator of learning.

I totally support the 10 key elements outlined by members of my group:

1. Learners will develop higher order thinking skills.
2. Learners will be exposed to the evolving technologies.
3. Learners will be given opportunities for creativity.
4. Learners will be exposed to real life examples and experiences that extend beyond the literal walls of the classroom.
5. Learners will be able to collaborate across societies.
6. Learners will be encouraged to be agile and adaptable.
7. Learners will be exposed to curriculum that is interdisciplinary, project based and research driven.
8. Learners will be taught life and career skills.
9. Learners will develop proper organization skills.
10. Learners will develop proper communication skills.

These elements will significantly improving learning/teaching expressions in the 21st century and beyond.

Utica Christian