Is Learning Observable?

Even though we cannot always observe learning when it takes place, I think it is happening all the time. At the end of the day we often recognize what we have learned through discussion with others and self-reflection. This is why it is important teachers facilitate group discussions as a class as well as discussions with students privately. This permits a way for teachers to assess students learning ability and progress more accurately because every student demonstrates their learning and comprehension in a different way. An introverted student may feel extremely uncomfortable expressing themselves publicly, but may be extremely open privately. I think journaling comes in handy because it allows shy/quiet children a way to express their learning and perceptions through drawing and/or writing.

On another note, I find it interesting how we define people as either introverted or extraverted considering we can be either personality type depending on the situation. I completed the personality type test and my results showed that I am dominantly extraverted, however I can be extremely introverted in situations where I do not feel comfortable. An example of a recent occurrence was when I was in my short practicum. I was not myself around my SA because I felt pressured to be like her. I was very self-conscience of how I conducted my teacher presence around the students. She was critical of my ideas therefore I felt the way I approached a lesson was always the “wrong way”, when in fact my perspective was just different than hers. This goes to show that teachers must establish a safe and comfortable classroom where students feel open to express their ideas and demonstrate their learning. If teachers fail to do this, students who are normally extraverted and outgoing (such as myself) may in fact appear to be introverted and shy. These students may withdraw from class discussions and teachers may perceive this as a lack of willingness to participate and learn.

I may have completely ranted off topic, but this is what came to mind when I thought about our discussion in class.