The idea of learning is an abstract. As learning is not a concrete object where the human eye can see or feel like for instance, a car, learning can only be displayed through evaluative measures such as tests, projects, or activities. In class last week, my group came up with a lot of great ideas with which I would like to elaborate on.
First, the idea that different people display different attitudes at differing times. It is common for everyone, even adults, to have different personalities when they are present at different settings. For instance, one may act nervous at a job interview yet confident at a friends gathering. So since adults act differently in various environments, we should assume the same for students as well. This aspect is important to learning because different people show what they have learned in a different way and perhaps, even at different times. In order to be fair, I think every student should have a right to many evaluations in order to get at all the learning that took place in school. We should not limit each student by being dull and only evaluating them in one way (e.g. tests and exams) but rather use a variety of measures to help them in expressing themselves fully and getting the most they can out of school so they will be more benefited for the future.
Second, the idea that learning is cumulative. I think this is very true because learning is not something that can be measured by specific times of the day or days in the year but rather, it takes place over a long period of time. Even though it might be easier for teachers to generalize about a student's complete set of knowledge through looking at an exam score, I don't think learning is that simple. In order to measure a student's learning process all throughout school, it is crucial to note that learning cannot be judged by one evaluative measure but rather, like learning, the evaluative measuring of learning should take place over a long period of time. Just like how the human body cannot be classified as a simple organ made up of cells, learning is a lot more complicated and should be taken care of seriously.
Finally, the idea that we should be more flexible and understanding towards different evaluative measures for both introverts and extroverts. Even though some might not choose to use the classifications of introverts and extroverts for students, I find it very interesting to be able to place different students in those categories and see how classroom activities can be fitted towards different personalities. I think it is very important to note that different people enjoy being in situations while others don't. Let us take a look at an example, classroom presentations. Even though extroverts love to speak out to the class because it gives them attention, introverts absolutely despise such attention. I believe that different students with their various personalities should be given a chance to express themselves through many different types of activities in order to show their learning and interests. I also find the idea of placing extroverts as partners with introverts a brilliant idea because it gives both students with opposing personalities to "show their stuff" in the ways they like to.
Overall, I think there are many ways to observe learning and evaluating what one has learned in school. I also think it is very important that teachers use many ways to try to pick out and get at what students love to learn, what students have learned, and what will benefit them through learning. Learning can be observed through not only the classroom environment but also outside environments as well (e.g. physical education). The most important idea I took from the class was that it takes a good student to be able to impress a teacher with their learning but it takes a really great teacher to be able to let their students shine in ways where students are comfortable. I hope to become that teacher one day to be able to inspire students and leave my mark in their lives.
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