This week, Lorayne has asked us to focus our learning log on what we are doing during class time. Specifically, what am I doing in class time? How much is passive learning? And how much is active learning?
What I'm Doing During Class
Let's start with what I am doing during class time. I have to admit that most of the time I am listening to the conversation and discussion that is happening in class, especially when we are in a larger group. As an introvert, I really find class overwhelming in terms of stimulus because I'm trying to take everything in, including the discussion, chat window etc. I need time to process information... it's just the way that my brain works! I do participate much more frequently during breakout discussions. I appreciate it when we do breakouts as it gives me a break from feeling overwhelmed and allows me a bit more time to process and contribute to the discussion.
Passive vs. Active Learning
In regards to passive versus active learning, I see how Lorayne has set up the course to minimize passive learning. I learn much more when I am actively engaged in the material and I find that my attention span is very limited when learning is more passive. There is a vast array of literature that supports this notion, and I've witnessed this in my teaching practice as well, especially this year. Students in my SL chemistry class learned about electrochemistry through project-based learning; they were deeply engaged in learning all about batteries in order to construct their own. At the end of the unit, I gave them a test and the average was far higher than I've ever seen in past practice, where instruction has been typically more teacher-directed. What's interesting about this class is that they have been frustrated about this approach; they are so used to a teacher-directed classroom and it's been a challenge to get them to buy-in! Change is never easy but, knowing the huge benefits, I will continue along this path as I know it is best for students.
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