Lesson Planning

A lesson plan consists of many interrelated components. I have chosen the following five components to research in more depth and explained how I plan to incorrporate them into my lesson plans.

Bloom’s Taxonomy - The Progressive Levels of Learning

I chose this site because of the straightforward explanation and visual graphics that allowed me to understand the topic and have the best grasp of the concept. Bloom created a sequential model of learning and indicated if the first level does not have a solid foundation, the following levels will not be supported. I will be able to use this in my teaching by ensuring my students have the knowledge and understanding of what they are doing before I move on to teach them how to apply it specifically to their needs.

Creating a Positive Learning Environment - Laugh and Learn

I aim to achieve a style of teaching that is light hearted and fun similar to the one outlined in this article. Specifically, I want to start by writing an inspirational quote on the board for the start of every class. I am going to focus on breaking up the lectures with videos, and tell stories from my own experience. I also loved the part about creating an environment where I can laugh at myself. It has been scientifically proven that laughter releases endorphins in the brain, which decreases stress hormones; learning is just better with laughter.

Instructional Process/Strategies - The Process of Honouring the Process

I had an integrative learning moment when I read this quote.

"Learning is really just a growth in awareness. The transition from not knowing to knowing ... One can't ever really, truly understand something any more than a shrub can stay trimmed. There's always growth or decay, changing contexts or conditions."

I had never really thought about learning in this way, yet I believe it to be true. Learning is not static it is fluid, and this is something that always must be integrated into teaching by providing reviews and acknowledging how processes have adapted over time.

Media - Digital Simulations Emphasize Problem Solving

This article stood out for me because it is what I am working on right now, creating articulate files that walks students trough processes and scenarios, as well as allowing them to simulate the program and be tested on it. Digital media is a great tool if used properly, it can be used to provide demonstrations and engage students in problem solving that is authentic for students, and allows them to go at their own pace.

Planning - Strategies for Effective Lesson Planning

I chose this article because it is essentially a template and checklist to follow when creating a lesson plan. Coincidentally I will be creating my very first lesson plan at work this week and I am going to follow the steps that have been clearly laid out in this article. One item that I had not previously considered is - How do you plan to introduce the Topic? This really got me thinking that I should come up with an engaging activity to start the class off.

Atherton J S (2013) Learning and Teaching; Bloom's taxonomy. Retrieved from http://www.learningandteaching.info/learning/bloomtax.htm

Heick, T. (2013, December 13). 6 Ways to Honor the Learning Process in Your Classroom. Retrieved from http://www.edutopia.org/blog/6-ways-honor-learning-process-terry-heick

Herold, B. (2014, March 10). Digital Simulations Emphasize Problem Solving. Retrieved from http://www.edweek.org/ew/articles/2014/03/13/25simulations.h33.html

Milkova, S. (n.d.). Strategies for Effective Lesson Planning. Retrieved from http://www.crlt.umich.edu/gsis/p2_5

Taylor, A. (n.d.). Laugh and Learn. Retrieved from http://www.humber.ca/centreforteachingandlearning/assets/files/Teaching Resources/01 Laugh and Learn-B.pdf