This morning, I learnt more on how to construct a good survey.
First, the class was taught how to evaluate the appropriate use of learning environment instruments such as a survey form that has a mixture of a sentence each from all the scales in Moos' scheme. The key advantage of mixing these questionnaires is to ensure that the participants answer the questions truthfully. It prevent the participants from sensing the theme of the questions that are grouped in a particular scale and as a result, choosing the answers without much thinking.
Secondly, we were also introduced the need to mix both positive and negative questions to keep the participants on their toes. Otherwise, participants may just select an option, for example, "Agree" to all questions.
After tea break, the class was all ears when Mr James, an ex-MBA student, (jamespeh.sg@gmail.com) shared with us on new media tools, software and websites to develop e-courseware and e-learning programmes. On reflections, these were dealt with extensively in another module called "New Media in Teaching Pedagogy" by Dr Wang Qiyun.
Before lunch, the discussion at group level on three case studies allowed us to evaluate the learning environment at three schools in a neighbourhood. The presentation that followed delved into what makes the school learning environment positive. These included:
a. Disciplined students. While there are an expected small number of students with disciplinary issues. (Relationship)
b. Good collegiality amongs teachers and senior leadership. (System - participatory decision making)
c. Strong management and leadership. (Personal Development)
On the other hand, the common negative factors encompassed:
a. Lack of motivation amongst Normal streamed students. (Relationship - student support)
b. Lack of participatory decision-making process. (System - participatory decision making)
c. High work pressures and stress. (System - work pressure)
Personally, I would send my children to a school that has:
a. Strong relationship between the school senior management and teachers.
b. Strong value inculcation programmes to value-add my children potential not only in academic studies but more importantly on character building and values system.
c. Excel in CCA.
Tuesday, June 17, 2008
Monday, June 16, 2008
Day 2 Reflections
Summary of Activities for Day 2
Today I learnt about the theorists related to "Learning Environment" through sharing of documents in Google Mail. I was also introduced to the components of assessing the Learning Environment, that is,
a. Relationship.
b. Personal Development
c. System maintenance and system change.
I agree with Kurt Lewin's theory that human behaviour is a function of the interactions between a person and its environment.
In the afternoon, Mdm Gwen introduced how to develop surveys using the Moos'Scheme and its component. Finally, Mdm Gwen gave an overview on how to introduce online learning. These lessons value-added my prior knowledge on constructing a survey and how to introduce on-line learning.
On a lighter note, Mdm Gwen Quek treated us today with sweet green peel oranges and red apples. Yesterday, there were fresh green and purple grapes for us. Not forgetting peanuts and chocolates. After lunch, we were treated with coffee & tea at a canteen near Residents' Hall 12. Now I know another good place to get a bite!
Today I learnt about the theorists related to "Learning Environment" through sharing of documents in Google Mail. I was also introduced to the components of assessing the Learning Environment, that is,
a. Relationship.
b. Personal Development
c. System maintenance and system change.
I agree with Kurt Lewin's theory that human behaviour is a function of the interactions between a person and its environment.
In the afternoon, Mdm Gwen introduced how to develop surveys using the Moos'Scheme and its component. Finally, Mdm Gwen gave an overview on how to introduce online learning. These lessons value-added my prior knowledge on constructing a survey and how to introduce on-line learning.
On a lighter note, Mdm Gwen Quek treated us today with sweet green peel oranges and red apples. Yesterday, there were fresh green and purple grapes for us. Not forgetting peanuts and chocolates. After lunch, we were treated with coffee & tea at a canteen near Residents' Hall 12. Now I know another good place to get a bite!
Sunday, June 15, 2008
Day 1 Reflections
Personally, I believe that the components of Learning Environment include:
a. Physical classroon set-up.
b. Instructional Technologies used.
c. Profile of Students.
d. Profile of Trainers.
e. Learning Approaches applied.
These components affect how successful a class is conducted and how best the training objectives are achieved.
An effective learning environment takes into account the profiles of students and their needs. While students are responsible for their learning, the learning approaches adopted by the trainer and the physical classroom environment affect not only the amount of knowledge transferred, but also, the attainment of that particular lesson objectives.
An ineffective learning environment is one where the lesson objectives were stunted due to the failure in knowledge transferred. This could be attributed to lack of motivation by both the students and trainers, poor classroom conditions and ineffective learning strategies adopted.
I look forward to learn more on how to assess and improve learning environment.
a. Physical classroon set-up.
b. Instructional Technologies used.
c. Profile of Students.
d. Profile of Trainers.
e. Learning Approaches applied.
These components affect how successful a class is conducted and how best the training objectives are achieved.
An effective learning environment takes into account the profiles of students and their needs. While students are responsible for their learning, the learning approaches adopted by the trainer and the physical classroom environment affect not only the amount of knowledge transferred, but also, the attainment of that particular lesson objectives.
An ineffective learning environment is one where the lesson objectives were stunted due to the failure in knowledge transferred. This could be attributed to lack of motivation by both the students and trainers, poor classroom conditions and ineffective learning strategies adopted.
I look forward to learn more on how to assess and improve learning environment.
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