Week 7 - Nov 10, 1997 Course Notes

Learning Activities

Module 2: Creating a Positive Learning Environment

Introduction

This week will conclude the module on creating a positive learning environment. We will finish up by investigating teaching strategies related to promoting reflective and critical thinking. We will also consider ways to enhance the use of audio-visual aids in the classroom. More in-depth discussion related to the use of technology to promote learning will occur in Module 5.

Learning Activities

1. Read on-line course notes related to the following:

Reflective Journals
Asking Effective Questions
Use of Audio-Visual Aids
Critical Thinking

2. Read "Instructional Media and Technology" pp. 315-333, in Tools for Teaching by Barbara Gross Davis.

3. Read Article "Effective Classroom Questioning" from the University of Illinois in your print materials.

Conference Discussion Topics

I have not assigned learning partners for week 7.

1. You have looked at a wide variety of teaching methods and strategies in this module. Let's reflect on some of these ideas for a moment. Select one method of your choice and consider the following questions:

• What are the underlying assumptions related to beliefs about teaching and learning with this method?
• What are the implications for student-teacher relationships?
• How might the ideas related to creating an inclusive learning environment be incorporated with this method? Or can they be?
• What do you see as advantages of using this method?
• What are some of the perplexing aspects of using this method? (Acknowledgment is given to Marylin Kanee, Centennial College for developing some of these questions.)

Post your response to the conferencing system under the heading "Teaching Methods."

Summary of Module

This concludes the module on creating a positive learning environment. In this module, we have tried to examine ways to foster an inclusive learning environment where learners who reflect all forms of diversity feel safe and welcome. We have also looked at a variety of instructional strategies that may be used to facilitate learning. Please take a moment to complete the evaluation for this module that will be sent to you by e-mail. Module 3 will examine curriculum and course design.

For a summary checklist of ideas to consider when planning learning activities, let's consider the question related to: Who are the Learners and What are they Learning?

Optional Enrichment

Have a look at Creating Powerful Online Courses Using Multiple Instructional Strategies by Tina Pitt for an overview of integrating online courses with a variety of instructional strategies.

For a broad overview of Resources related to Teaching and Learning, you may want to visit this

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