My reflection in the windows
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Having come to the end, foot-sore but light-hearted, I'd like to reflect on both the journeys I've been through. Though perhaps not designed for this particular purpose, I'd like to do this by framing my reflections in the GeSTE windows. Additionally, I'll also attempt a new question for each window.
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Generic
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Before these journeys began, I had no concept of what inquiry learning entailed except that it was a pedagogical approach. Having finished the unit now, I have both an increased understanding of the skills required to learn through this approach, and some skills, conceptual knowledge and tools to design a unit of inquiry. I've also developed technological capabilities that I never had before. This is the first time that I've made a web page, but I can see myself making more in the future.
My question for this window regards my least researched aspect of the inquiry unit design, "How can summative assessment be best incorporated into an inquiry learning unit?" |
Situated
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More than just conceptual knowledge of inquiry learning, I've also developed some understanding of how it can be applied in my context. This, being in a different culture and teaching a foreign language, is heavy with socio-cultural considerations. It has tied quite well with my main academic interest throughout my studies in education. That is, determining how constructivist approaches to learning might be used in educational cultures that are predominantly teacher-directed. Working through the design of a unit using a guided inquiry process, I have been able to engage with this in more than a theoretical manner.
My question for this window is, "Beyond the conceptual knowledge and skills, what do I need to do in class to facilitate good inquiries?" |
Expressive
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In writing this website, I've really enjoyed being able to use a voice that is not just my academic one. It makes learning so much more powerful when creativity is encouraged. I always liked writing but felt that my first degree had somehow muffled it. The interesting thing now is that even as I busily finish writing this assignment, I'm also going through a very productive phase of writing for my personal interests. It's almost as though being given the opportunity to be creative has given me more drive to be so; a powerful consideration for designing learning.
My question for this window is, "How can I incorporate the concepts I've learnt through this unit into a fictional story that inspires people to use inquiry principles in their everyday lives?" |
Transformative
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First, I'd like to say how inspiring learning can be when you can feel yourself transformed positively by it. In this respect, I can see how powerful inquiry learning can be and I'm inspired to use it with my students. Particularly through considering the transformative window and my teacher's encouragement of that, I have been confronted with my own self-concept as a teacher and what my role should be. This world I've enjoyed travelling so much, and the peoples I've met along the way, are in need of something different. I now hope that my students can be empowered through the processes of inquiry learning to make some of the positive changes required.
My question for this window - and the very last words I will write for my Master of Education study - regards reconciling my incredible privileges with all that is wrong; "How can I inspire and inculcate in others the attitudes and skills required to make positive changes in our world?" |