[Sandra Sediky]

1. How Active Learning is Used in Weiman’s Model

– Focus on Student Engagement and Thinking:

– Incorporating Active Learning Techniques:
The video likely demonstrates techniques such as:
*Think-Pair-Share: Students think individually, discuss with a partner, and then share with the class.
*Problem-Solving Activities: Students work in groups to solve real-world or simulated problems.
*Concept Mapping: Students create visual representations of relationships between concepts.
*Peer Instruction: Students answer multiple-choice questions and discuss their answers with peers.
* Case Studies: Students analyze and discuss real or hypothetical scenarios.

– Feedback and Reflection

– Application of Knowledge:

2. Adapting Weiman’s Model to Our Classrooms

– Start Small
– Plan Carefully
– Foster a Supportive Environment
– Use Technology
– Provide Feedback
– Vary Activities

[Sandra Sediky]

Physical environment/classroom management
– “Resources, such as relevant checklists and specific environment audits (e.g., for hearing or vision), are used to inform their classroom practice.” Agree. Using checklists and audits ensures that teachers are systematically considering the diverse needs of their students and making informed decisions about classroom setup and teaching practices. These tools provide a framework for identifying potential barriers and implementing appropriate accommodations.

– “There are alternative locations for play as well as the playground, for example quieter areas.” Agree. Offering a variety of play spaces caters to different children’s needs and preferences. Quieter areas are essential for children who may be overwhelmed by the noise and activity of the playground, providing a space for more calming and focused play.

– “There are opportunities for flexible groupings and pairings, and children/young people have access to positive role models to allow for paired work to support sensory, physical, and medical needs.” Agree. Flexible groupings allow teachers to differentiate instruction and provide targeted support. Pairing students with positive role models can foster social skills and provide peer support, especially for students with sensory, physical, or medical needs.

– “Children are appropriately seated to access the information provided by the teacher and reduce distractions.” Agree. Seating arrangements should be strategic and intentional. Students should be positioned to clearly see and hear the teacher, and distractions should be minimized to the extent possible. This might involve considering proximity to the teacher, visual aids, and other students.

– “Seating is considered so that the pupil’s writing arm is on the outside edge of a shared desk.” Agree. This is a practical consideration that promotes comfort and proper posture for writing. Ensuring adequate space for writing prevents awkward positioning and potential discomfort.

– “Children’s feet are on the floor, or another platform, when seated to maximize stability.” Agree. Proper foot support promotes stability and good posture, which is essential for comfort and focus during seated activities. When feet dangle, children may fidget or have difficulty maintaining a comfortable and attentive posture.

– “Physical needs are considered when sitting on the carpet, and ‘w’ sitting is discouraged in younger children.” Agree. Carpet time can be challenging for some children. Providing alternative seating options or strategies for comfortable floor sitting is important. Discouraging “w” sitting is crucial as it can negatively impact hip development and stability.

– “Potential fatigue factors are taken into account for some physical activities, for example, linked to PE.” Agree. It’s essential to be mindful of individual students’ physical limitations and potential for fatigue. Modifying activities or providing breaks as needed ensures that all students can participate safely and successfully.

– “Curtains/blinds are used to control the light entering the room.” Agree. Controlling natural light helps prevent glare and allows teachers to create a more comfortable and conducive learning environment.

– “Artificial lights are even and ambient.” Agree. Even and ambient lighting is less likely to cause eye strain or headaches, promoting a more comfortable learning environment.

– “Furnishings are in strong contrast to the surroundings.” Agree. Good visual contrast can help students with visual impairments or perceptual difficulties to better distinguish objects and navigate the classroom.

– “Areas are carpeted where possible.” Agree. Carpeting helps absorb sound, reducing noise levels and creating a calmer learning environment.

– “Shiny, reflective surfaces are avoided to minimise glare.” Agree. Minimizing glare is essential for visual comfort and prevents eye strain, which can interfere with learning.

– “The school and classrooms are free from clutter, and the chairs are pushed in when not in use. Cupboard doors and drawers are kept shut.” Agree. A clutter-free environment promotes organization, reduces distractions, and improves safety. Keeping chairs pushed in and doors/drawers closed prevents tripping hazards and contributes to a more orderly classroom.

– “School trips and extra-curricular activities are carefully planned, and risk assessments are completed to ensure that reasonable adjustments are made when necessary for individual needs.” Agree. Thorough planning and risk assessments are essential for ensuring that all students can participate safely and fully in school trips and extra-curricular activities. Reasonable adjustments should be made to accommodate individual needs.

– “They are flexible to make temporary reasonable adjustments to the learning environment as required following temporary illness or injury.” Agree. Flexibility is key to meeting the changing needs of students. Teachers should be prepared to make temporary adjustments to the learning environment to support students recovering from illness or injury.

[Sandra Sediky]

The lesson: Subtracting mixed numbers

Approach: Cognitivism
Method: Teacher demonstration
Technique: Think pair and share
Strategy: Gamification

My lesson focuses on subtracting mixed numbers. It will be taught using a cognitive approach, specifically through teacher demonstration. To facilitate active learning, the ‘think-pair-share’ technique will be employed. To enhance student engagement, gamification elements will be integrated into the learning process.

[Sandra Sediky]

Comparison of Major Learning Theories: Behaviorism, Cognitivism, Constructivism, Humanism, and Connectivism
The five major learning theories—Behaviorism, Cognitivism, Constructivism, Humanism, and Connectivism—offer diverse perspectives on how individuals learn and the implications for education. Each theory contributes unique principles while also sharing certain commonalities.
Key Principles and Assumptions
1. Behaviorism emphasizes observable behaviors and environmental stimuli. It centers on conditioning (classical and operant) as mechanisms of learning, focusing on reinforcement and punishment to shape behavior.
2. Cognitivism the learner processes the received information seeking ways to understand it related to already known information within his memory. It concentrates on how a learner’s mind receives, organizes, saves and retrieves information.
3. Constructivism believes that learners learn best when they actively build their own understanding by using what they already know, solving problems, and working with others. It also reinforces the importance of social interactions.
4. Humanism focuses on personal growth, and that students learn best when they feel good about themselves and are driven by their own interest in the subject. This approach supports learners’ independence in learning, helps them grow as whole people, and focuses on learning what is important and relevant to their lives.
5. Connectivism highlights the role of technology and networks in modern learning. It argues that learning occurs through the formation of connections between people, information, and resources, reflecting the dynamic nature of knowledge in the digital age.

Similarities
• All theories explore how individuals acquire and retain knowledge, even though these theories have different main areas of focus – some look at how people act, others at how they think, and still others at how they learn in social situations.
• Each theory supports instructional strategies, whether it’s reinforcement in Behaviorism or scaffolding in Constructivism.
• Constructivism, Humanism, and Connectivism emphasize learner-centered approaches, highlighting adaptability to individual needs.

Differences
• Focus on learning mechanisms: Behaviorism focuses on external stimuli, while Cognitivism and Constructivism explore internal processes. Connectivism incorporates digital tools and networks, which other theories largely overlook.
• Learner’s role: Behaviorism treats learners as passive recipients of stimuli, whereas Constructivism and Humanism stress active engagement and autonomy.
• Technology integration: Connectivism uniquely addresses the impact of technology on learning, making it particularly relevant in the 21st century.

Implications for Teaching and Learning Behaviorism promotes structured environments with clear reinforcements. Cognitivism encourages instructional designs that enhance understanding and retention, such as chunking information. Constructivism advocates for experiential, inquiry-based learning, while Humanism emphasizes creating supportive environments that cater to personal growth. Connectivism suggests using technology to create collaborative and flexible learning networks.

My Personal Learning Philosophy
The Role of the Teacher:
I believe the role of a teacher is dynamic. It is not simply about imparting knowledge, but rather about creating an engaging and supportive learning environment where students can actively construct their own understanding. A teacher should serve as a facilitator, guiding students through the learning process, encouraging critical thinking, and fostering a love of learning. This involves creating opportunities for students to explore their interests, ask questions, and make connections between different subjects.

The Role of the Learner:
Learners are active participants in the learning process. They are responsible for their own learning and should be actively engaged in the construction of their knowledge. This involves taking ownership of their learning, setting goals, and seeking out opportunities to learn. Learners should be encouraged to think critically, problem-solve, and collaborate with others.

The Nature of Knowledge and Learning:
Knowledge is not a fixed entity, but rather a dynamic and evolving construct. It is not simply about memorizing facts, but rather about understanding concepts and applying them to real-world situations. Learning is a social and interactive process that involves the construction of meaning through experience, reflection, and collaboration. It is a lifelong journey that should be both enjoyable and meaningful.

The Role of Technology in Learning:
Technology can be a powerful tool for enhancing learning. It can provide access to a wealth of information and resources, facilitate communication and collaboration, and create engaging and interactive learning experiences. However, technology should be used thoughtfully and intentionally to support learning goals. It is important to ensure that technology is used to enhance learning, rather than simply replacing traditional teaching methods.

Assessment Practices:
Assessment should be an ongoing and integrated part of the learning process. It should be used to inform instruction and provide feedback to both students and teachers. Assessment should focus on understanding and application, rather than simply memorization. A variety of assessment methods should be used, including formative and summative assessments, to provide a comprehensive picture of student learning.
In conclusion, my personal learning philosophy is grounded in the belief that learning is a dynamic and collaborative process that involves both teachers and learners. By creating a supportive and engaging learning environment, providing opportunities for students to actively construct their knowledge, and using technology thoughtfully, we can empower students to become lifelong learners.

[Sandra Sediky]

Top 3 Traits:
• Classroom Management Skills: This is crucial for creating a structured and supportive learning environment. A well-managed classroom allows for focused learning, minimizes distractions, and promotes student engagement. Effective classroom management techniques include establishing clear expectations, using positive reinforcement, and addressing behavioral issues promptly and fairly.

I chose this trait as I experienced it in enhancing student learning, creating a positive learning environment and it improved my students’ behavior.

• Communication: Clear and effective communication is essential for building rapport with students, conveying information clearly, and facilitating meaningful discussions. This includes both verbal and nonverbal communication, such as active listening, using appropriate language, and providing timely feedback.

I chose this trait as it helped me in building strong relationship with my students and also giving clear instructions helped me in keeping my students actively engaged during sessions.

• Subject Matter Knowledge: A deep understanding of the subject matter is fundamental to effective teaching. It enables educators to explain concepts accurately, answer student questions thoughtfully, and adapt instruction to meet the diverse needs of learners. Strong subject knowledge also inspires confidence and credibility in the classroom.
A deep understanding of the subject matter enables the teacher to give effective instructions, different teaching techniques, adaptability and students differentiation.

[Sandra Sediky]

1. Health:
well-being, fitness, not being sick
Those who value health take conscious actions to maintain physical and mental fitness. They do not shy away from practicing sports and are happy to follow a healthy diet. They are aware of the consequences of insufficient health care.

People who care about health are often disciplined and systematic. Caring for health manifests itself in many elements of their everyday life.

In extreme cases, excessive interest in your health can cause harmful fears and concerns.

2. Peace:
calm, freedom from conflict
People who value peace tend to avoid conflicts. If they engage in disputes, it is mainly to help resolve them. They are willing to make compromises and sacrifices if it is required to regain peace.

Openness and the pursuit of dialogue are qualities that peacemakers can demonstrate. They try to resolve conflicts quickly so as not to escalate them.

It is worth asking whether the pursuit of peace justifies all measures taken.

3. Respect:
honor and care shown towards someone
It is a recognition of someone’s achievements or attitude. We respect those people who have had a strong and positive impact on our lives. We often adopt them as role models and are eager to learn from them.

Being respected gives a sense of fulfillment and satisfaction. Showing respect for others is an expression of high personal culture.

Trying to impress others will not give us respect. Earning respect requires making a positive contribution to other people’s lives.

4. Appreciation:
It’s a significant respect for another person. Being appreciated always requires effort. Appreciation is given to people who have brought a lot of good in other people’s lives or achieved something special with their own efforts.

Gaining appreciation can significantly increase self-esteem. It also allows us to be seen as a role model.

Before we seek appreciation, we need to consider whose appreciation we want and why it is valuable to us.

5. Family:
caring for loved ones
Family is a value that meets many of our needs simultaneously. We find love, security, self-esteem and development in it. Taking care of the family we have a great opportunity to positively influence the lives of our loved ones. In return we are generously endowed with love.

For many people, the family is a way to find balance and respite, and at the same time a strong source of motivation to make further efforts.

Family matters can be too engaging when all attention and effort is given to them. A little time for yourself will allow you to return to them with new energy.

[Sandra Sediky]

Work ethics for teacher:

Regarding students:
Respect
Responsibility
Fairness
Professionalism
Confidentiality

Regarding parents:
Communication
Partnership
Respect
Collaboration
Transparency

Regarding Workplace:
Professionalism
Collaboration
Continuous learning
Accountability
Ethical conduct

[Sandra Sediky]

I totally agree with you Shaza that your top three qualities as an educator are invaluable. Your ability to manage classrooms effectively, communicate clearly, and inspire enthusiasm is a powerful combination.

By establishing a well-structured learning environment, you create a space where students can thrive. Your excellent communication skills enable you to break down complex concepts into understandable terms, fostering student engagement and understanding. Finally, your enthusiasm is contagious and motivates students to reach their full potential.

These qualities are essential for creating a positive and productive learning experience.

[Sandra Sediky]

I wholeheartedly agree with your assessment of your top three qualities as an educator. These are fundamental attributes that contribute significantly to effective teaching and learning.

[Author]

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