Module 4 - Modalities of Learning

[Linda Lang]

Select one or two modalities of learning that you would like to
> explore further to help your professional growth as a 21st century
> teacher and learner. Describe how this modality of learning supports
> 21st century teaching and learning.

Like Katie and Sue, I would like to explore differentiation and
constructivist learning to further my professional growth.
Contructivism was a big topic for our school several years ago, but
hasn't been mentioned as such recently. We are still struggling with
learning communities and essential questions, and having been through
one very rough introductory year, hopefully will be able to learn from
experience and incorporate Ubd more fully. We use backward design,
but I would describe my own curriculum development more as the "golden
spike"--starting in the west with differentiated learning and material
selection, met by backward design coming from the east. What do we
want outcomes to be and how will it be assessed?

One of the most successful examples of these modalities exists right
in the room we're learning in. Check out the fabulously painted
chairs behind us. Our art teacher, Kathi Brown, assigned the students
a research project: use print and online resources to learn more about
a famous artist or children's book author and/or illustrator. Using
the information gathered, students individually designed and painted a
chair which was presented to the library with a verbal presentation on
the source of inspiration, art techniques employed, what was learned
from the experience, and what was learned from the research. Each
chair is a lasting gift to the students here who still marvel at the
workmanship and are inspired by the fact that students created each
piece. This project was completed in 2006 and if we were to do it
today I can envision the addition of much more technology to research
and present the final product.

Even though we're investigating technology, I think it's important to
remind ourselves of the value of hands-on projects, especially those
designed by students. As Val said while commenting on a previous
module, a career or skill connection to the content adds meaning and
purpose. 21st century learning is more student-driven, with the
teacher as facilitator, rather than lecturer. I have always
considered the differentiated needs of students while selecting
reading materials, and now will incorporate more technical resources
to meet multiple intelligences. Did Howard Gardner envision e-readers
and gaming -- visionary!