Chapter 9

Engaging with Ideas and Understanding:An Essential for Effective Learning in The Electronic Age

By Alan Pritchard

Overview

Effective learningConsider the

Learner

Deliver the expected outcomes

Metacognition

Engagement

Situated Learning

Social Constructivism

Create the conditions

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Consider the Learner 3 types of learning approach

– Deep learning

– Surface learning

– Learning with the intent of achievement

Types of learner according to Learning styles & multiple intelligences

1. Verbal – Linguistic

2. Logical – Mathematical

3. Visual – Spatial

4. Bodily – Kinesthetic

5. Musical

6. Naturalistic

7. Intrapersonal

8. Interpersonal

9. Other intelligence (Existential and moral)

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Create the Conditions1. learners are engaged in authentic and

multidisciplinary tasks

2. assessments are based on students’ performance of real tasks

3. learners participate in interactive modes of instruction

4. learners work collaboratively

5. learners are grouped heterogeneously

6. the teacher is a facilitator in learning

7. exploration is encouraged

Means and Olsen, 1995

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Create the Conditions

1.Learners are engaged in authentic and multidisciplinary ____ tasks

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Create the Conditions

2. Assessments are based on students’ performance of real tasks

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Create the Conditions

3. Learners participate in interactive modes of instruction

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Create the Conditions

4. Learners work collaboratively

5. Learners are grouped heterogeneously

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Create the Conditions

6. The teacher is a facilitator in learning

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Create the Conditions

7. Exploration is encouraged

Locus of control - put a certain amount of control in the hands of the learner

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Quiz Time: List the conditions for effective learning to

take place

1. learners are engaged in authentic and multidisciplinary tasks

2. assessments are based on students’ performance of real tasks

3. learners participate in interactive modes of instruction

4. learners work collaboratively

5. learners are grouped heterogeneously

6. the teacher is a facilitator in learning

7. exploration is encouraged

Answer:

Effective learningConsider the

Learner

Metacognition

Engagement

Situated Learning

Social Constructivism

Create the conditions

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EngagementExtrinsic Motivation

– Keenness to find out more

– Keenness to keep pace

– Prospect of a reward

– Hope to please the teacher

Intrinsic Motivation– Natural interest in the topic

– Actively involved

– ‘out of school’ learning

– Enjoyment & pride

Concept of FlowBy Mihayli Csíkszentmihályi (1996)

In a state of flow, the individual is wholly taken up by whatever work or activity which is being undertaken

“The holistic experience that people feel when they act with total involvement” (Csíkszentmihályi, 1975) suggests that flow is an advanced and deep state of engagement.

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Engagement How do we make use of technology to create “flow”?

– Computer games

– Computer based activities

– Increase use of electronic sources of information ( the Internet)

King (2003) sets out a list of factors that will enable flow when making use of websites:

1. Speed

2. Feedback

3. Clear navigation

4. Match challenges to skills

5. Simplicity6. Design for fun and utility7. Avoid cutting-edge technology8. Minimise animation

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Engagement Some guidelines for School Based Investigation

(using the Internet)

1. Keep extract from the Internet short

2. Make a comment about any extract to be included

3. Say where the information came from

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Engagement

1. Engagement (activating schema / building interest)

2. Exploration (short tasks to obtain information)

3. Transformation (re-configured the information which the learner was engaged in and has explored)

4. Presentation (in various forms / audience)

5. Reflection (process / learning)

Reid et al (1989) proposed a model for learning which places “engagement” at the start:

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Social Constructivism Social constructivism gives a high priority to language in the process of

intellectual development and emphasises interaction between learner and others

– Dialogue with a more knowledgeable other (MKO)

– Develop a “shared understanding” through building and exchange of ideas

– Employ scaffolding to help learners cross the zone of proximal development

Process of giving support to learners at the

appropriate time and level of sophistication to meet

the needs of the individual

Theoretical space of understanding which is just

above the level of understanding of a given

individual

Someone who has a better understanding or a higher

ability level than the learner, with respect to a particular task, process, or concept

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Social Constructivism

http://www.simplypsychology.pwp.blueyonder.co.uk/vygotsky.html

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Situated LearningEnsure that learning takes place in a context

Factor in the social and cultural settings

The more familiar the context is, the more successful is the learning

Authentic learning tasks – related to own experience

Lead to deeper level of engagement

Overview

Effective learningConsider the

Learner

Deliver the expected outcomes

Create the conditions

Metacognition

Engagement

Situated Learning

Social Constructivism

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Deliver the Expected Outcomes Knowledge

Concepts Skills (To be stated explicitly in the objectives

to be met)

Ability to apply them in new situations

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Extending Interaction with Text (EXIT)Stages in the Process Comments

1. Activation of previous knowledge

New knowledge and understanding is built upon existing knowledge and understanding

2. Establishing a purpose Focus clearly upon what is required

3. Locating information This is more straightforward if purpose is clear

4. Adopting an appropriate strategy

Metacognitive consideration

5. Interacting with the text Engagement – can take many different forms of activity

6. Monitoring understanding Metacognitive consideration

7. Making a record

All ways of engaging with and becoming even more familiar with the content

8. Evaluating information

9. Assisting memory

10. Communicating information Wrays and Lewis, 1997

Overview

Consider the Learner

Deliver the expected outcomes

Create the conditions

Metacognition

Engagement

Situated Learning

Social Constructivism

Effective learning

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Effective Learning

“Learning is seen, time and again, through the medium

of a recommended and successful approach as a

constructive, collaborative, well situated

and often authentic activity which is beneficial to

approach in open and metacognitive ways.”

~ Alan Pritchard ~