Establishing a Establishing a Foundational Framework Foundational Framework for Development of for Development of Reflective Thinking: Reflective Thinking: Learning Journals in Learning Journals in the MDE the MDE Lisa M. Blaschke and Jane E. Lisa M. Blaschke and Jane E. Brindley Brindley Oldenburg University (Germany) Oldenburg University (Germany) EDEN Research Workshop, Budapest EDEN Research Workshop, Budapest October 24-27, 2010 October 24-27, 2010
Transcript
Establishing a Foundational Establishing a Foundational Framework for Development Framework for Development
of Reflective Thinking: of Reflective Thinking: Learning Journals in the MDELearning Journals in the MDE
Lisa M. Blaschke and Jane E. BrindleyLisa M. Blaschke and Jane E. BrindleyOldenburg University (Germany)Oldenburg University (Germany)
EDEN Research Workshop, BudapestEDEN Research Workshop, BudapestOctober 24-27, 2010October 24-27, 2010
What is Reflection?What is Reflection?
Critically thinking about how andCritically thinking about how andwhat we learn (metacognition)what we learn (metacognition)
Making meaning by making Making meaning by making connectionsconnections
Constructing ideas, theory, Constructing ideas, theory, and knowledgeand knowledge
Becoming an independent learnerBecoming an independent learner
Why is Reflection Important?Why is Reflection Important?
For learningFor learning
For lifeFor life
In distance educationIn distance education
In the Masters in Distance Education and In the Masters in Distance Education and E-learning (MDE)E-learning (MDE)
Praxis: Reflective thinking about practice Praxis: Reflective thinking about practice
Question: Is the learning journal effective in Question: Is the learning journal effective in developing reflective thinking? Are we developing reflective thinking? Are we meeting learning outcome goals in the meeting learning outcome goals in the MDE?MDE?
Case Study: A qualitative, investigative Case Study: A qualitative, investigative method to deepen understanding (reflective method to deepen understanding (reflective thinking about practice)thinking about practice)
Taking a Reflective Approach:Taking a Reflective Approach:The Case StudyThe Case Study
Case Study MethodCase Study Method
Deepen understanding of a general principle by Deepen understanding of a general principle by investigating, describing, and reflecting on a specific investigating, describing, and reflecting on a specific case case
Examine/understand from different perspectives:Examine/understand from different perspectives:– Literature review (others)Literature review (others)– Instructor theory and practice (ours)Instructor theory and practice (ours)– Student survey (learners)Student survey (learners)
Does Reflection Lead to Change?Does Reflection Lead to Change?
Think of an instance when reflective thinking changed Think of an instance when reflective thinking changed your behaviour in some way – in your teaching or your behaviour in some way – in your teaching or professional practice or in the way that you do professional practice or in the way that you do somethingsomething
What was the realization What was the realization (aha moment) that led to (aha moment) that led to the realization and the realization and what did you change?what did you change?
Encouraging Reflection in the Encouraging Reflection in the ClassroomClassroom
MMake reflective practice an explicit learning ake reflective practice an explicit learning objectiveobjective
Provide guidance and scaffoldingProvide guidance and scaffolding Model desired behaviourModel desired behaviour Encourage questioning/challengingEncourage questioning/challenging Incorporate reflection activities Incorporate reflection activities Provide ongoing, continuous feedbackProvide ongoing, continuous feedback Assess performanceAssess performance
Learning Journals and Reflection:Learning Journals and Reflection:Student ExamplesStudent Examples
Reflecting on the learning experienceReflecting on the learning experience Documenting thoughts and feelingsDocumenting thoughts and feelings Recognizing change!Recognizing change! Demonstrating consolidation/deepening of Demonstrating consolidation/deepening of
knowledgeknowledge Making connectionsMaking connections
Guiding Questions for StudentsGuiding Questions for Students How has your definition/understanding of DE evolved since you How has your definition/understanding of DE evolved since you
first posted it)? What changes would you make to your original first posted it)? What changes would you make to your original definition as a result of Module 1 readings and discussions?definition as a result of Module 1 readings and discussions?
What has contributed to the change in your understanding of DE What has contributed to the change in your understanding of DE (i.e., specific discussions/readings/interactions)? (i.e., specific discussions/readings/interactions)?
How would you convey to your co-workers what you learned in How would you convey to your co-workers what you learned in this module? How might you apply what you’ve learned in this this module? How might you apply what you’ve learned in this module to a “real life” DE environment? module to a “real life” DE environment?
What was your most important “aha!” experience in this module? What was your most important “aha!” experience in this module? Review the objectives for this module. Do you feel that module Review the objectives for this module. Do you feel that module
goals and objectives have been met? How and in what way? goals and objectives have been met? How and in what way?
Reflecting on the Learning Reflecting on the Learning ExperienceExperience
Documenting Thoughts and FeelingsDocumenting Thoughts and Feelings
The Learner Perspective:The Learner Perspective:Effects of JournalingEffects of Journaling
Understanding their learning process Understanding their learning process (metacognition)(metacognition)
Thinking about how they think Thinking about how they think (metacognition)(metacognition)
Reflecting on reading/class discussionsReflecting on reading/class discussions Understanding course materialUnderstanding course material Feeling more connected to course content Feeling more connected to course content
(v. instructors/peers)(v. instructors/peers)
Moving ForwardMoving Forward
Implications for practiceImplications for practice
Future researchFuture research
Your Questions and Reflections?Your Questions and Reflections?
Thank You!Thank You!
Lisa Marie Blaschke <[email protected]>Jane E. Brindley Jane E. Brindley
