Reflection on 1st Webinar (20.09.2023)

By: Abeeda Khan (Group: 4)

First webinar have been absolutely great and full of learning outcomes. Though we had some technical issues during the session but overall it was really good. It was my first ever webinar after one year break. I was a bit confused and nervous at some points but by the end of session I learnt so many things from my other group fellows Jaakko, Malek & Chijioke. They brought amazing material and elaborated it so wisely. During each group's discussion, we had informative question and answer session. The Jamboard idea for brain storming, different youtube videos, and the pre tasks created by different group members helped to understand the different ideas and theories of learning.

Furthermore, the first webinar was based on four different topics (given below) that were divided equally between the groups. 

Group 1: How do the official documents and regulations affect the planning of the teaching in your field? Where can you find all this information?

This part was done by group one and Chijioke presented it really well. He explained about teaching, documents and regulations, planning of teaching and all other points related to the topic. In this context  teaching is a process that aims to influence the learning and personal development of the students while the official documents and regulations are for acquiring teaching and learning objectives. To understand the act of teaching  here is an image to understand what are different things that builds the plan of teaching.

Teaching documents have a great affect on teaching planning because it's the main key. These documents are. 

• Curriculum.
• Syllabus
• Scheme of work.
• Lesson Plans /Notes
• Records of work/ reflections.

Below are different levels of documents and regulations in planning teaching in higher education.

• EU
• Finland
• Institution
• Faculty 

Institutions have freedom and allowed by the government to improve are these documents according to their needs or as they feel it best. Similarly the teacher plans and applies different theories and techniques during the teaching session. Moreover , in planning teaching the first thing is curriculum that is provided by the institute and then a teacher uses different teaching methods to teach student and makes assessment about the outcome and learning of students. Learning environment is another prime concern of learning along with professional development and collaboration in planning teaching.

Group 2 topic : What are the theories of learning and how do they affect the planning of the teaching in your particular field and in competence-based education? Choose at least one theory that you use in your teaching task.

Second topic was explained by Malek with plenty of great examples of different kind of learners and learning theories. Undoubtedly we all are different learners and every individual has different capabilities, speed and style of learning. A teacher uses numerous learning theories in class room to engage the students and for the best outcome.  Some of the learning theories are constructivism that is based on the idea that learning is constructed based on existing knowledge.

another learning theory was described as scientific learning cycle that consists upon exploration, concept introduction and concept application.

 

Besides some learners learn through theories and lectures and the others involve in visual learning. Some would like group tasks while other will prefer individual learning. Some are accommodator who enjoy new experiences and other are diverger  who like brainstorming and are creative and observer. In addition , some people are shallow and other are deep information processing learners.

It is a teachers understanding of students that what kind of learners they are and which learning theory works best for them. For instance I always have achieved marvellous results from group and collaborative learning. It gives motivation to all learners and increases knowledge.

Group 3 topic:  How does student-centered approach , personalization and competence-based system affect the planning? Can you imagine the different scenarios?

Jaakko described this topic quite in detail and provided us with a lot of good knowledge about competence based studies and assessment criteria. 

As it is already has been discussed previously that every student and their learning style is different. Sometimes it is quite challenging to deal a group of students with distinct approaches and mindsets where someone is fast-paced, other one is analytical, one is methodical and other is hesitant. Bringing all the students on one table and understanding their learning style and psychology is a big deal.

For a better teaching and learning it is very important to understand student-centered learning approach.

It is very important to understand the psychology of students, their fears (fear of rejection from teacher), their mind set, self-determination etc. Other perspective is different backgrounds and cultural differences .

But how to cope up with this situation and how to plan that may boost learning in higher education? Here are some strategies and planning methods:

1. Plan ahead and clarify course structure as framework for activities.
2. Set realistic and sufficiently challenging goals by using various working methods.
3. Reflect on the process and ask for feedback from the class.
4. Decentralize working methods and make changes if feedback and results so indicate.

What is student-centered approach and how it affects planning?

It is based on constructivist, constructionist and self determination theories.

while planning, student's  diverse backgrounds should be considered. Student's experiences and how they develop their analytical abilities should be given attention in their manner of learnings.

Students various needs has to be supported distinctively so that they can be empowered to assume ownership of their learning.

To some up this learning theory I would like to quote Itzhak Perlman. "Never miss an opportunity to teach; when you teach others, you teach yourself.

Group 4 topic: What is a pedagogical script? How can that help you promote learning in classroom, on the job learning and virtual settings?

This part of webinar was prepared by us and all the group members put their efforts and knowledge together. Though during the presentation different challenges were faced but overall all the idea and concept of pedagogical script was much clear.

To explain pedagogical script first I would like to describe about pedagogical model precisely. Pedagogical model is a way to organize teaching and learning events, so that learning progresses in a pedagogically skillful and structured manner. 

The pedagogical model is based on an understanding of the nature of learning and the development of competence. 

It is a teaching planning aid that structures the learning and teaching process and the activities linked to them

Pedagogical script: In connection with the pedagogical model, we speak of a pedagogical script, which means phasing learning situations and learning-promoting tasks into smaller parts. 

The chosen pedagogical model guides this writing, either the entire course or part of it. 

The student therefore follows a guided learning path according to the script, in the direction of the competence goals of the course. (tuni.fi)

From Tampere University.

Pedagogical script in classroom learning is about implementation of curriculum and lesson planning by a teacher. How a teacher plans and what tools and techniques he/she uses to promote learning in classroom by using a designed curriculum/ syllabus is a form of pedagogical script.

Furthermore, a well structured pedagogical script can be quite effective in promoting job learning by providing a clear and organized framework for the training process such as by defining on job learning activities, themes and how it can be achieved. It includes learning by direct experience, by social interaction, learning by theory and learning by reflection.

In todays world virtual learning is very common. It could be either self-study, blended study or study with group through online tools.

It includes massive open university courses (MOOCs), traditional online courses, small private online courses.

Virtual learning and objects makes it easy and comfortable for learners (with different backgrounds) to move through the course without being intimidated.

The learning objects that are used in online script help to boost learner's engagement, improves learner's retention, creates a more customized learning path, reduces course creation time,

it makes it easy and comfortable for learners (with different backgrounds) to move through the course without being intimidated.

it makes it easy and comfortable for learners (with different backgrounds) to move through the course without being intimidated.

References

Hodges, C. et al. 2020: The Difference Between Emergency Remote Teaching and Online Learning | EDUCAUSE Review

Hyppönen, O. & Linden, S. (2009). Handbook for Teachers – Course Structures, Teaching Methods and Assessment.
https://aaltodoc.aalto.fi/bitstream/handle/123456789/4755/isbn9789526030357.pdf?sequence=1&isAllowed=y

Ten Cate, O., Snell, L., Mann, K., & Vermunt, J. (2004). Orienting teaching toward the learning process. Academic Medicine, 79(3), 219-228. Accessed through: https://oula.finna.fi/PrimoRecord/pci.cdi_proquest_miscellaneous_71673204?sid=3121521945

Wong, K.M. (2020) “A design framework for enhancing engagement in student-centered learning: own it, learn it, and share it” by Lee and Hannafn (2016): an international perspective. Education Tech Research Dev (2021) 69:93–96 https://doi.org/10.1007/s11423-020-09842-w.

Loraine, S. (2020) ‘Planning teaching and learning’, in A handbook for teaching and learning in Higher Education ; enhancing academic practice. 3rd edn. Abingdon, Oxon: Routledge, pp. 40–42.