Educational Links for Instructors / Learners

As I work away at the long list of PIDP 3250 Forum Discussion topics I want to be sure I reflect on in my blog. I am amazed at how the instructional strategies, we are learning about, are actually built into the curriculum of this course. Here are two I want to discuss:

Group Work:

It can be exciting and challenging to work with a group on a project. The excitement comes from the different ideas and styles blending to create something greater than what just one person could have dreamed. The challenges come with the personalities and characteristics of each member. How do they handle aspects of control (taking and sharing), what are their work habits, do they get along with others? Who works well under pressure, who prefers to plan ahead to avoid pitfalls, who shares or takes the credit. What are the differing values of each member and how will it all play out?

If the project is not set up to consider and manage the project and the diverse behaviours that are bound to occur then the negative results fall on the reputation of each member. Additional, negative reflection on anyone in the group identified as the lead. If things go badly there can be lasting impact on the co-workers going forward.

A good example of a familiar mix of how the work that needs to get done is divided among four group members:

1. Completes 90% of the work 
2. Has no idea what is going on the whole time 
3. Says is going to help...and isn't 
4. Disappears at the beginning of the project and doesn't show up until the end

Funny picture demonstrating this example: group-work.jpg

Elizabeth Barkley gives us some great tips and strategies in her great text, 'Student Engagement Techniques: A Handbook for College Faculty' suggesting syllabus review at the onset, establishing group ground rules, and a group learning contract.

Powerless form of communication: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n_ffqEA8X5g&feature=youtu.be

http://www.skillsyouneed.com/lead/develop-leadership-style.html

https://dynamicecology.wordpress.com/2015/02/26/the-secret-recipe-for-successful-working-group-meetings/

http://ca.wiley.com/WileyCDA/WileyTitle/productCd-047028191X.html Elizabeth F Barkely, Student Engagement Techniques: A Handbook for College Faculty, pp 119 to


Flipped Classroom:

As me and my course mates are busy participating in the Discussion Forum on 'Flipped Classrooms' it took us awhile to realize that we were in one!

The 'flip' in the 'flip' is using face-to-face time to bring together the learner all of the students went out into the world or our textbooks to find. Digging deep into the details on their our own time. The teacher there when we need support and otherwise letting us the learners find our way to the answer.

I like the comment about flipped classroom on the website www.edutopis.org..."video lectures at home and homework in the class".

Here is a link on the subject: http://www.edutopia.org/search-results?search=flipped%20classrooms

Brilliant execution I must say!