Christy’s Reflections

First I would like to apologize for not writing in my blog. Since my throat surgery my mind has been a little difficult to focus. I have reread the material on self-directed learning and took a little time to reflect about the subject. It seems to me that self-directed learning occurs around us all the time in all age groups. Children use this type of learning while they are playing. They take paint and mix the colors together and discover that they can make new colors. They take molding clay and learn to create different shapes or animals out of it. While learning, they seem to be having fun.
In the adult arena, our experiences are a little different. We choose a skill, personal development, or seek to acquire some knowledge and this is brought about by our own effort. When we discussed this in class I had a difficult time thinking of something I had learned by self-directed learning. After hearing other classmates give their examples, the ideas came flooding in to my mind. I learned to install a door bell just the other day and was quite proud of my self. My husband got a fishing hook caught in his hand late one night and we looked on the internet and learned a new way to remove the hook with minimal damage to the skin. The internet is an excellent tool for self-directed learning. You can also see self-directed learning in the classroom. The instructor giving the student room to explore different venues to research and learn the material needed for the class. For most students, this type of learning is beneficial and can be used in the classroom. My hope is that all students will benefit from this type of learning.

The first few weeks of this class involved addressing self directed learning, learning theories, and learning styles for the student. It has opened my eyes to realize that I must view each student as an individual and potentially adjust my teaching style to accomodate them. Last week we ventured to discover what teaching styles we actually practiced. The results from the Teaching Perspectives Inventory (TPI) revealed that my dominant style is Nurturing with a score of 38 followed by apprenticeship (36), transmission (35), developmental (35), and social reform (32). Although I was unaware that I had a particular teaching style before the TPI testing, I feel that the TPI was accurate in reflecting who I am. I am a Instructor who loves what she does and gives to the learners from my heart. Setting clear, achievable goals and explaining them to the students is important to me. I feel that if the learner understands what we are trying to accomplish then the learner can better develop a plan to accomplish these goals. If it is needed, I am willing to spend one on one time with a learner in order to help them accomplish proficiency in a clinical skill. I try to let the learner know I am there for support and provide opportunities for their success thus building up their self confidence and esteem. Providing a trusting and safe environment will encourage learning.
Apprenticeship was my second highest scoring teaching style. These instructors are highly skilled practitioners and are recognized for their expertise. Students respect these instructors and look up to them as role models. Instructors assess the learners current knowledge or skill level and determine where to start teaching. This will determine how much direction and guidance we give the learner. As the learner progress, the instructor can change their role and allow the learner less direction and give them more responsibility. As instructors we are there to step in if the learner should stumble and need assistance. Our goal is to make our learners educated independent workers.
I feel that you can combine the nurturing and apprenticeship teaching styles and get the best of both worlds. You get an instructor who has a heart for the students and is willing to have a relationship with the student. The instructor encouraged success and tries to provide an environment that allows that. While the apprenticeship style works on developing the quality skills that make you a success in the working world. I hope that I can fulfill these roles.