Reflection #12

(1) Describe the Resource / Experience:
This week, I have been completing my authorial duties for our third WikiText chapter. Our section focused on authentic learning, its relationship to real-world learning, how it is enhanced by technology, and the rationale for using it in a constructivist classroom.
(2) Lessons Learned / Applications for the Classroom / Recommendations for Yourself or Others:
Through this experience, I have learned the value of participating in constructivist learning experiences. I feel that I am really “learning by doing” as I proceed through this course. After researching and writing this chapter about authentic learning, I feel like I have learned and retained more information about authentic learning than I would have been able to learn and retain through traditional instructional methods. I also feel like the information that I have learned is more meaningful and valid to me because I worked so hard to research the topic in order to construct my own knowledge. It has been a real eye-opening experience for me. I feel so empowered and in control over my own learning. It’s just a great feeling and a great experience. As for recommendations for myself and other teachers, I would recommend that we use a constructivist approach on a regular basis in our classrooms with our own students because I think our students should feel empowered about their learning experience as well.
(3) Links to Readings, Resources, or Discussions:
These ideas directly relate to the reading and research we have been conducting about the benefits of constructivist teaching/learning.