based on PBS Reinder Blok MA

Transcription

1 Learning teaching Georgia, skills 36, in a Virtual boldclassroom

2 Creating an effective Georgia, and positive 36, learning bold environment based on PBS Reinder Blok MA

3 Windesheim Located in Zwolle (100 km northeast of Amsterdam) students 1500 staff members Many different departments (technical studies, social work, nursing, economics, education)

4 In short, we will work on: -Why would (student) teacher learn skills in a VLE? -What are the main problems in teaching and teacher education? -What are the possible benefits and limitations of learning in a VLE? -What is the aim of the VLE? -What skills do we think about? -Q & A

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6 Teacher training School practice

7 What are the problems? Teachers find it hard to use positive instructional and behavioral strategies inside and outside their classroom (EuroPBS, 2012) Teachers play a crucial role in the development of students (Goei & Kleijnen, 2009) Teaching is a highly demanding job. Chronic stress can result into burnout or leaving the profession early (Goei & Kleijnen, 2009) Apprenticeships for student teachers in regular classrooms provide not always effective learning environments, due to the complex and dynamic nature of a classroom. Students sometimes just copy the strategies that the teacher uses. (Howard Brown, 1999) Teacher students and teachers in the induction phase have difficulties in dealing with behavior issues, classroom management and establishing positive relationships with their students and doing it all at the same time

8 It is difficult for students to use the things they have learned during their studies in practice. They cannot experiment safely with new behavior or strategies (without the risk of harming real students) It is difficult to reflect on practical experiences with peers and teachers It is hard to reduce the complexity of the classroom dynamics during apprenticeships and learn things one at the time Discussion: do you recognize these problems?

9 HHH

10 Rationale for a new educational tool

11 What are possible benefits of learning in a VLE? Four major benefits of using new technologies in the initial teacher education are mentioned: exposure to various teaching/learning environments, creation of shared experiences, promoting reflectivity, preparing students cognitively for practice (Hixon & So, 2009) And VLEs make it possible to break down the complexity of classroom practice into more manageable pieces, so the student teacher can gradually master more complex skills and tasks. (Sawchuck, 2011) VLEs create a safe learning environment (Howard-Brown, 1999) Virtual learning environments make meaningful learning possible

12 Learning in a VLE makes explicit decision making possible: Simulations seem to be useful for activities that requires learners to become better or more informed decision makers () (Howard & Brown, 2009) VLEs create opportunities to experiment with new strategies and behavior. It can be useful for processing beliefs and personal theories of student teachers University teachers can be present in the virtual world. They can more easily monitor and assess the learning process of the student teachers, provide feedback and support. (Limniou & Smith, 2010) Continuous (self)assessment is possible. Learning in a VLE can stimulate engagement in students. They may be more motivated to learn.

13 SIM?

14 Target groups Student teachers Teachers in the induction phase of their carreer Teacher trainers More experienced teachers

15 Aims To prepare (student) teachers in an effective and motivating way for working in a complex and diverse classroom environment To strengthen the competencies and broaden the package of skills teachers have in creating an effective learning environment To raise awareness of (student) teachers about their personal and professional development Reducing anxiety and insecurity in (student) teachers Improving the classroom climate Increasing teachers sense of efficacy Preventing early leave form the teaching profession Reducing problem behavior Improving learning results Reduce student drop out Preventing teacher burn out

16 What are possible competencies and skills? Establishing a positive classroom culture: establishing positive relationships with pupils providing positive feedback strengthening social cohesion in the class pro actively prevent problem behavior (structure time, setting, procedures) increase predictability clear expectations (small set of positively stated rules) based on values of the school Dealing effectively and appropriately with problem behavior provide students at risk with more support to follow expectations (reminders, nudges, cues) use non aversive techniques to correct behavior (withitness) applying appropriate consequences, that are known to the pupils techniques: e.g. two minute rule and active supervision

17 Providing high quality instruction use of evidence based instructional strategies involvement of students in their learning process assessment procedures Strengtherning social emotional learning of students teaching social an communication skills modeling social behavior providing opportunities for cooperation between students preventive approach for bullying

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19 It will be quite a journey!