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Peer Feedback Post #4

Hi Ella,

Your activity is engaging, creative, and well-structured, making learning both fun and interactive. Encouraging students to create videos in different formats allows them to express their understanding in unique ways while fostering critical thinking and collaboration. The flexibility you provide ensures that students can explore their creativity, which makes the activity more enjoyable and meaningful.

Incorporating peer and teacher feedback through Padlet is a fantastic way to promote discussion and interaction, reinforcing learning beyond the initial activity. Your approach to inclusivity is also excellent, as you thoughtfully address potential barriers by offering voice-over options and captioned materials, ensuring all students can participate comfortably.

The scalability of the activity is another strong point, as group work helps manage the workload while still maintaining a high level of engagement. Your willingness to accommodate different student preferences and learning styles demonstrates a student-centered approach that makes the activity even more effective.

Overall, this is a well-planned and dynamic learning experience that supports active participation, collaboration, and accessibility. Well done!

Post #4

  1. What kind of interaction would the video require from your students? Does it force them to respond in some way (inherent)?

This video provides information on conifer identification, allowing students to engage cognitively by observing, analyzing, and making connections with trees they see in their environment. However, if the instructor designs an activity around the video, such as asking students to pause and identify tree characteristics or complete a worksheet, it could introduce designed interactivity. The video itself does not have inherent interactivity, but it can be used as part of a structured learning experience to promote active engagement.

2) In what way are they likely to respond to the video on their own, e.g., make notes, do an activity, or think about the topic (learner-generated)?

Students are likely to engage with the video in a learner-generated way by: Taking notes on key identification features of different conifer species.
Comparing the information with trees they have seen in their local environment.
Reflecting on misconceptions they may have had (assuming all conifers are pines).

3) How could the video have been designed to generate more or better activity from viewers or students?

Embedded Questions or Quizzes: Pausing at key points to ask viewers questions about tree identification, ensuring active engagement.
Guided Observation Prompts: Encouraging students to pause the video and look for similar trees in their environment.
Call-to-Action Assignments: Asking students to take photos of conifers, compare them to the information in the video, and discuss their findings

4) How would students get feedback on the activity that you set? What medium or technology would they and/or you use for getting and giving feedback on their activity?

Online Quizzes (Google Forms/Kahoot!): Instant automated feedback.
Discussion Forums (Padlet/Google Classroom): Peer and instructor comments on uploaded tree observations.
Photo Submissions (Google Docs/Slides): Instructor-written feedback on descriptions.

Peer feedback Post #3

Hi Bashar,

Your post effectively outlines a well-thought-out plan for adapting learning activities in response to unexpected events like a pandemic. You’ve done a great job maintaining the core learning objectives while incorporating digital tools to keep students engaged. The use of online platforms such as Google Slides, Kahoot!, and iNaturalist ensures that students can still participate in interactive and hands-on learning, even from home. Additionally, your emphasis on providing training through video tutorials and Zoom sessions shows a strong commitment to accessibility and student support. One way to strengthen your post even further would be to briefly mention how you would accommodate students with limited internet access or technology resources. Overall, your approach is flexible, inclusive, and well-suited for a remote learning environment.

Post #3

  1. How will your interactive learning resource specifically ensure that the needs of all learners can be met?

Ensuring that all learners’ needs are met is a key focus of our interactive learning resource on identifying British Columbia’s native trees. Our approach incorporates multiple learning styles—visual, auditory, and kinesthetic—to create an inclusive and engaging experience for all students. For visual learners, we provide worksheets, slideshows, and videos that illustrate tree characteristics and identification techniques. Auditory learners benefit from discussions with peers and guided explanations during nature walks. Kinesthetic learners engage in hands-on activities, such as exploring the outdoors, sketching trees in a nature journal, and matching identifying features on worksheets.

To further support diverse learners, we offer differentiated activities that allow students to work at their own pace. The “What Am I?” worksheets encourage independent problem-solving, while peer discussions promote social learning and collaboration. The flexibility of our assessment plan, which includes a slideshow presentation and a nature journal, ensures that students can demonstrate their understanding in ways that align with their strengths and preferences. Additionally, integrating technology through platforms like WordPress allows for interactive participation, enabling students to share their findings and learn from one another.

By incorporating multiple modes of engagement, representation, and assessment, our learning resource fosters an inclusive environment where all students can connect with nature, develop curiosity, and deepen their understanding of BC’s diverse tree species.

2. How can you adjust your planned learning activities to meet the needs of your learners if an unexpected event occurs? 

If an unexpected event, such as a pandemic, requires students to transition to remote learning, our interactive learning resource can be adapted to ensure that students continue to engage with the material effectively. The primary adjustment would involve shifting activities to an online format while maintaining the core learning objectives.

First, we would modify the nature walk activity by encouraging students to explore their immediate surroundings, such as their backyard, a nearby park, or even observing trees from their windows. To ensure engagement, they could take pictures of trees and upload them to a shared online space, such as a class blog or discussion board, where they can describe their observations and compare them with their peers’ findings.

Second, we would adapt the What Am I?” worksheets to an interactive digital format using platforms like Google Forms or Kahoot! This allows students to engage with tree identification activities from home while still receiving instant feedback. Additionally, students could use virtual tools like iNaturalist or online tree identification databases to assist with their learning.

For the assessment activities, the slideshow presentation could be created using Google Slides, allowing students to collaborate and present their findings virtually. The nature journal could be maintained digitally using tools like a shared Google Doc, where students can sketch, describe, and analyze trees they observe in their surroundings.

Peer feedback Post #2

Hi Bashar,

Your blog post provides a well-structured and clear explanation of inquiry-based learning, effectively outlining its core principles and applications. The reference to Queen’s University adds credibility to the discussion, and the breakdown of the four key elements—inquiring, researching, evaluating, and constructing—helps illustrate how students can develop critical thinking and research skills over time.

The connection between inquiry-based learning and the topic of Alzheimer’s Disease is well-articulated, as you effectively demonstrate how the Learning Design Blueprint supports independent investigation. Your emphasis on providing various learning resources aligns well with the principles of inquiry, ensuring that students can explore the topic in a structured yet flexible manner.

Overall, this post effectively highlights the benefits of inquiry-based learning and its application to your assignment. One possible improvement could be expanding on how students might navigate challenges in evaluating sources, particularly in the context of complex medical topics like Alzheimer’s Disease. Adding an example of a real-world inquiry-based activity related to the topic could also further enhance engagement.

Post #2

Experiential Learning and Its Role in Identifying BC Native Trees

Experiential learning emphasizes learning through experience, reflection, and active participation. This approach is particularly effective in environmental education, where direct engagement fosters deeper understanding. It allows learners to connect theoretical concepts with real-world experiences, making education more engaging and meaningful.

Kolb’s (1984) experiential learning theory outlines a cycle involving concrete experience, reflective observation, abstract conceptualization, and active experimentation. This cycle ensures that learners first experience a concept, reflect on their observations, develop conceptual understandings, and then test their knowledge in practical settings. By actively engaging in learning rather than passively receiving information, students gain a deeper comprehension and long-term retention of material.

Applying experiential learning to the study of British Columbia’s native trees provides an immersive way for students to develop identification skills while fostering environmental stewardship. British Columbia’s diverse ecosystems host various native tree species, and recognizing them requires direct interaction with their physical characteristics. Traditional memorization methods often fail to capture the nuances of tree identification, whereas experiential learning allows students to engage with trees in their natural settings, making learning more effective.

Field trips and guided nature walks provide a concrete experience, where students observe trees’ leaves, bark, cones, and flowers up close. These outings enable students to develop recognition skills by engaging multiple senses. Following these experiences, students engage in reflective observation by documenting their findings through nature journaling, sketches, and discussions. This process encourages critical thinking and reinforces memory.

Through abstract conceptualization, students connect their field observations to scientific concepts such as tree classification, ecological roles, and adaptations to BC’s climate. Finally, active experimentation allows students to apply their knowledge in real-world contexts, such as independent tree identification exercises, species documentation projects, or participation in citizen science initiatives. These activities strengthen their ability to identify trees while also fostering a sense of responsibility for their environment.

Experiential learning enhances tree identification skills by increasing retention, fostering a stronger connection to nature, and developing critical thinking. Engaging directly with BC’s native trees through experiential learning not only makes identification easier but also instills an appreciation for local ecosystems, reinforcing the importance of environmental conservation.

References

Kolb, D. A. (1984). Experiential learning: Experience as the source of learning and development. Prentice Hall.

Priest, S. (1986). Redefining outdoor education: A matter of many relationships. The Journal of Environmental Education, 17(3), 13-15.

Feedback #1

This is my feedback to Marcyeo’s post. https://marc335.opened.ca/my-first-encounters-with-school/

Your post offers an engaging and deeply personal reflection on your unique educational journey, and I appreciate how you’ve framed your experiences within both formal and informal learning contexts. Here’s some constructive feedback to consider:

  1. Personal Voice: Your writing feels authentic and relatable, with a clear sense of your personality shining through. Sharing specific details like your early foray into computer programming and filmmaking adds vividness and credibility.
  2. Critical Perspective: You’ve articulated a thoughtful critique of formal education, grounded in your personal experiences. This perspective invites readers to reflect on their own educational journeys and systems they’ve encountered.
  3. Philosophical Insights: The emphasis on self-directed learning and curiosity resonates as a powerful message. Your acknowledgment of the challenges of learning (like forgetting and re-learning) is insightful and relatable.
  4. Structure and Flow: The post is well-structured, transitioning smoothly from your early homeschooling experience to your later struggles with formal education. This chronological approach makes it easy to follow your journey.

Blog #1

The article “Behaviorism, Cognitivism, Constructivism” provides an insightful overview of three foundational learning theories, each offering a distinct approach to understanding how people learn and how instruction can be designed to maximize learning outcomes.

  • Behaviorism focuses on observable behaviors and the role of external stimuli in shaping them. Pioneered by figures like B.F. Skinner and John Watson, behaviorism emphasizes reinforcement (rewards and punishments) as the primary mechanism for learning. For example, rewarding a student for correctly answering a question encourages them to repeat that behavior. This approach is particularly effective for teaching basic skills, habits, or tasks that require repetition, such as memorizing multiplication tables or following procedural steps. However, behaviorism is often criticized for ignoring internal mental processes, such as understanding and reasoning.
  • Cognitivism shifts the focus to the internal processes involved in learning, such as attention, memory, and problem-solving. Cognitive theories suggest that learners actively process and organize information into existing mental frameworks (schemas). Techniques like concept mapping, scaffolding, and breaking information into smaller chunks (chunking) help enhance comprehension and retention. Cognitivism provides a more nuanced understanding of how learning occurs, making it especially useful for teaching complex subjects that require deep understanding. Critics, however, argue that this theory can sometimes oversimplify the diversity of individual learning processes.
  • Constructivism emphasizes the learner’s active role in constructing knowledge through experience, exploration, and reflection. This theory, championed by scholars like Lev Vygotsky and John Dewey, suggests that learning is a personal and contextual process. Constructivist strategies, such as problem-based learning, collaborative group activities, and real-world applications, encourage learners to connect new information with their prior knowledge. While constructivism promotes deeper learning and critical thinking, it can be challenging to implement in settings with large class sizes or limited resources.

Blending Theories in Practice

The article highlights each theory as a standalone framework, but in practice, effective instruction often integrates elements of all three. For example, behaviorist principles can be used to teach foundational skills, cognitivist approaches to develop understanding of complex topics, and constructivist methods to foster application and critical thinking. By blending these theories, educators can design instruction that meets a wider range of learner needs.

Reference:

Siemens, G. (2023). Behaviorism, cognitivism, constructivism. In Foundations of learning and instructional design technology. EdTech Books. https://edtechbooks.org/lidtfoundations/behaviorism_cognitivism_constructivism

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