Reflection for Session 3: What Have I Learnt Today?

Today's takeaway was on the Assessment of Learning Environments -- rationale and approaches in terms of choosing the appropriate instrumentation tool. We were first introduced to the development of major philosophies behind the psychosocial aspect of learning such as motivation, needs, etc beginning with Murray and Lewin's research from the 1930s which transcended to Moo, Walberg, Fisher and Fraser. We also viewed some short video clips comparing lesson delivery styles - didactic, kinesthetic, problem-based and socratic, and how each of them can be effective in meeting the needs of the learners.

There are a wide range of quantitative instrumentation tools that can be used to assess Learning Environments. The rationale for assessing Learning Environments is to ensure that there is a reciprocity on the part of the learner on the teacher's intention so that effective teaching and learning can take place. In the event that reciprocity is not evident, then perhaps the instructor needs to reflect and improve on the classroom processes and the learning environment in general.

As a Science teacher, the instrument that I am particularly interested in will be the Science Laboratory Learning Environment Inventory (SLEI) as it complements Science Practical Assessments. Evidently, as we aspire towards TLLN, teaching and learning in the classroom will be continually evolving towards student-centred learning and constructivist approaches to teaching and learning.

My classmates have surfaced many interesting learning theories in the various researchers' works in the course of their presentations. Will have to go home and read up again. :)