Week 4 EDCI 5065 T2P Reflection

Reflecting on our class, I feel as though we have followed some self-determination approaches. GNA let us discover, on our own, about one of the Big 6 theorists and collaborate in small groups to create a presentation. We therefore felt autonomy completing research on our own, felt competent by mastering knowledge of our theorist in small groups, and, finally, felt relatedness by hearing each other's presentations. I really like the idea of self-determination and feel as though it is an effective way to perpetuate intrinsic motivation; taking initiative in your own learning because you want to. I definitely plan to model lesson plans like this one completed in class.


If learners construct knowledge from knowledge they already posses then successful learning will occur as new information is built upon the pre-existing. Teachers should understand how her/his students understand a topic or subject so that she/he can understand the best way to teach or instruct the material. One way to do this is completing a KWL chart as a class. This way students get to engage orally in a discussion and the teacher can gage what the students already know and what they want to learn. Since the teacher is collaborating with the students, mutual assessment is promoted. Paolo Freire suggests that learning is thinking democratically and building upon existing frameworks. I feel that building upon prior learning motivates learners to expand on what they already know, make connections, and think critically.


1. If: learners construct knowledge from knowledge they already posses
2. Then: successful learning will occur as new information is built upon the pre-existing
3. Because: Teachers should understand how her/his students understand a topic or subject so that she/he can understand the best way to teach or instruct the material. 
4. Evidence/theory:  Paolo Freire suggests that learning is thinking democratically and building upon existing frameworks.
5. Moral implication: I feel that building upon prior learning motivates learners to expand on what they already know, make connections, and think critically.


Contextual data: Building upon existing frameworks
Pedagogical language: KWL, mutual assessment
Event/decision: Use knowledge you already possess to make connections to new knowledge


Link to spread sheet: Learning Theories Rules!