Meghan's+personal+page


 * Personal Reflection:** I’m often reminded how exciting it is to be an educator in this day and age. Where research has significantly influenced our teaching practices and now where educators employ new technology for their students. But I know the best is yet to come and I look forward to learning and applying new methods for my students.
 * What does this article teach us about learning?** “Collaborative studies on the design and evaluation of learning environments… are yielding new knowledge about the nature of learning and teaching…” Continuing to research best teaching practices and student learning greatly benefit students. What our grandparents learned so many years ago (3 R’s) and what children learn today (how to use the internet) is so polar opposite. Also, that information available to us is “growing at a far more rapid rate than ever before in the history of humankind”. No kidding!
 * Community Space:** I connected with the part of the article that referred to learning communities “learn from the wisdom of practice that comes from successful teachers who can share their expertise”. I know that many of the successful lessons and programs I try and develop come from other teachers. If the wheels is round… why reinvent it?
 * How do I understand learning to occur?** I believe children need many experiences to help with their learning. And through these activities they begin to make connections about their world. Also, they learn from one another in discussion about a topic. They can learn to think about their thinking, linking it to familiar knowledge and extending it and applying new concepts. In teaching young learners, often this learning acquisition is teacher centered, guided and specifically taught.