Angela commented on Whitney's summary;
Debi commented on Frank's and Lianne's summaries;
Javita commented on the Transformational Learning blog;
Kathy commented on Alex's and Frank's summaries;
Rayla commented on Michelle's summary

EXPERIENTIAL LEARNING THEORY

GROUP 2 SUMMARY AND INDIVIDUAL SUMMARIES FOR FEBRUARY

Kathy Ritter, Rayla Dawalt, Angela Britton, Javita Johnson, & Debi DeJesus

                           
What We Have Learned as a Group:

     As a group, we have explored the experiential learning theory for adult learners and strategies for applying this theory in practice. This month we completed our program investigations in experiential learning. Through our program investigation, we have learned that experiential learning programs are diverse and present in many content areas of educational training for adults. Participation within an active and engaging process of authentic experiences, reflection upon those experiences, and collaboration are necessary components of developing knowledge.  As a group, we have all realized the value and have begun to utilize this component in our current vocational roles.  We have also learned a great deal about the process of effective research as we weeded out unnecessary information in order to focus on the most relevant available to our program needs.  This has been the beginning of a continually unfolding process of learning and collaboration.

Working With a Group Focus:

     We have learned the importance of communication in a timely and efficient manner. In an effort to include all members equally, we have utilized blackboard IM to talk as a group and discuss individual roles and set deadlines. We have strived as a group to openly collaborate and establish synergy needed for project completion. The development of a consistent mode of communication became very apparent as we worked together.  We quickly could see that we each needed to use the same avenues in which to reach one another so that we could all be onboard and equally informed.  We are beginning to see each other’s individual strengths that we bring to the table and how those strengths can best be used for group success.  We are developing into great communicators who respect and admire the strengths in each other. As a collective group, our background of experiences are diverse within the experiences of conducting research, using APA writing style, utilizing technology, and working with adult learners.  We are beginning to learn from the experiences we share collectively which will make our journey a rich and rewarding experience.

NEXT STEPS AND FUTURE DIRECTION:

    We are beginning to post the minutes from our Blackboard IM meetings on our group blog discussion page so that we can all access important information at a later time.  Additionally, we have set a focus prior to meeting so that everyone can come prepared for input.  Concerning our program development portion of our project, we have decided that we will meet on IM to discuss our project development and establish responsibilities and set deadlines over Spring Break so that we can work ahead.  We now feel that our communication gaps have been closed due to the formation of a consistent mode of contact to be utilized and are ready to tackle the next part of our project completion.  We are looking forward to moving ahead as we brainstorm, develop, and fine tune the components of our experiential learning program for adults.

KATHY’S FEBRUARY SUMMARY

WHAT I HAVE LEARNED UP TO THIS POINT:

     I have learned that experiential learning for adults is a valuable learning theory.  Having taught utilizing as much hands-on learning and concrete experiences as possible within the curriculum, I am an advocate of this theoretical learning philosophy.  I have found value in the learning experiences provided in this class because Dr. Chang facilitates by allowing us to explore and become entrenched within the vast amount of literature available as a learning vehicle.  In this way, I find that I am learning both by actual experience which makes the research and project completion authentic, and by collaboration with my group and classmates so that I may learn from them as well.

WORKING AS A MEMBER OF GROUP TWO:

     A valuable learning experience for me this month has been patience.  Being a person who needs completion to be quick and efficient, I am sometimes my own worst enemy.  Through this group process, I am learning from the learning styles of others within my group.  It has been vital for me to learn that I am not responsible for the entire project (I am sometimes a little O.C.) and that I need to focus on being a productive group member.  Our group has become great at communication.  Our only difficulty is using the same consistent form and location of our communication postings so that we all know where to look frequently and be on the same page.  This is a very small kink to work out and one that simple agreement will fix.  We currently have come to a consensus on the manner and destination of our communication and I am looking forward to a great group project. I have learned a great deal from these fabulous ladies in my group and am happy to be a part of this journey with them as my support structure.
                                         

 

ANGELA’S FEBRUARY SUMMARY

WHAT I HAVE LEARNED UP TO THIS POINT:

     This month, I have learned how to work and participate in an online environment.  In combination, I have learned about my group classmates, established positive rapports, and am working with the group to complete our first large assignment.  Up until now, I hadn’t written a paper utilizing APA writing style nor had I conducted educational research.  Due to this, I am in the midst of becoming acclimated to that as well.  Learning about experiential learning theory has opened my eyes as an educator and has given me yet another tool to assist with my students’ success.

WORKING AS A MEMBER OF GROUP TWO:

     We are at the beginning stages of continuous communication to ensure that roles, deadlines, assignments, etc. are completed by the assigned timeframe.  Our group works well together and is open to the ideas and thoughts of each other’s input.  We have established the most communication via BB IM and I feel confident that open lines of communication will continue.  We have group members with varying experiences which will enhance and bring forth different perspectives and ideas.  I am looking forward to the upcoming months working together with these ladies that I have quickly come to admire.

RAYLA’S FEBRUARY SUMMARY

WHAT I HAVE LEARNED UP TO THIS POINT:

     I have learned more about technology, learning styles, and theories of adult education up to this point.  The first week of class I learned how to create a You Tube video and how to post it on Blackboard.  Later, I learned how to create and post on a blog.  I have enjoyed learning more about the different learning styles and I like the way teaching has evolved over the years.  My favorite part so far is looking at the other classmate’s group blogs and learning about the learning styles they have posted about.

WORKING AS A MEMBER OF GROUP TWO:

     Working as a group has been less challenging than I thought it would be.  I have enjoyed working with the ladies in group two.  I actually feel more confident having others reviewing my work before submitting it.  I believe our communication is increasing and we will end up have a great term!  I hope to be able to work with my team members in future courses.  At the end of the first group project, I lost a night’s sleep because I thought I had messed up.  After talking to a couple of my group members, I felt better and realized it was going to be okay.  I like being able to have someone to bounce ideas off of and know that I am not alone in this journey of learning.

JAVITA’S FEBRUARY SUMMARY

WHAT I HAVE LEARNED UP TO THIS POINT:

     This semester has afforded me the opportunity to delve into a new field and expand my knowledge of adult learning.  Admittedly, starting a new program in a field that I have no formal training in has been a bit worrisome.  However, I believe the readings and online discussions have allowed me to gain a greater appreciation for the field of adult learning and education.  The varying theories utilized to explain the phenomenon of adult learning has been intriguing.  I have found the parallels of adult learning to my work in counseling clients quite fascinating.  It would be unjust to work to work with clients without providing education regarding appropriate topics and theoretical orientations used throughout sessions.  The readings have allowed me to understand the importance of experience.  I have gravitated toward becoming a proponent of experiential learning.  Experiential learning is constructing knowledge and meaning from real-life experience.  It is this component that allows me to combine both therapeutic techniques with educational theory to help clients digest and reflect upon their experiences.  I look forward to continuing to develop my understanding of how adults learn and interpret experiences as I progress throughout the course.

WORKING AS A MEMBER OF GROUP TWO:

     I will begin by saying that I am not a major advocate of group work.  I find that it can be difficult to coordinate schedules and assign roles to each group member.  The element of distance education also creates an added concern.  For instance, I believe I am the only member within my group in a different time zone.  I have to consciously remind myself when meeting times are arranged that it requires me to be available one hour before the requested group time.  However, my group has been pretty amazing at setting times that work for each group member.  It has been interesting to work with individuals from different disciplines.  I believe this creates a great dynamic to allow for greater input in project selection and role assignments.  Our group has been able to effectively create deadlines, communicate via chat and maintain timely submission of work.

DEBI’S FEBRUARY SUMMARY

WHAT I HAVE LEARNED UP TO THIS POINT:

     I have been stretched out of my comfort zone by learning to use technology new to me such as setting up and posting on a blog as well as setting up Blackboard IM.  While I am still not a fan of either, I do understand their usefulness in online classes.  Additionally, I have learned about other theories of adult learning and facilitation.  I have learned the most concerning experiential learning theory and its value in developing knowledge.  Because of its versatility, this approach to learning can be implemented within a variety of educational settings and age groupings.

WORKING AS A MEMBER OF GROUP TWO:

      A strength that I see in our team members is that collectively, we have varied backgrounds and experiences which will help us avoid “group think” issues.  Another strength that I see in our group as a whole is that we have each communicated frequently via texting, the group blog on Blackboard, IM on Blackboard, and phone calls.  This has increased our ability to remain on the same page and work collectively to complete projects and assignments.