Monthly Summaries

Angela Britton commented on Embodied and Spiritual Learning.

Deborah DeJesus commented on Self-Directed and Transformational Learning.

Katherine Ritter commented on Embodied and Spiritual Learning.

Rayla Dawalt commented on Narrative and Social Cognitive Learning.
Javita Johnson commented on Embodied Learning.

EXPERIENTIAL LEARNING THEORY

GROUP 2 SUMMARY AND INDIVIDUAL SUMMARIES FOR APRIL

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

April is already here and almost over. Our group has come a long way since we first started on our assignments together. Our communication became stronger and we learned from our strengths and weaknesses. Each group assignment we completed came together through hard work and challenges. We made it out of the jungle and together we survived.

Angela highlighted the three areas below for the month of April:

                            
What we have learned up to this point:

1.    The various theories and applications of those theories regarding Experiential Learning

2.    Working with group members to form a final Project Demonstration to integrate all previous assignments

3.    Applying the various approaches and strategies we have learned and incorporating them to formulate assigned sections of the Final Project

Working with Group 2:

1.    Maintaining each member’s expertise to complete group assignments, and thinking “outside the box” to input ideas for assignments.

2.    Staying in close communication with group members via BB IM, text, email, etc., and providing updates to one another, on a number of tasks within the group

Next Steps and Future Direction:

1.    We set timelines to submit our power point slides and ideas for the Final Project Demonstration and group Survival Memo

2.    Completing final wrap up items for assignments due by month’s end to finish up the semester.

  

  

KATHY’S APRIL SUMMARY

WHAT I HAVE LEARNED UP TO THIS POINT:

In working with the different phases of our project development, I have learned the importance of looking at all sides of an activity I may be developing for learners.  It has been a different kind of experience to consider that working with adults requires a different skill set in order to build valuable and valid learning experiences.  I have also learned the importance that background experience brings to a learning situation and that adults are unique in this vast repertoire.  It has been fun to work with the development of physical learning challenges to tie in the mental skill sets that often exist for learners in latent form.  Helping them to bring out these valuable skills and relate them to skill sets outside of the classroom is a great help in developing valuable character assets.  Consideration of the whole learner or total learning experience truly solidifies skill building when those types of learning transfers can be made.

WORKING AS A MEMBER OF GROUP TWO:

          I have definitely learned what a pain technology can be this month as we struggled to get power points to post to the blog.  It was truly a team effort and took a vast amount of communication and patience.  Fortunately, we have had group members who hang in there and do not give up when the going gets tough.  It has been a struggle to get everything completed this month as well.  The spring rush has definitely been a factor with outside lives and work causing a major interference this month.  I have learned that I must be diligent with my time scheduling and not freak out over the lack of it.  PATIENCE-PATIENCE-PATIENCE has been my inner voice who has had to keep me under control this month.  Things do work out, just not always in the same way or in the way we like them to.  My group members have been there when they were needed and put in a very long night at a great effort.  My hat is off to them…again!                     

ANGELA’S APRIL SUMMARY

WHAT I HAVE LEARNED UP TO THIS POINT:

 This month, I spent a significant amount of time working on ideas for our final Project Demonstration, keeping up with the readings and discussions, completing a Reflection paper, as well as reading/commenting on other groups’ project demonstration from last month, and learning about posting power points. I have continued to learn how to utilize my previous experiences into experiential learning, formulate those experiences into discussions and assignments, and ways to implement them into the classroom.  I have also learned how to post power point presentations onto a group blog for our survival memo. With each discussion, I have learned more about my group classmates, and have continued the established rapport with them. Learning about the Experiential Learning method has been enlightening, and I look forward to utilizing it in future classes as well as in the classroom.

WORKING AS A MEMBER OF GROUP TWO:

This month we had a Final Project and Survival memo due, in addition to staying ahead on readings and discussions.  We broke the sections of the Final Project down for each member to complete, to prevent duplicate efforts.  Our group has continued to work well together and is open to the ideas and thoughts of each other’s input.  We continued to utilize various methods of communication (BB IM, text, email, and blog discussion area), but more so via text and emails this month, for quicker communication.  This was not only to discuss assignments, but also to provide updates on how tasks are progressing.  Everyone came up with their own idea for our survival memo, and they were all so great that we decided to post 3 of them!  I feel very fortunate that I have gotten to know these ladies on a personal and academic level and will certainly miss our conversations.  My hope is that we have future classes together. They are highly intelligent, compassionate, and without a doubt will succeed in anything that they put their mind to. 

  

RAYLA’S APRIL SUMMARY

WHAT I HAVE LEARNED UP TO THIS POINT:

What haven’t I learned is the question? I have learned a great deal from each student in our class, a big shout out to my group, and a grateful thank you to Dr. Chang! What I have learned in this class, I have already been able to apply to my job and personal life. I have noticed teachers at work telling stories in their classes and I have thought in my head, they are using the Narrative learning style. I presented uLead’s challenge course program to my boss after researching the program for our group’s challenge education design. I have been inspired to do a 15 minute Yoga work out daily and I have been able to learn more about diabetes for my friend’s daughter. She has recently been diagnosed with childhood Type I diabetes. This class has been beneficial in my life and an enjoyable journey. What a great class to start with!

WORKING AS A MEMBER OF GROUP TWO:

Working with Group 2 has been a blessing. I have enjoyed working with each lady in our group and learning from each of their strengths. Our group worked well together from our first group project to our last. Communication was definitely the answer to our teamwork success.  I appreciate the help and encouragement that I received from each one of my group members. I will walk away from this class with a better concept of how to work through my future classes because of them. I was able to learn how to create awesome Power Points (by example) that were beyond simple slides that I had done before our projects. I was also able to learn how to create a voice thread with the help of another group member and I can’t believe how easy they are to do. I just needed encouragement to conquer the fears I have from going outside my comfort zone. Thank you, thank you, thank you to all of my group members! Thank you for taking me under your wings! I have the confidence I need to continue on because of you! 

JAVITA'S APRIL SUMMARY

WHAT I HAVE LEARNED UP TO THIS POINT:

Throughout the month of April, I continued to expand my understanding of adult learning.  I have had the opportunity to display knowledge learned this course in formats that will hopefully allow others to learn something new about adult learning.  Nearing the conclusion of this course, I am pleased to report that I have learned a great deal of information.  I was extremely nervous upon beginning a course in a new field via distance education. I wondered if I would learn without attending traditional classroom lectures.  It was a pleasure to realize that I was able to retain information, process the information, and present it via World Wide Web for others to see. 

WORKING AS A MEMBER OF GROUP TWO:

         As a member of group 2, I have continued to grow in learning how to share group assignments, place trust in other group members, and watch quality work come into fruition.  Our group consisted of five diverse individuals committed to learning and submitting quality assignments. We learned how to respect each member’s strengths and ideas.  We respected one another and even developed friendships throughout the semester.  My experience in group 2 has been a rewarding experience. It forced me to accomplish a task I initially thought was going to be problematic.

DEBI’S APRIL SUMMARY

WHAT I HAVE LEARNED UP TO THIS POINT:

I have appreciated the way in which the individual assignments and group projects were spaced so no particular week seemed overloaded or overwhelming. I also appreciated how Dr. Chang purposely divided the overall group project into individual, bite-size assignments that we completed in a well-planned, sequential order. In my previous role of training teachers, I utilized an established curriculum in which the data and strategies had been researched and gathered by the learning institution. Trainers simply selected their training topic based on the participants needs and/or interests, then developed their training objectives and activities from resources provided. This class assignment structure has helped me gain a better understanding of how to develop an in-depth and detailed program for adult learners from the beginning stages of researching and brainstorming to the final stages of critiquing and tweaking before implementation. My understanding of different learning theories and effective adult learning teaching strategies has greatly increased from the textbook reading and reading other groups’ blogs. While the experiential learning approach is still my favorite, I’ve learned how other learning theories are also beneficial.  I’ve seen that two of the theories I followed throughout the semester on the blogs - embodied learning and social cognitive theories –have similarities to experiential learning. 

WORKING AS A MEMBER OF GROUP TWO:

Having prior training and experience in adult education no doubt made each of the group project tasks less daunting. At the end of this semester, I am even more appreciative for the specialized training I had received earlier in my career, which allowed me to earn the curriculum trainer certification. That knowledge came in handy during each of the group projects…except when it came to posting the power points onto the blog! A big ‘shout out’ is owed to Javita for saving the day there! I appreciate her willingness to jump in &help out in the eleventh hour when Kathy and I just couldn’t figure it out, I was stressed, and the posting deadline was getting close. I’m thankful that each of the group members was willing to contribute something during every stage of the semester, and trusted Kathy and me to ‘close it out’ as they say in baseball.  Working closely with one particular group member throughout the semester who has much greater experience than me was not only quite beneficial for producing high quality work, but very enjoyable and rewarding.  I have become an even better writer and gained much deeper insights into our course work from working and learning alongside Kathy. Her knowledge of appropriate learning practices, familiarity with APA, and education work experiences were invaluable to the group assignments.  While every group member displayed a willingness to participate, collaborate, and contribute along this group project journey, one group member contributed above and beyond by voluntarily acting as facilitator and editor to ensure every assignment was not only completed on time, but the best possible product was submitted! So, to Kathy, I have to say – “Oh, Captain, my Captain!” Group Two is indebted to you!

Angela Britton commented on Group 4's monthly summary.

Rayla Dawalt commented on Group 1’s monthly summary.

Deborah DeJesus commented on Group 1 and Group 6’s monthly summary.

Javita Johnson commented on Group 4’s monthly summary.

Katherine Ritter commented on Group 1's monthly summary.

EXPERIENTIAL LEARNING THEORY

GROUP 2 SUMMARY AND INDIVIDUAL SUMMARIES FOR MARCH

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

What We Have Learned as a Group

As a group, we have continued to expand and develop our understanding of experiential learning and its application to varying adult learning populations. We have learned through on-going research that active participation and constructing knowledge from experiences through interpretation and reflection are key elements in experiential learning.  This month our group learned how to design a program for a target group of adult learners based upon the experiential learning theory.  We learned how to blend critical elements of the experiential learning theory and the key features of the programs we initially investigated to create a unique experiential learning program design. Upon completion of our program design, we identified two adult educators to critically review our completed project. Feedback containing constructive criticism and strengths provided by each evaluator has provided our group with invaluable information regarding the content and structure of our design.  This feedback has helped our group learn how to critically review our program design and identify areas warranting improvement.

Working With a Group Focus

We continue to expand upon developing effective communication methods. We have learned how to maximize our Blackboard IM time to our best advantage for the planning of major assignment components.  This month our group decided to take advantage of our designated blackboard group space to highlight group discussions, members’ roles, and submission of each member’s contribution to our program design.  Group members were challenged to tap into their creative skills to identify critical reflection activities applicable to an adult math class. Through frequent collaboration and communication, our group has been able to develop friendships and identify each member’s strengths.

Next Steps and Future Directions

We look forward to continued collaboration and coordination as we approach our upcoming project demonstration assignment. Our group is excited to discuss creative ideas to present our next project. We will continue to utilize Blackboard IM and our group’s designated Blackboard discussion space to maximize communication efforts.  Lastly, as a group we look forward to the continued support and development of friendships among group members while completing each upcoming assignment.

KATHY'S MARCH SUMMARY

What I Have Learned up to this point:

     I have learned the value of experiential learning theory for adults.  Working from my own background of personal and educational experiences has helped me to see the value in developing adult learning activities in this manner.  I have also learned a great deal about researching and applying the ideas and theories learned to develop new activities and learning experiences.  Completing required assignments in segments that require application of the research through a variety of methods, has taught me to carefully reflect upon the validity of the learning activities created.  In this manner, developing activities that reflect a basis in research provides a solid learning foundation.

Working as a Member of Group Two:

     I have learned a great deal about the value of a learning network. Working with my group has been a good experience in forming relationships as well as learning from the diversified skills of our individual group members.  It has been rewarding as well as supporting to see how the individual strengths and experiences have served us well in creating a unified effort.  Throughout the course of the semester, we have been able to cut down on our time considerably in planning for the completion of our projects due to these facts.  It is a great relief to know that any message or inquiry that you send out needing a reply will be shortly acknowledged and acted upon.  It could have been a very long semester if those components had not manifested within our group dynamic.  It has also been nice to learn about the personal interests and challenges that we have had as a group.  Since we are working within a distance-learning environment, it can be challenging to know your classmates or group members at that level.  We are beginning to share life's up and down's and find a network of support that makes for strong group cohesion.

ANGELA’S MARCH SUMMARY

What I Have Learned up to this point:

This month, I have learned how to utilize my previous experiences into experiential learning, and formulate those experiences into discussions and assignments.  I have also learned how to develop a method/schedule for myself in carving out various times throughout the week for readings, discussions, postings, and working on assignments. I have learned more about my group classmates, and have established a closer rapport with them.   Learning about the Experiential Learning method has continued to open my eyes as an educator and has given me yet another tool to assist with my students’ success.

Working as a Member of Group 2:

We have developed continuous communication to ensure that roles, deadlines, assignments, etc. are completed by the assigned timeframe.  Our group has continued to work well together and is open to the ideas and thoughts of each other’s input.  We have continued to utilize various methods of communication (BB IM, text, email, and blog discussion area), not only to meet about assignments, but also provide updates on how are tasks are progressing. Since we have been working together for a few months, we have learned the various strengths that each group member brings to the table, based on their varying experiences.  This not only enhances our discussions and ideas, but also assists with developing and assigning roles for each assignment.  I feel very fortunate that I have gotten to know these ladies on a personal and academic level.  They are highly intelligent, compassionate, and without a doubt will succeed in anything that they put their mind to.

RAYLA’S MARCH SUMMARY

What I Have Learned up to this point:

March has been an easier month for me as far as the class and homework goes. I am better organized and feel more at ease. Each month I have learned something new to help me from stressing less.  This month I have worked on having my discussion boards done by Sunday night so I can post on Monday and make comments throughout the week when I have time.

Working as a Member of Group Two:

Group 2 has been absolutely amazing to work with, each lady takes on a part of our assignments and we work collaboratively together.  I couldn’t ask to work with a better group. At the beginning of the month I lost my lifetime friend to a year and half battle of brain cancer. I missed a week of work but was able to keep up on my part with the help and support of my group members. I couldn’t have done it without them.  I look forward to completing our group’s projects together in April. 

JAVITA’S MARCH SUMMARY

What I Have Learned up to this point:

Throughout the month of March, I continue to develop a deeper understanding of the varying learning theories presented throughout class readings, discussions, and group blogs.  The ability to apply learning theories across disciplines continues to intrigue me. I have found that the knowledge I am gaining in this course has helped me improve my skills as a group facilitator. I have also found it rewarding to see how each assignment builds upon the next. It makes what once appeared as an overwhelming task much more manageable.

Working as a Member of Group Two:

As a member of group 2, I have found my experience with group work to be positive.  It is great to work with a team of individuals dedicated to producing quality work.  Each member’ ideas and contributions are appreciated and through effective communication, we have been able to provide encouragement, develop friendships, and respectfully accept each members’ strengths. 

DEBI’S MARCH SUMMARY

What I Have Learned up to this point:

I’ve gained greater knowledge regarding various learning theories as well as a greater appreciation for the different learning theories and approaches the small groups have been sharing about in the blogs, especially embodied learning, narrative learning, and self-directed learning. I’ve increased my knowledge of the experiential learning approach because of my small group’s research into programs using this approach and collaboration to design our own experiential learning program. The group assignments have strengthened my appreciation of and belief in experiential learning as an effective, adaptable learning approach that is suitable for learners of any age and ability level.

Working as a Member of Group Two:

I have appreciated that each of the ladies in the group has demonstrated a willingness to participate and contribute to each of the group assignments. The group members’ cooperation and collaboration has alleviated uncertainty and stress, which has allowed me to focus on the tasks I have been responsible for completing. I’ve particularly appreciated Kathy’s feedback, input, and support throughout the month. I feel like a random classmate has become not only a dependable team member, but also a friend.

 

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.