Reflective Learning-5302

Reflective Learning (Contribution to my Learning)

EDLD-5302

 This session in the DLL program cultivated my passion on multiple levels. It allowed me to determine how I would proceed using a growth mindset as well as a leader and learner. My experience so far in the DLL program has caused me to change the way I learn.

As I’ve stated in the previous session, I initially struggled with being insecure about my knowledge of teaching literacy. Personally, I have no background in instruction at all and felt inadequate in my ability to understand it enough to create a curriculum for instruction.

My initial response to COVA, learning based on working on an authentic project, was apprehensive (Thibodeaux, T.N., Harapnuik, D.K., & Cummings, C.D., 2017). I was very limited on how I would proceed with creating an ePortfolio. Personally, after reading and attempting to learn all the information in this particular session, I was challenged to experience learning using the COVA approach. I realize that learners do not adopt growth or fixed mindsets on their own. Rather, mindsets can be developed both by learning and through practice. One lesson that I’ve learned while reflecting on my own mindset, I discovered that expansion has to take place with me embracing a growth mindset in my professional life as well as my daily interactions. The COVA approach aligns with my personal learning philosophy because learning is centered, and it gives a voice to the learner. After using the COVA approach, my ability to communicate ideas has somewhat improved.

Learning networks has been a place where I found ideas and was able to connect with others. One in particular that I joined that has really helped a lot along the way is edWeb. This learning network has many different communities to join as well as webinars. I posted questions and got feedback from peers on issues that I faced. The discovery of this learning network has helped me in my self-directed learning. I feel that I am more aware of current trends that are in education and digital learning.

Throughout this process of reflecting, finding a learning community to connect with has been an ongoing struggle for me. While contributing to the weekly discussions via Blackboard and replying to my peers was easy, I still believe there is a HUGE lack in finding others who are on the same path as I am. I do realize the importance of connecting with others within the program. I hope to soon find a group or perhaps start/lead a learning community so that way I can get feedback/feedforward.

Regretfully, I am missing one of the key components that would grant me the full credit of an “A”, however I have met all supporting contributions. Course readings and videos were all viewed, and learning did occur.

I do understand that this road will be a long and tedious one, but my goal is to embody change, leadership, and learning within my organization.