Present Beliefs about How Learning Takes Place

I believe that learning is constantly taking place. Whether the process or outcome is positive or negative depends on the circumstances. I inform my students about what is required in the curriculum and consult with them about what their interests are and we dialogue about how we are able to meet a consensus or compromise (sometimes) between the two. The content has to be relevant, meaningful and interesting, while the process needs to include tools of the trade like resouces such as people and technology. Effective learning is engaged learning. I am a firm believer that respect and accountability are two values that should always be present in any situation, especially if you are a model for someone. Once we determine what our goal is (what needs to be accomplished)we begin to work on the 'how' we are going to accomplish what we need to learn.

Students need to know that there is a reason for learning. The purpose has to make sense to all involved, although some learners won't personally discover the purpose for some time, even long after the lessons are over.

Communication is key in any learning situation. I tell my students that whether you are the sender or receiver of a message, it is up to the participants to ensure that clarifying questions are asked, that active listening is practiced, that we give an open mind to any differences or revelations that might occur, and to keep the values that we hold as a guide to our life actively
engaged in the present. Ex. Patience, honesty, fairness, commitment

The learners ( all participants and teacher ) all have the right to learn. Each must be able to have a place in a comfortable learning environment, therefore, the onus is on the teacher and students to create a safe place for taking risks, failing, succeeding, and trying again without their emotions going out of control. I would say that setting the stage for learning is as important as what one learns or how one learns. I am always talking about rules in nature, in the classroom and the rules we hold for ourselves. I believe students also need to discover, affirm and confirm the rules and expectations they hold true for themselves so that learning is positive and conducive to their growth.

Students have to be allowed a variety of opportunities that are in part created by the teacher (definition includes anyone with something to share-university trained or not) but also by the student. I believe that opportunities create possibilities for: Partnerships-collaboration; real chances to work on communication techniques that will serve a purpose in the real everyday world; questions; making connections; finding solutions; practice ; implementation and experimentation; contemplation; confidence building or adjustments; or even finding new links to topics that perhaps haven't been discovered yet. When students are able to reframe the way they use to see or think about something and know that they can negotiate and renegotiate concerns,suggestions and strategies for future learning , then I believe that effective learning has occurred and will continue to occur.

Learning a new skill or a new idea is easier or more difficult depending on the level of support and guidance one has. A fair teacher will know that he or she will have to adapt to the student's style of learning, not vice versa. It is a difficult thing to own up to but I personally try to assess how my behaviour or methods of teaching helped or hindered my students' style of learning, especially the students in the last few years who have dropped out or had alot of difficulty.

I believe I am a "guide on the side rather than a sage on the stage" and this helps me as an adult to know and respect the knowledge and skill that the learner brings to the project or learning environment. The awareness of how one learns best is crucial so it is equally important for the teacher to keep trying out and reading about the styles and practices that are different than the ones that hold true for their own learning.