How People Learn

I believe that people learn by being actively engaged in the learning process. There have been times when I am teaching and I may chose to present my information as a lecture. When I am presenting the information I can look at my students and see that some have that glazed look on their face. That is when I know that I need to change my delivery of instruction. I have found that when I give students a project to complete they are more involved. I make sure that the directions and expectations of the project are clear so that the students are focused on learning and not playing. 

To accommodate my students learning and understanding I try to meet their needs in various ways. In math I use manipulatives as often as I can and I utilize websites that help them practice the skills they learned in class. In reading I teach in small groups and have centers where students are expected to complete the assigned tasks. I group my students according to ability and the groups change several times throughout the school year.  I feel that by doing these practices I am keeping the students engaged and I avoid the glazed over look from them. The students enjoy working in centers and they have expressed that they would much rather do that than sit at their desk and listen to me lecture.

I feel that I use a combination of all the learning theories in my teaching. However, I feel most comfortable with constructivism. I feel that it is important for students to have meaningful, authentic assignments. I try to relate the topics that I teach to the real world.  I am in no way a pro at developing authentic assignments but I try. When students realize that what they are learning is relevant to their lives and futures they are amazed.  We discuss how what they have learned will help them in college, careers, and everyday life. 

Careers in Instructional Technology

I really enjoyed looking at all the possible careers in instructional technology.  I feel now feel confident that I made the right choice in deciding to go into this field.  I have taught fourth grade for five years now and I would like to pursue a career outside the classroom.  It is nice to know that I when I obtain my master’s degree I will have many opportunities to choose from.

I searched several different websites and I narrowed my list to about five careers.  One of the careers that really caught my attention was an Instructional Designer for Region’s Financial located in Alabama.  The job description for the instructional designer includes identifying training needs for clients, design courseware, evaluate training, and perform project management of training projects.  The designer must be proficient in Microsoft Office, Adobe Acrobat, and publishing software.  The qualifications include experience in designing course content, banking experience, using ADDIE model to design instruction, use a variety of delivery methods for instruction, and have project management experience.  Educational requirements include a Master’s Degree in Instructional Design or Instructional Technology or Bachelors degree in Education, or one to three years experience in Instructional Design.

I would consider applying for this job once I receive my degree.  Sometimes I feel that maybe I would be happier outside the classroom.  In working with this company I feel that I would still have the opportunity to design instruction but it would be for a different audience. I also feel that I would be highly qualified since I have a Bachelor’s in Education and, in the future, a Master’s in Instructional Technology.  I would not be excited about relocating to Alabama.  I would hate to move so far from my family and friends.

If you are interested in checking out this job the website name is American Society for Training and Development (ASTD) and the url is www.astd.org