Implementing Reflective-Reflexive Learning in the Digital Classroom

This module’s reflection is somewhat a little different from my previous posts. What I reflected on this week was my assignment and how I did, what I could have done differently and how I intend to go forward from here, my thinking is consistent with the Kolb’s theory as I looked at the what, so what and now what.

As I started this assignment it was important that I first got an understanding of what is reflection, a simple explanation. In the article by Reed & Koliba (nd) they provided me with this explanation by first stating that we reflect everyday by looking in the mirror. By looking back in your mind and your experiences you can make decisions based on what has happened. I then took a look at the article by Pavlovich et al (2009) to see the various assessment that can be used. Understanding these two articles fully it led me to think about my audience for whom my lesson plan was catering to, recognizing that the assessment to be given is determined based on the audience.

My area of expertise is that of HR but I wanted to come from within my comfort zone and apply my knowledge of reflection and how to relate it to assessment for my students and hence I looked at grade 5 students to see how I could achieve this. Whew, what was I thinking? First of all, I had no idea what activities, not to mention what types of technology, I could possibly use for these children at that age. This is so, as I know that in adult learning, blogs, wikis, discussion forums and e-portfolios can be used for students to reflect on various topics. I laugh now as I type this as I ask myself why would you think to go outside of your scope?

So off I went trying my best to come up with activities and technology to use within the lesson plan. What made it start to get easy for me was when I paused and thought about the fact that students are very much technologically savvy and by introducing them to the Edmodo tool which is quite similar to facebook, I should not have much trouble in being able to accomplish the reflective component of the lesson. Notwithstanding, that I also incorporated parents into this teaching element of my plan. Creating the lesson plan then became quite easy but then came the technology to present the lesson plan. I always thought of myself as a “topclass” technology person, even though I only knew how to do a power point, as I always thought power point was it, but here we were asked to use a different method to present. I could have used the same power point and then recorded with screencast-o-matic, but being the sucker for punishment that I am, I went ahead and tried something new, powtoons. Can I stress more how this whole assignment was truly a learning experience?  Clueless to powtoons I still approached it with all that I had and was able to successfully complete the assignment.

Coming out of this whole experience, what I must remember as a facilitator, is that I must be able to cater reflective practices to the intended audience, to have a 10-year old do a blog post would not be as effective as having an adult do a blog. What I also need to do is to start using different technology to do things and stop using what is comfortable. What made me say this? I do not know who your audience will be, I may have to teach Secondary school students Management of Business and as such I will need to be able to equip myself with all forms of technology. This becomes a bittersweet topic today, as we look at the fact that with the COVID-19 everything now has to go online, you may be asked to assist and lend your knowledge of online learning as we are forced now to go online. I can now boast as being that facilitator who knows how to integrate reflective-reflexive practices in learning.

Below is the link to my presentation, which demonstrates my ability to use the readings to effectively create a lesson plan with incorporates reflection catering to the appropriate age group. Please copy and paste the link in google for the best result.

Lesson Plan with Learning Resources

https://www.powtoon.com/embed/crUd4DSKQNS/

References

Pavlovich, K., Collins, E., & Jones, G. (2009). Developing students's skills in reflective practice: Design and assessment. Journal of Management Education, 33 (1), 37-58. http://citeseerx.ist.psu.edu/viewdoc/download?doi=10.1.1.119.2821&rep=rep1&type=pdf

Reed, J., Koliba, C., (nd). Facilitating Reflection - A Manual for Leaders and Educators. http://www.uvm.edu/~dewey/reflect.pdf

My interpretation of a digital technology that can be used in Reflective-Reflexive Practice

Oh what a week! This week has been the most difficult for me as a student and a key player in my organization. It has caused me to reflect first and foremost about my time management skills which were put to the test as I scrambled to get my assignments completed. One thing I am always quick to say to persons is that you must not wait until the last minute but try and do a little bit each day. Being under a tad bit of pressure has made me realize that I need to more consistent in how I manage my time if I am to be successful in my weekly assignments.

“Sometimes you have to think about something to fully understand it”, hmmm. This statement resonates with me most as during the week I have had my staff members question me as to why they were required to do a particular task. As I tried to explain to them one thing that struck me was, maybe I should have them all reflect on what happened at the event. The Rolfe model immediately came to mind as I want them to think about the what, the so what and the what next. I want them to be able to explain what happened at the event, how they thought who we catered to felt about it, how they themselves felt about it and finally I want them to be able to come up with ways that can improve what was done. This is me incorporating reflection in my day to day operation.

 I do agree with Reynolds (1998) and his notion that “reflection is not a process but an integral part of what it means to lead and to manage”. The article proves that reflecting is not only to be done individually but it is necessary for all players involved, to see the organization reaching its objectives. In my organization we need to review what we are doing, how we are doing it and put plans in place that it does not happen again, this however cannot be a one-time thing but constant reviewing. Through reflection, whether publicly which must be done as we provide a service or productive reflection, employees must be aware of the challenges and threats which can be addressed to create new ideas. Reflective practice helps to think after something has happened, the moment we think back, we start to ask ourselves many questions which aid us in improving in all that we do. We must rely on past experiences to assist us in modifying the way forward to ensure that the organization is able to reach its goals and objectives. Reflection leads to continuous growth which is needed if an organization is to succeed.

I encourage you to take a look at the below video as it highlights the purpose of Reflective Practice in the organization.

What I must now decipher, is how, through the use of technology can I have them do this reflection. I took a look at the digital storytelling, but to me that caters to an educational background. May be someone can point out to me how it can be used within an organizational setting to warrant the same results. I will also conduct some more research to get a better understanding of its role in reflection and if it can be incorporated into organizational reflection both for me and my staff members.  Recognizing that all staff members may not be technologically saavy, one way that came to mind that maybe we can use to share our reflections would be the use of Microsoft Teams - Microsoft Office 365. This allows for engaging in a forum similar to WhatsApp which carries a chat. I recently had the opportunity to use it, still fumbling, but will definitely interact with it some more. Below is one of the teams that I am currently a member of.

References

Reynolds, M. (1998). Reflection and critical reflection in management learning. Management Learning 29, no. 2: 183 –200

https://youtu.be/SQcUMAhW5Ts