Reflections on Session 3: Assessmenrt of LE

A stimulating LE is essential in modern day teaching. Stimulation will come in the form of human as well as the setting. We need to move away from traditional teacher centred teaching to student centred learning. For engaged learning to take place, the ball should be thrown back to the students and teachers will only act as facilitator.

However, in the process of achieving an equilibrium in teacher- student relationship, the extent of people involvement and support for each other is vital. The needs of the individuals must be met or at least considered, before any forms of collaboration can take place. Take for the instance of grouping 4 individuals into a unit for class discussion, if the teacher did not bear in mind their differences and needs, clashes may occur and optimum results will not be achieved. Hence, we must fully understand the different types of human needs and how these needs are translated into behaviors. Likewise, for the teacher to feel comfortable to be a facilitator, her most basic needs, that of which authority is bestowed should be met, so that she will not have to fear students disturbance or disruption during the activity. Once individual needs are met, then we can talk about creating a supportive learning and teaching environment.

In such a stimulating and conducive LE, there will then be personal development, in both teacher and students. This is the direction along which personal growth and self enhancement occur. The teacher is comfortable to implement new teaching and learning strategies to stretch the students. She feels confident that whatever innovation she comes out with will have some chance of success. With success and support, the teacher will be spurred to create more innovative or engaging teaching and learning strategies. In the end, the students will also benefit. Learning is also enhanced.

To achieve a stimulating learning environment, the physical setting also plays a integral part. With the use of IT and cyberworld, learning transcends beyond classrooms. Learning is everywhere.