Expert Learner

An expert learner can formulate plans and devise different strategies to use the available resources optimally so that the desired learning outcomes can be achieved. He possesses a prior knowledge and is able to relate that knowledge with the learning situations. He can regulate and monitor progress and modifies his tactics from time to time to adapt with the changing trends. 

Keeping in mind the list of characteristics that an expert learner must have, I possess a few of them like adaptable, flexible, self motivating, independent, and persistence and explore different ways and time management. Most of the characteristics are missing in me. In my opinion these characteristics are not inborn. They develop gradually throughout our life. It depends on culture, education system in which learning takes place, sincerity and determination and willingness to achieve. In my case, I learnt for sake of employment, better opportunities and most of the education I achieved was without any goal.

It seems quite difficult but it is not impossible to develop the required characteristics. The most important thing that I need to set up a certain goal or objective. The set goal will direct me in a right direction. It will enable me to find the resources available and use them optimally to achieve it.  The better way to develop this habit is to find out the limitations and tackling them with appropriate strategies. 

To sum up, the better way to learn is to set objectives, plan and set a time frame to achieve, seek resources, develop different strategies to use them optimally, review and monitor progress from time to time, change strategies and modify your techniques to follow the right path.

Prior Learning

I would like to mention the skills and knowledge that I expect my students to have prior to commencing G.D.T.E. Course

Skills:-

·         Must be working in a particular field. This course is designed for those who are practicing in a particular field and want to transfer to teaching field in their expertise area.  

·         Good command over English language. Teaching requires a lot of discussion, writing, reading and communication.

·         Interested in teaching. The student must have a passion for teaching as course requires enthusiasm for teaching.

·         Must be fond of reading. The main requirement of the course is research and supportive literature reading.

·         Should be able to relate his previous knowledge with teaching.

·         Must be qualified. He must have completed Masters in his field.

Assessment:-

·          English language test by making the potential students to write some task related to teaching and learning.

·         An aptitude test should be developed to know their interest for teaching.

·         They can be suggested to read some literature and task based on that should be assigned to the students.

Support:-

·         Discussion on different topics and maximum involvement of the students.

·         Assignments for developing those skills. They should be guided to complete certain tasks.

·         Tasks should follow the simple to complex method.

·         I will deliver the session with supportive material and try to follow the blended method of learning. Moreover online material will be given in the form of supportive articles, journals etc. One section will be added as summary that will include the  conclusion of the supportive material

·         Some guidelines or introductory points in the form slides should be given to them.

Accommodate:-

·         Those students who possess these skills, I would prefer to make them mentors for others.

·         They will be asked to present their presentation, conclusion of learning outcomes of each module.

·         They will be asked to help the teacher in preparing, delivering, observing and reflecting the learning process.

Knowing the Learner

                                         Knowing the Learners

Learning process revolves around a number of factors. Each one of them has it influence on learning in one or the other way. But among them learner has its place at the center. Success of learning is measured in terms of all round development of learners. So curriculum and teaching should be learner centered. So a facilitator or teacher should begin from learner and the outcomes of his efforts should end at his learners’ benefits. Glass (2011) states that a simple survey can be conducted from different local authors, scholars and educators to know the background of the learners. It is very important to transform the learning process from passive to active. Active learning depends on interests, motivation, learners’ autonomy and anxiety. In brief, knowledge of the learner and usage of methodologies and techniques accordingly can bring the desired result of learning outcomes

Now I would like to mention the characteristics of my learners in Ghana. My learners are of young age and completed their high school. They are expecting to get enrolled in Community Health Nursing course for which I will play the role of a facilitator. So my first priority was to collect information about them. My findings are as follows:

·         They are young who completed their high school.

·         Most of them are females.

·         Level of education is low.

·         They have the knowledge of local health problems.

·         This knowledge will help them to understand the concept of C.H.N.

·         It will also be useful to them during practice or training.

·         They are taking the course for welfare of people, better employment opportunity and to improve their standard of living.

·         The major barriers are lack of funds, poor infrastructure, poverty, lack of means of transport and communication.

·          Barriers can be overcome by blended learning methods.

·         They will be provided some block courses and for them internship can be arranged by private partnership.

·         Theoretical part of the course can be given as hard copies as there is no facility of internet in the rural areas.

References:-

·         David Star, Glass (2011).Beginning course Surveys: Bridges for knowing and bridges for being. International Review of Research in Open and Distance Learning,12(5).Retrieved from: http://www.irrodl.org/index.php/irrodl/article/view/1000/1883

·         Muhammad, A.,Mahmood.&Maria,T.(2011) Saira Javed Strategies for active learning: An alternative to passive learning. Academic Research International,1(3),195-200.Retrieved from : http://www.savap.org.pk/journals/ARInt./Vol.1(3)/2011(1.3-20).pdf

Introduction

Hi   Hearty Welcome to My Blog!
I am Avtar, pursuing Graduate Diploma in Tertiary Education at Otago Polytechnic. I am from India.My home town is Jalandhar in Punjab. Punjab is known all over the world because people from Punjab migrated to different countries of the world. The climate and geographical conditions are suitable for the cultivation of food crops and that is why it is known as bread basket of India.
I taught Economics, Geography and Environmental Education at St. Mary's Convent School . It is a catholic school which has a developed infrastructure.Therefore, it was quite helpful to improve my teaching and use of  digital techniques in learning process.
I have completed Master's in Economics, and Bachelor of Education from Guru Nanak Dev University, Amritsar. Although I am familiar with the modern trends in education yet I feel a lot is left to learn. So I joined G.D.T.E. which will enable me to learn , understand and adapt with the changing trends in the field of education at world level.

This is my room at home in India.
Here I spent most of my life.
I miss it!!!!!!

Farewell!!! to my outgoing dear students after completing year
10. I always believe that a teacher should relate himself to the
students to encourage them to express themselves.