Reflection 6, Visual Learning Methods

I really enjoy visible learning tools such as Wordle and Mind Mapping, as a means to help creatively contextualize the student thought process. I have had the opportunity this week to experiment with these visible learning programs. Most which are free to the public.

I think Wordle is really easy to use and effective in pointing out key terms in the lesson. Wordle uses URL or pasted text data and generates a mix of words in a creative format. In language class, this could be useful in pointing out a collection of words for students to learn, discuss, and use in their occupational world. Students could even create their own Wordle to be involved in typing in context to study. This is effective because I think students want to feel as if they are able to be creative. Wordle gives students that fun word identification, creative opportunity.

Mind Mapper took a little longer for me to figure out. But, I believe it to be extremely effective in organizing student thoughts and intergrading participation from everyone in the classroom. I like in the Classroom Assessment Technique: Concept Mapping video, writing the word you want to discuss in class and having students silently add onto the concept map on the board. This practice helps quite students participate, organizes thoughts, gives teachers an idea of where student thoughts are at, and generates deeper discussion amongst classroom. The video states that concept maps heighten students’ critical thinking skills. I think concept maps have been really effective in my personal learning career, especially in essay writing. Writing essays is the best way to evaluate student comprehension in any language class. Knowing how to structure thoughts and ideas in a supportive way is important in classrooms. Concept maps should be very useful in language classrooms because I will be teaching my classes using digital media concepts and information technology and communication trends because that what the student will be using in their professions. The concept maps using mind mappers is an extension of what teachers already use to organize thoughts in less tech-savy classrooms, from the whiteboard to the smart-board.