Adult learners are like cats

Adult learners are like cats. Lazy and effective. Sometimes it is good to just relax and enjoy the heat of the fire. I take notes from my cat and dog. Both are adventures and currious and both take time to rest and save up energy for later.

Fun top of the head thinking on experiencial education.

This is just a little video I made while I was thinking about the short video we have to make for the course. I am a little releaved and a little disapointed that more is not expected in terms of the video we are supposed to produce. We will see what I come up with but I find that I learn as much thinking through the ideas than I do actually doing the work - one point for procratastination. Also a little tip -- my brouser is no longer offering coments on my spelling -- not sure if it is a punnishment or a reward.
Not sure that this is really an instructional stategy in the same way that some of the other examples are but I will pull it off or move over to discuss physical activity or something else simple and great like that. I will look into Carl Rodgers idea of experincial education and see if it is something I still feel good about discussing.

The story lasts longer

Rocks listen to gravity

The pull of the earth

January 30th was the 9 year aniversary of my fathers death. I decided to post a video that he made with a couple of other local artists a bunch of years back. I find it interesting that one of the forum discussions is on digital story telling. This discussion feels fresh and new and yet my father was taking it seriously some 10+ years ago. Please enjoy a moment of reflection, a story in motion on a forgotten page.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FXzn08ouDow

There is a second video called the shadow of the world.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KLEI71eG4oo

Quotes from my comments that could be applied to other subjects

Re: Definition of a flipped classroom by William Parker (Will) - Thursday, 28 January 2016, 9:48 AM

In education I feel it is often the case that new teaching ideas should be welcomed but should not be expected or allowed to replace the old. The flipped class room sounds like a great idea for many programs and could add meaningful diversity to all students learning experience. I guess I also like to feel some flexibility left up to the teacher and feel that I diversity of learning experience is better but having only one system is a lack of diversity. I think there are a list of pro s that are specific to each program and that they should be figured out by the teachers and administration to best facilitate student learning. I feel like many teachers have been trying to do this for years and it only works some of the time for them. So I guess I am saying this is a tool and context is everything.

Maintaining adult Inspiration

Still amazed

I am still amazed by nature. Even things I find just out side my door. As an adult learner I have seen many tricks and heard many stories but I still get a buzz off of learning and participating in discussions. Sometimes I let the You tube class videos run for hours. Yesterday I watched 2 classes worth of finance classes -- and I do not usually like that kind of stuff.
These energies seem to lead me again and again towards teaching something and doing many things.

Reflecting on adult learners

A back yard Igloo

       One of the things I have taken from the forum discussion on adult learners is that they need to understand why the learning is important and what the information relates to. It makes me think about the times I have decided to try something just for the experience. There are also some experiences that it would take a great deal of convincing for me to try. But trying something is not quite as good as really wanting to learn something.
       A couple of years ago I built a back yard Igloo for a new years party. The guests were quite impressed and some asked if I would come and build one at their house or perhaps teach them how. I was reminded of how keen I had been on learning how to make an Igloo in grade 10. A motivated learner is a special thing. Learning to motivate yourself is something worth learning.

Back to Blogger School with Instructional Strategies 3250

I can see the cycles of change; I can be the cycles of change.

Eagles nest by the river -- this dead cottonwood has fallen and the new nest is on the other side of the river 

I am working on this blog again as part of my last class in the Provincial Instructor Diploma Program. It feels great to be learning by doing and focusing on completing another stage in my journey of life long learning. I feel good about the instructional strategies course. 
I am leading a discussion forum on adult learners and have been quite conscious of myself as an adult learner.  I find myself thinking about the ways I know myself as a learner. I am a good observer and I am a great learner. I feel like I become even better at learning with each new skill I acquire. I feel like it is important for all learners to have confidence in their learning abilities.