Reflection !

Caleb Ricks

Reflection

National University 

Reflection !2

1. List two learnings from this class you consider most important and briefly state why

they are important to you and how you will use them.

The lesson on UDLs is one of the most important take aways I have from this class. It was great

to study them and explain how I could use them as a teacher. Even many current teachers that I

have spoken to are not familiar with UDLs, and I am glad I was able to learn about them so that I

can reach all of my students. I also enjoyed learning about the different theories on social,

cognitive, and moral development. There has been so much research done in this field, and it is

important for me as a teacher to be aware of the various stages of development that my students

are in so that I may better instruct them and understand their behavior.

2. What was your favorite assignment, why, and how did it help you learn?

My favorite assignment was applying Bandura’s Social Learning Theory to the Annie’s case

study. I loved how hands-on this activity was, and I was able to see the real world implications

and uses for this theory. Also, doing this assignment made me feel like a real teacher, assessing

my students needs and finding solutions through my knowledge of learning theories.

3. Which assignment did you find this least helpful, why, and what was not helpful

about it?

I found the classroom management brochure assignment to be the least helpful. I felt like the

directions were asking for too much to be included in the assignment, and I found myself having

difficulty squeezing it in. Because of this, I felt like I was not able to receive the full amount of

points due to missing lacking space. Perhaps a different format would be better?

4. What was the most effective teaching strategy used by your instructor in the class?
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Having the Collaborative meetings and the extensive use of Blackboard Collaborate was the

most useful teaching strategy for me. I am able to listen to lecture, read, and teach myself, but

this class used Collaborate more than any other, and I am so grateful! It really helped to have the

professor explain the assignments, ideas, theories, and sharing personal information. It made

lecture more interactive and personable.

5. What was the least helpful teaching strategy used by your instructor in the class?

For me, I really had not problems with the instructor’s teaching strategies. I learned a lot and

connected well with the strategies employed.

6. Candidates vary in what they like and don’t like in the course. For example, each

assignment is identified as the “most effective teaching strategy” by some candidates

and at the same time each assignment in the course is identified as the “least

effective teaching strategy” by other candidates. How can you explain this?

Students all have different ways of learning and all respond to different teaching styles. Just like

we learned in this class, it is important for the instructor to find the best method to reach his or

her students. Thankfully, this class employed multiple means of presentation, expression, and

engagement, making learning simple!

7. How does the content of this course help you be a more effective educator?

In this course, I am better aware of the cognitive and behavioral influences that affect my

students and influence their learning. I also am better aware of my students needs and how I can

meet and satisfy those needs. Also, learning about UDL has been extremely beneficial in

teaching me how to create an inclusive and safe learning environment.

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8. What suggestion(s) would you give to the Course Designers to improvement the

class?

For next time, I would prefer that the final group assignment be broken up into two parts and

dispersed throughout the course. I felt that the first few were fairly simple and quick, while the

last one was a hefty assignment.

9. What were the most helpful thing(s) done by your instructor?

As I previously stated, the use of Collaborate was extremely helpful for lecture. I also enjoyed

how the papers and the assignments stayed relevant to the readings for the week.