TOPIC Manage 1 Your Learning LEARNING OUTCOME: By end of the topic, you should be able to: 1. Explain three blended learning methodologies at Lincoln. 2. Identify ten strategies for managing stress. 3. Evaluate the nine characteristics of effective goals. 1.0 INTRODUCTION Reflect on your learning experiences when you were a student either in a school or in a college. You probably remember best the planned classes and the bells ringing to mark the end of each class period. You also had the teacher “teaching” you and taking you through the lesson in a systematic manner. However, at Lincoln University College (LUC) - Online Distance Learning (ODL), the situation will be very different. You will have to play the lead role - manage your learning, indicate your learning preferences to your tutor and strategise to be a successful open and distance learner. View the video provided below, on the overall of Learning Skills syllabus and how you can use this for all your ODL Program. Click the link: https://youtu.be/8sjU4W4cazQ Source: Author
Generally, the concept of education and learning has always been associated with the physical presence of schools, classrooms, examination halls, teachers, textbooks and examinations. In today’s world, this is fast changing, be it in schools, colleges or universities. More modern models of learning are being introduced. One of the institutions where change is most profound in terms of learning is LUC-ODL, which practices a blended approach to learning. Here, you take centre stage. As an open and distance learning provider, LUC-ODL has your needs at heart. Learning is made flexible by providing you three modes of learning; a self-managed learning, face-to-face interaction and virtual discussions. In this topic, you will be introduced to ways of managing your learning, especially the three approaches adopted at LUC-ODL to provide you with the best learning experience as an open and distance learner. Our aim is to support you in becoming independent in your thinking and decision making so that when you graduate you will be able to continue learning for the rest of your life. View the video provided below, on the introduction of the learning skills for this topic. Click the link: https://youtu.be/8sjU4W4cazQ Source: Author 1.1 LUC’S LEARNING ENVIRONMENT In LUC-ODL, we practiced blended learning. Thus, in this topic, you will further explore the learning mode. On top of that, you will also be exposed to what it takes in order to be an excellent learner using the blended approach to learning. 1.1.1 Getting to Know LUC-ODL’s Learning Modes In order to develop a learning system that is on par with, if not superior to, the traditional learning method, LUC-ODL has adopted a blended approach to learning which employs multi-mode strategies. Here, learning takes place through real and virtual interactions Version: 2.0 Page 2 of 8 Prepared by: Alvin Lee
between learners and tutors via self-managed learning, face-to-face interactions and online learning methodologies. Blended learning combines online learning, or more technologically advanced forms of learning methods, with traditional methods such as face-to-face interaction (refer to the various levels of Blended Learning in Figure 1.1). Blended learning provides you with the best of both worlds, by giving you guidance that can be achieved in an actual classroom, as well as the flexibility and openness of self-paced learning through online and virtual learning methods. Figure 1.1: Blended Learning at OUM Source: Abdullah Sanusi Ahmad (2003,pg.6) (a) Self-Managed Learning Self-managed learning requires you to study independently according to your time availability. The printed module serves as the main source of learning. The module is supplemented by other reading materials both printed and digital. In addition, learning also takes place through audio/video tapes, CD-ROMs and laboratory experiments. Figure 1.2 shows some of the advantages of being a self-managed learner. Version: 2.0 Page 3 of 8 Prepared by: Alvin Lee
Figure 1.2 Diagram of Self -Managed Learning Source: Abdullah Sanusi Ahmad (2003,pg.6) (b) Face-to-face Interactions (Actual Classroom / Live – Online Classroom) Face-to-face interactions are tutorial sessions conducted in actual classrooms by tutors at LUC-ODL learning centers established throughout the country. Issues related to course materials, assignments and other related issues are discussed during these tutorial sessions. These sessions are normally conducted fortnightly, during the weekends or after office hours, (usually five (5) session with at least two (2) hours per session per semester) or not fewer than three times per semester. The ratio of tutors to learners is kept low to ensure the quality of the sessions. Version: 2.0 Page 4 of 8 Prepared by: Alvin Lee
(c) Online Learning Methodologies (Virtual Classroom) In the virtual classroom, electronic communication tools such as email, discussion forums and chatrooms are provided to facilitate interaction among learners, tutors and facilitators. In addition, electronic learning materials (such as e-book and multimedia learning objects) are continuously being developed to enhance the learning outcomes. Communication tools and e-learning materials are delivered through the Internet via LUC’s very own online delivery platform called Lincoln Open Distance Learning (LODL) Figure 1.3: Lincoln Open & Distance Learning (LODL) LUC Source: Author S SELF-CHECK 1 Discuss the basic skills required to effectively participate in an online learning. ACTIVITY 1.1 Try to identify your learning styles Refer to the diagram on blended learning possibilities at LUC-ODL. Which approach suits your learning style or preference? Share with your friends. You may refer to Appendix 1.3 to learn about learning styles. Version: 2.0 Page 5 of 8 Prepared by: Alvin Lee
S SELF-CHECK 2 You are having an examination in three days. However, due to your work and personal commitments, you have not been able to spend time studying for the examination. When panic-stricken, how do you react? Post your answers in the discussion forum. You may include your personal experiences in the answer. ACTIVITY 1.2 2 2 Visit the following website. Answer the questions via online forum and discuss with your coursemates. http://www.engr.ncsu.edu/learningstyles/ilsweb.html Activity 1.3 2: Toyota Mini Case: The Once-in-a-Century Challenge 2 Toyota Motor Corporation (Toyota), the world's leading automaker. When Akio Toyoda (Akio) took over as President of the iconic Japanese automaker on June 23, 2009, the automotive industry was going through a very difficult phase. Moreover, Toyota was also facing some serious problems itself. In mid-2009, the company reported its first losses since 1963, the year it began reporting business data. Analysts felt that the global financial crisis had had its impact on Toyota and that the company was also trying to cope with a shift in the global automobile industry. The challenge before Akio, grandson of the founder of Toyota, was to bring the automaker back to profits. Akio immediately announced a slew of measures to bring the company back to profits. According to him, the industry was going through a ‘once-in-a- century transformation' and thus he wanted to break from the past to provide a solution for this ‘once-in-a-century challenge'. The case study discusses some of the measures taken by Akio and also discusses the challenges that he faced in bringing Toyota back into profits. While many analysts felt that Toyota would bounce back, some analysts expressed doubts over whether Akio would be able to manage a turnaround and pull the company out of the crisis. Some insiders were also worried that the selection of a member of the founding family as President might lead to disunity within the company. Examine the challenges faced by Akio in achieving his objective. Post your answers in the discussion forum. You may include your personal experiences in the answer. Version: 2.0 Page 6 of 8 Prepared by: Alvin Lee
MODEL ANSWERS Self-Check 1: Essential Skills for Online Learning • Self-Discipline and Self-Motivation. • Time Management. • Space to Study. • Ask for Help. Activity 1.1 : One of the most accepted understandings of learning styles is that student learning styles fall into three categories: Visual Learners, Auditory Learners and Kinesthetic Learners. Version: 2.0 Page 7 of 8 Prepared by: Alvin Lee
SUMMARY LUC learning approaches include self-managed learning, face-to-face interactions and online learning. Facilities offered by LUC include Learner Service Centre, Digital Library, LUC website and Local Learning Centre. In order to cope with learning, a few techniques have to be practiced. These are: • Managing Stress, • Goal Setting, • Motivational Strategies, • Time Management, • Concentration. KEY TERMS Self-managed learning Stress Actual classroom Time-management Goal Virtual classroom Independent learner Motivation Personal learning style REFERENCES Washburne, J. N. (1936). The definition of learning. Journal of Educational Psychology, 27(8), 603–611. https://doi.org/10.1037/h0060154 The Study Skills Handbook: How to Ace Tests, Get Straight A’s, and Succeed in School (Learning how to Learn) Paperback – July 19, 2021 by Peter Hollins (Author) The Everything Guide to Study Skills: Strategies, tips, and tools you need to succeed in school! Paperback – July 18, 2011 by Cynthia C Muchnick (Author) Version: 2.0 Page 8 of 8 Prepared by: Alvin Lee
Search
Read the Text Version
- 1 - 8
Pages: