Module 1: Introduction to Essential Skills to Foster an Effective Learning Environment

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ETAP 623 Fall 2023 | Nick Gentile Portfolio Page | Nick Gentile Mini-Course: Essential Skills to Foster an Effective Learning Environment

Module 1 Overview

Welcome to the first module for Essential Skills to Foster an Effective Learning Environment! We will be discussing each topic that will be uncovered throughout the course briefly throughout the mini-lecture and required readings.

Your first task is to read the course syllabus and record any questions that you may have. This is imperative in an effort to minimize confusion.

You will be required to complete two (2) discussions for this module. The first discussion post will be focused on introducing yourself to your peers allowing us to begin forming our learning community. The second discussion post will revolve around the mini-lecture and will allow you to express your stance on the 4 C’s of the 21stCentury Skills. Remember to reference the readings/videos throughout your posts.

Finally, you will be expected to complete the Module 1 Assessment: Self-Assessment/Reflection. This will allow me to understand who you are as well as the type of educator and approaches that you implement within your learning environments.  

Module 1 Objectives

At the conclusion of this module, the learner:

  • Will be able to analyze and identify pivotal components of the learning environment that they have created in their classrooms. (Cognitive Learning Domain)
  • Will exhibit the ability to modify and revise their strategies when taking into consideration the desired skills that are advocated for the 21st century learner. (Psychomotor Learning Domain)
  • Will formulate their stance in regard to implementing the desired 21st century learner skills. (Affective Learning Domain)

Module 1 Required Readings

The following readings are aligned with the above Module 1 Objectives. Please take notes when reading the following article:

  • Thornhill-Miller, B., Camarda, A., Mercier, M., Burkhardt, J.-M., Morisseau, T., Bourgeois-Bougrine, S., Vinchon, F., El Hayek, S., Augereau-Landais, M., Mourey, F., Feybesse, C., Sundquist, D., & Lubart, T. (2023). Creativity, Critical Thinking, Communication, and Collaboration: Assessment, Certification, and Promotion of 21st Century Skills for the Future of Work and Education. Journal of Intelligence, 11(3), 54-. https://doi.org/10.3390/jintelligence11030054 - https://drive.google.com/file/d/1EZdZij8uqsXXrg1oiPZpozX3VjgJzgOr/view?usp=sharing

Module 1 Mini Lecture

Please watch all videos attached for this module. These videos will replace the lecture segments of a traditional in-person course. When developing your discussion posts, small group activities, or independent assessments, I encourage you to incorporate concepts and methods covered throughout the videos.

What are the 4C's? - https://youtu.be/QrEEVZa3f98?feature=shared

Teacher vs. Student Centered Learning - https://youtu.be/0f4GF4S86dQ?feature=shared

1.4 Video 1 - Constructivist teaching strategies - https://youtu.be/7Zhv9ELy3hU?feature=shared

Module 1 Introduction Discussion Prompt

Use the following prompt to guide your discussion post. You do not need to answer every question, they are here to ignite your thinking.

What are the learning skills desired in the 21st century? Do you believe that these skills are necessary to be a successful learner in our everchanging society? Share your experience of the approaches many of your teachers implemented when you were in school. Did this allow you to learn at your best rate and utilize all of your potential? How do the 21st Century skills relate to modern day teaching approaches?

I encourage you to include personal experiences when answering this prompt. Follow the directions found on the title page of the link provided below.

Use the Google Slides link below to craft your initial post. When responding to your peers, utilize the comment feature on their slide to leave your response.

Google Slide Link: https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1GA82GUCu66Xvf-zxqFG_6Nbr0pmcMC9DHnPx6E3v9GM/edit?usp=sharing

Module 1 Video Discussion Prompt

I encourage you to include personal experiences when answering this prompt.

You will be required to create an initial post and two substantive peer responses. All posts should include APA Citations including required readings, mini-lectures, or additional references found outside of the required readings.

Use the Google Slides link below to craft your initial post. When responding to your peers, utilize the comment feature on their slide to leave your response.

Google Slide Link: https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1QH7tU251kFTSTdzogPahDekZRvko-oh_nm7JUUueOoQ/edit?usp=sharing

Module 1 Assessment - Self-Assessment/Reflection

When completing the Self-Assessment/Reflection assessment, you will answer the following questions below:

  • Can you explain the difference between a traditional teacher approach and a constructivist teaching approach?
  • How would you define your teaching approach? What evidence do you have that supports this teaching approach?
  • Throughout your own experiences and stances, how do you value student relationships and their impact on the learning environment?
  • Do you believe that the desired 21st century skills are practical methods that can be implemented within the classroom?
  • What are some obstacles that you believe will arise with the desired 21st century skills?

Please record your answers utilizing the following Google Form Link: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScXQm6r555nPSD3vuynsoh_U1C-P0D26Ls1tCk6I4WccZb1Bg/viewform?usp=share_link

Module 1 Ask a Question

Use the Google Doc link below to ask any question related to the current module.

Please be as specific as possible so I can ensure that I accurately answer your question and clarify any confusion or misconceptions.

Google Form Doc: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1ur2fkfxsWj0RTd_8jQyaXjQyjM_gOjpnxeCn08C_FwY/edit?usp=sharing

Moving Forward

Click here to progress to Module 2: Communication.

Click here to return to the main course page: Nick Gentile Mini-Course: Essential Skills to Foster an Effective Learning Environment.