Lesson Planning

Bloom’s Taxonomy

http://thesecondprinciple.com/instructional-design/writing-curriculum/

Although Bloom’s taxonomy differentiates between affective, cognitive and psychomotor domains, I have chosen this resource as a reminder that they are also objectives that can be combined to provide a “holistic” approach to lesson planning; I will refer to this guide for inspiration to create lessons that include aspects of each domain. For example, when instructing hairstyling students, I could have them draw diagrams of specific haircuts (cognitive). Next, they would have to complete the haircut on a mannequin  (psychomotor). And lastly, I would provide positive feedback (affective). As a benefit, more neural pathways will be accessed during the lesson and students will have an easier time recalling information at a later date.

Creating a Positive Learning Environment

http://www.ascd.org/publications/educational-leadership/sept08/vol66/num01/Seven-Strategies-for-Building-Positive-Classrooms.aspx

This resource was selected because of the succinct manner it was written in. It contains seven strategies that are both detailed and to the point, rendering it extremely useful in the future when I will need to quickly reference information to create and make changes to the learning environment. It contains straightforward and proven strategies that are aligned with the psychology of adult learning, beginning with the simple idea that learning has to be relevant as an example. I am anticipating that keeping my students motivated and passionate about learning will be one of the biggest challenges I will face and these techniques are an easy reference to encourage both a positive and therefore motivating environment. It is also a great article to pass on to the other educators at the school

Media

www.instagram.com

I have chosen to reference a popular social media tool as a component of lesson planning because it has become an almost necessary tool for hairstylists today. Thousands of hairstylists post pictures of their work as well as share their techniques to create an online portfolio that is an effective marketing tool. Included are some of the most influential and trendsetting stylists who tend to be at the forefront of new styles. By demonstrating and encouraging participation my students will have an understanding of the most up to date and progressive looks, will have the opportunity to network with other stylists and will have a jumpstart to their career before they even finish school. This will also foster self directed learning after class as well as into the future.

Motivational Techniques

http://iptde.boisestate.edu/FileDepository.nsf/0/693b43c6386707fc872578150059c1f3/$FILE/Keller_1987a.pdf

I choose this article because it contains another quick model to refer to, the ARCS model by John Keller. Although I very much enjoyed reading Wlodkowski’s motivational strategies, which are very influential in this domain,  the ARCS model will be a faster tool to verify if my lessons are going to be motivating enough for my students. If I am having trouble with this aspect I will be able to reference this article and review the four components and make sure my lessons are inclusive of all of them. And, for times when I have extra time to look into the model for more inspiration and applicable techniques, the article does a great job of going deeper and providing some very concrete steps to achieving the priorities laid out by Keller. It is also an article that will be shared with other educators at the school.

Characteristics of Adult Learners

http://www2.southeastern.edu/Academics/Faculty/nadams/etec630&665/Knowles.html

When teaching adults it is important to have an in depth understanding of their distinct learning characteristics in order to create the most positive learning experience possible. This site displays a large body of information regarding adult learning in a  (you guessed it)  quick and digestible manner. I want to respect the learning capacities of my students because I respect and believe the science surrounding andragogy. From my own experience as a learner, the educators I have best learned from always followed the tips included in this article, even if them or myself never realized it at the time. And my least favourite educators didn’t respect the characters of adult learners, rendering the valuable techniques they were trying to teach somewhat impotent. Therefore, to be the best educator I can be, I know that referring often to this site will help me to remember what makes my students special and how important that is to their learning.