Reflection and Transformative Learning

Well another blogging dry spell...writer's block, school assignments, experiencing life as an empty nester. So this week's writer's block...wasn't so much of a writer's block...but I got caught up in the activity of reflection. Reflecting on life events, school assignments, and blog drafts.

As I completed the assignment and reflected on self reflection and collaborative reflective activities I kept coming back to blog drafts.

Transformative Learning was stuck in my gray matter. How many of you engage in Transformative Learning?

We cannot encourage students to engage in transformative learning if we are unwilling to do it ourselves (Palloff & Pratt, 2007, Pg 202). Palloff & Pratt go on to quote Stephen Brookfield (1995) notes that 'those of us who are trying to get colleagues to identify and question their assumptions, or to look at their practice through different lenses, must do the same" (pg 205). This is followed by a list of questions designed for self-reflection.

In Chapter 9, there is a section titled, We Are The Experts When It Comes to Our Own Learning. When students are empowered to become experts at their own learning, they cannot help but be transformed as people. Their self esteem rises, as does their confidence in their abilities. The main task of educators/instructors as facilitators of this process is to bring forth their best instructional practices and then get out of the way (Palloff & Pratt, 2007, pg 205).

How do you engage in Transformative Learning with your students? Peers? Superiors? Family? Community groups? Other groups in your lifelong learning process?

Meaningful Feedback

This week I had some writer's block issues with "Meaningful Feedback". As a practitioner, giving and receiving feedback has never been an issue. Learning to write about it academically was a little more challenging.

So as I submitted my assignment and had some days to reflect on scenarios, situations, and mentors who shaped my experience with feedback I wondered, "How many people give feedback to help others improve performance or project outcomes?"

We only know...what we know.

Are we teaching students (traditional & non-traditional) today the role of meaningful feedback in the process of lifelong learning? Are you a silent sideline critic? Have you ever sought feedback from peers, mentors, or supervisors which helped you improve your own self assessments? How do you incorporate meaningful feedback?

As always, feedback, comments, and shared knowledge are always welcome.

Remote Participative Parenting Continued

My daughter took this picture during one of our VTCs. Only the digital generation will take pictures of their parents and post them on their social networks to let their friends know mom is just a click away.

I enjoy our communication through email, text, and VTC. We say what mean and we mean what we say. Even grandma enjoys the VTC and "blowing me up to full screen".



I went back for a visit and we had a couple of meals together but she had to work and of course her college social life has her committed with friends.

While my daughter didn't have this type of technology in her public school education, at least she has participative family members who incorporate technology to stay connected. I am proud to call her a gadget girl.

While I am enjoying the empty nest status, blogging has fallen down the list of priorities as I explore new interests and enjoy getting outdoors and exploring the different parks in NC.

I do not miss all of the negative press about our students from the media sources in Augusta, GA. I could return to Augusta and not read the local news about students being arrested, suspended, or harangued. It doesn't mean it didn't happen, I just chose not to view any of the local media.

Any one else out there practicing remote participative parenting as the child moves off to college, the parent moves on for career progression, or deploys in support of our country? Your comments are always welcome.