Thread:COVA Learning Approach challenges in the classroom Post:COVA Learning Approach challenges in the classroom Author: Cynthia Boothe Posted Date:March 20, 2020 12:15 AMStatus:Pub
The COVA Approach to learning in the classroom is a wonderful, yet challenging idea. While traditional learning is the approach I have used for the most part, I have (without knowing the term) incorporated some of the COVA techniques. As I'm looking at how I teach, with a new perspective, I'm a bit disappointed that I have not done a better job of implementing a variety of ways for my students to learn ASL. After listening to Seth Godin's though-provoking question, "What is school for?", I faced the reality that there could be huge deficit in the general approach to education instead of the smaller one I was concerned about.
Some of the challenges that occur with putting the COVA model in place are:
Adopting a new mindset for teacher and student
How to introduce the idea ? Need poster or visuals
What is the COVA Learning Approach
C-The freedom to choose (C) how they wish to organize, structure and present their experiences and evidences of learning.
O-Ownership (O) over the entire ePortfolio process – including selection of projects and their portfolio tools.
V-The opportunity to use their own voice (V) to revise and restructure their work and ideas.
A-Authentic (A) learning experiences that enable students to make a difference in their own learning environments. Digital Learning and Leading Program Principles by Dr. Harapnuik, Dr. Cummings, & Dr. Thibodeaux
Changing the layout of the classroom
Redesign the learning environment to fit multiple learning zones
Personalize Your Learning Environment: https://www.iste.org/explore/articledetail?articleid=11
Making the grading policy clear
Use a rubric
Clarify with students and parents
Decide how it will translate to a number grade
Dedicating a large portion of time to make initial changes
Universal Design for Learning (UDL) - multiple methods to
Access
Engage
Express
Preparing resources and "learning areas"
PLE -learn and then teach student to make a Person Learning Profile to take ownership of their own learning.
To me, this whole idea of COVA reminds me of a more elaborate, in depth growth of PBL - Project Based Learning that I used when I taught 4th grade Reading/Science/Social Studies. The Project started with a question and students decided how to proceed to answer the questions. Also, Miss Rumphius and My Great Aunt Arizona are interesting books that I read to my students. Multiple lessons were gleaned from the stories and Workstations were set up in the classroom, similar to the layout shown of Kevin McLaughlin's Kindergarten classroom. The idea of self-directed, learner centered learning is truly great for students, if properly introduced and set up at the beginning.
Overall, if students are not interested or engaged in a Growth Mindset, learning will be minimal. As a teacher, my job is to figure out what school is for , and facilitate student learning, in a collaborative setting that will inspire them.
Dr. Tilisa Thibodeaux expresses the importance of engaging the heart and minds of learners, otherwise, students will not have an authentic learning experience. Problem-solving (I am a strong believer in this!), productive thinking, and embracing technology are vital for the DLL environment to be successful.
I have already seen ways to "step up my game" in ASL class for my high school students. By the time I complete this course, I feel that my new mindset and plethora of new knowledge, along with completion of this course as a student myself, will help me implement a new style of teaching in my classroom.
In light of the current pandemic that is transpiring, I am very thankful that I chose this DLL major. I have spent the last few days getting my 153 students set up to continue learning sign language in a virtual setting. I am excited (and a tad exhausted) about new opportunities gained from taking this class and my application to my own students' learning.
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