Francys Machado
Embrace change; It's a path to growth and new opportunities!
Connecting and Communicating My Ideas
As I began my journey in education five years ago as instructional support, I harbored a deep desire to make a significant difference. While this hope is common among educators, I constantly searched for ways to turn my ideas into tangible actions. Despite having numerous ideas, I needed more resources to implement them, so my professional development stagnated. Perceptions like this highlighted a gap between existing teaching methodologies and the current needs of my students. However, I was convinced I had something valuable to offer them, something that could enrich their educational experience. This lack of tools prompted me to seek new growth opportunities.
Enrolling in the Lamar University Teaching Professional Development program was a crucial turning point in my career; thanks to the school program, my expectations increased, and my understanding of the technological world expanded to include the infinite possibilities these tools offer in teaching and learning. Now, my interest in technology-enhanced education has evolved and solidified. In this context, I invite you to explore my INNOVATION PLAN.
I fully recognize that each student's language skills progress at different rates, such as listening, speaking, reading, and writing. Through my proposal, a blended learning environment in the classroom offers students an invaluable opportunity to understand concepts more deeply. This approach materializes when students have the chance to teach the content to others (teach it), apply it in different situations (use it), demonstrate their mastery through practical examples (prove it), explain the concepts in their own words (describe it), argue for their understanding (defend it), and comprehend implications beyond the obvious (read between the lines) (Wiggins, G., & McTighe, J., 2005).
In contrast, quizzes and short-answer tests only suggest a superficial understanding. This approach fosters more robust and meaningful learning, allows students to delve deeper into the content, and develops a more holistic experience.
Call to Action
A "call to action" in education is a direct and motivating invitation for educators to engage in professional development activities actively. Its goal is to encourage them to commit to specific learning opportunities, such as workshops or courses, to improve their teaching practices and ultimately benefit their students.
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My first call to action was an invitation to join my digital journey to revolutionize Spanish language teaching for middle schoolers using Blended Learning. Check out my video, proposal, literature review, implementation plan, and references to learn more. Let us explore new educational horizons together for the benefit of our students. Disruptive Innovation in Technology 5305.
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My second call to action remains the same but now focuses on improving professional learning within our organization. It was a journey of reflection, innovation, and tangible change. Due to the challenges in today's education, it becomes evident that adapting to changing demands and embracing innovative strategies are imperative to enriching our students' learning experiences. This journey begins with personal reflection, where we recognize our educational approach's why, what, and how. Why? Because it is essential to identify the crucial role of professional learning in shaping teaching practice and student outcomes. What? Developing an online Spanish course based on a COVA (Choice, Ownership, and Voice in Authentic Learning) approach, a technique developed by Dr. Harapnuik, an educator and expert in educational technology, fosters personalized and meaningful learning experiences for our students. And how? Through rigorous research, collaboration, and adopting constructivist principles in our professional development initiatives. It is not just a proposal but a call to action, inviting all interested parties to revolutionize our approach to professional learning, ultimately cultivating a dynamic and student-centered educational environment that thrives on innovation and growth.
Call to Action 1
Call to Action 2
Communicating Successfully
Leading Organization Change 5304 class, I addressed how effective communication plays a fundamental role in the success of any organizational change initiative. A clear example of this is the Influence Strategy. This document highlights how identifying key influencers, defining clear goals, and using various strategies can influence behavior and achieve desired outcomes within an educational organization, personal motivation, social capacity, and structure; the plan offers a comprehensive approach to promoting change and improving students' learning experiences. Illustrates how effective communication can be a powerful tool to facilitate change and positively impact the educational environment.
Additionally, using structured methodologies like the 4 Disciplines of Execution (4DX) to achieve organizational goals effectively is crucial. It emphasizes the need for disciplined execution amidst the chaos of daily tasks and underscores the importance of embracing change and fostering a robust organizational culture. The proposed implementation of blended learning in the Spanish classroom for 6th graders is a practical application of these principles, aiming to empower students and educators. Furthermore, integrating the Influence Model with 4DX is highlighted as a strategic approach to address individual and organizational factors, ensuring the successful implementation of the innovation plan.
You can delve deeper into my link below: Self-Differentiated Leadership And Organizational Change: A Reflective Journey Navigating Leadership And Innovation In Education.
Planning the Alternative PL to CSLE
This professional learning plan emerged from the success of implementing blended learning in language classes. It aimed to equip educators with personalized and blended learning skills. It incorporated strategies like the 4 Disciplines of Execution (4DX) and the Influence Strategy to support teachers in blended learning environments. The goal was to transform language teaching by effectively integrating technology and fostering collaboration among educators. The plan highlighted the importance of continuous support and cooperation between teachers, aligning with the principles of effective professional development. It included concepts like the Understanding by Design (UbD) framework and the Big Hairy Audacious Goal (BHAG) to establish ambitious objectives in technology integration. In summary, it sought to create a future where technology and innovation drove educational excellence and prepared students for success in an increasingly digitized and globalized world.
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For further exploration, I invite you to delve deeper into the Alternative PL by following this link.
Creating Significant Learning Environments
Let us recall the task of creating meaningful learning environments. Tools like the three-column and UbD tables are essential for designing student-centered teaching plans aligned with learning objectives. I invite you to review these proposals as they can significantly improve teaching and learning quality by focusing on understanding students' needs and designing relevant and meaningful learning experiences. By adopting these tools, we can maximize impact in the classroom and cultivate a dynamic, student-centered educational environment that promotes innovation and continuous growth.
Challenges and Limitations
Although effective communication strategies and the design of meaningful learning environments offer significant benefits, we face challenges that cannot be ignored. We must overcome obstacles to change among some educators, such as the scarcity of resources such as time and training and the need to adapt our strategies to diverse educational contexts. Additionally, ongoing assessment of impact and ensuring continuous evaluation are fundamental aspects that require attention.
It is essential to confront these challenges with determination and commitment. However, we must also remember the importance of maintaining a positive mindset. The power of optimism, resilience, and perseverance are crucial on this journey. Throughout my professional development, I have learned to value these mindset tools, which continue to guide me in my pursuit of transformation and continuous growth.
References