What is Best Practice?

 

Albert Einstein stated, “It is the supreme art of the teacher to awaken joy in creative expression and knowledge.” (Blaydes, 2003, p.23).  As a constructivist and a Christian teacher, it is noted creative expression comes before knowledge.  I believe Vygotsky is a compelling theory, which teachers can expand on with influences from other theorists as Piaget.  Best practices for teaching must not focus on one belief system but a combination of several.  I maintain in order to be an effective educator one must allow the student as an individual dictate learning styles for themselves.  Teachers must maintain the role of facilitator and curriculum design but how the assignments are completed should allow for creative expression from the students. 

Communication is essential for learning to be achieved.  As the Bible says, “And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works: Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching.” (Hebrews 10:24-25, KJV).  This is accomplished through blogs and discussion board forums.  Recently, the lines of communications have stretched to mediums as Skype and GoToMeeting. 

If learning is truly an event for a community then universities as Liberty are certainly on the right track for social constructivist application.  It should be stated, students in the online environment can thrive as equals with those attending the traditional classes.  In finalizing the course, I have met some very special individuals and will treasure the memories.  I learned not only about content material but was able to learn something new about myself.

 

 

References

Blaydes, J. (2003). The educator's book of quotes. Thousand Oaks, CA: Corwin Press.

 

Deulen, A. A. (2013). Social constructivism and online learning environments: Toward a theological model for Christian educators. Christian Education Journal, 10(1), 90-98.

 

Articles

Crawford-Ferre, H. G., & Wiest, L. R. (2012). Effective online instruction in higher education. The Quarterly Review of Distance Education, 13(1), 11-14.

 

Morrison, K. A. (2011). Using web conferencing to teach constructivist, discussion-rich seminars. The Quarterly Review of Distance Education, 12(4), 269-274.

 

Romanelli, F., Bird, E., & Ryan, M. (2009). Learning styles: A review of theory, application, and best practices. American Journal of Pharmaceutical Education, 73(1), 1-5.