This writing assignment will ask you to synthesize the reading materials from Unit 1 while incorporating your own teaching experience and learning setting.
Examine Figure 6.1 Perspectives on Learning Environments (p. 134) of the Bransford text. The diagram illustrates the intersection of learner-centered, knowledge-centered, and assessment-centered learning environments embedded within a community setting.
- Describe a learning environment that demonstrates the point at which each of the three circles intersects. If you are working in a school, base your answer on the current curriculum. Use your content area, your student demographics, school program policies, etc. to illustrate your response. If you are not currently teaching, you can base your answer on a school in your community. Clearly, you are writing about a ‘perfect situation’ which is unlikely to exist given the diversity of challenges classroom teachers encounter. Instead, you are writing towards a ‘best case scenario’. What would need to happen at your school in order to align each of the learning environments as depicted in Figure 6.1?
- As you formulate your response, consider how you define ‘learning’ in each of the three learning environments. Do expectations for knowledge acquisition change?
- Finally, given the way in which you have aligned your school program with Figure 6.1 Perspectives on Learning Environments, discuss at least one implication for how you provide (or would provide if you were teaching) instruction in your classroom now. Consider how practices that balance learner-centered, knowledge-centered, and assessment-centered learning environments embedded within a community setting might inform your current pedagogy.
- Rubic
- Foundation of
Knowledge: - Student demonstrates
command of the
subject matter in the
assignment by
accurately addressing
& describing the
intersection of all
three levels of learnercentered, knowledgecentered, &
assessment-centered
learning. Assignment
shows an impressive
level of depth of
student’s ability to
consider the definition
of ‘learning’ and to
address at least one
implication for current
pedagogy. Student
provides
comprehensive
analysis of details,
facts, and concepts in
a logical sequence - Critical Thinking
Skills: -
Student provides a
strategic approach in
presenting examples
of problem solving or
critical thinking, while
drawing logical
conclusions which are
not immediately
obvious. Student
provides wellsupported ideas and
reflection with a
variety of current
and/or world views in
the assignment.
Student presents a
genuine intellectual
development of ideas
throughout
assignment -
Organization, Style
& Citations: - Student thoroughly
understands and excels
in explaining all major
points. An original,
unique, and/or
imaginative approach
to overall ideas,
concepts, and findings
is presented. Overall
format of assignment
includes an
appropriate
introduction (or
abstract), well-developed paragraphs,
and conclusion.
Finished assignment
demonstrates student’s
ability to plan and
organize research in a
logical sequence.
Student uses at least of
2 outside references in
assignment. - Grammar &
Mechanics: -
Student demonstrates
an excellent command
of grammar, as well as
presents research in a
clear and concise
writing style. Presents
a thorough, extensive
understanding of word
usage. Student excels
in the selection and
development of a
well-planned research
assignment.
Assignment is errorfree and reflects
student’s ability to
prepare a high-quality
academic assignment
using APA formatting.
Submission is within
the prescribed page
limit. -
FIGURE 6.1 Perspectives on
learning environments. SOURCE:
Bransford et al. (1998).
Community
Learner
centered
Assessment
centered
Knowledge
centered