Blog Post #3

Health Competency Seminar 

For the Health Competency Seminar, my group will be looking at the impact of social media on mental health. This topic is particularly important to me because I was cyberbullied starting at an early age. I grew up in the time when snapchat and Instagram were starting to catch fire and really blow up. Social media has a significant impact on mental well-being, and comes with addiction problems, altered images of self-worth, and more. The topic is relevant to our group because we all want to teach in the age group that is in the target age group for usage within these apps. As teachers, we must consider what anxiety can come from taking students phones away or restricting usage during class time. I had teachers who had “phone hotels” in high school where they would keep phones during class time. Personally, unless it is becoming a huge issue, I think you should make class interesting enough students do not want to be on their phones. I also am close in age to grade 12 students and am a part of the people who struggle with anxiety after not being online for a certain period. To provide an engaging learning experience, I will make sure my group does at least 50% presenting and speaking to an equal amount of the other 50% of the lesson being hands on. I did a similar assignment in Vivienne Temple’s class, and the most fun presentations were the ones more hand on. To allow for meaningful participation, we will have options to allow for students to “quietly” and privately participate if they are more comfortable with that (such as writing an answer down instead of saying it aloud). We will also have activities where roles can be assigned to group members, so peers can choose what they would like to take part in and oversee. This will allow for greater comfort within the class and increase motivation for participation. 

Self-Directed Learning Model (SSDL):  

The Self-Directed Learning Model (SSDL) provides a structured approach to fostering student independence, responsibility, and motivation in the learning process. As a teacher, integrating this model into my teaching philosophy means gradually shifting the ownership of learning to students while still providing the necessary support and resources. I would like to encourage you to watch the following TED Talk: The Future of Education is Self-Directed Learning | Dr. Timothy Stafford, Ph.D. | TEDxEustis 

In this video, Dr. Timothy Stafford talks about how students find it hard to self-determine what is important in learning. “Exploring the future of education, Dr. Timothy Stafford unveils heutagogy’s potential to transform learning into a self-driven journey, emphasizing autonomy, discovery, and personal resonance in acquiring knowledge and creating lifelong learners.” This video provides an auditory option for my peers to hear from a recognized expert in instructional design, educational technology, virtual instruction, virtual education, digital literacy, digital course design, and educational futuring. He has over 30 years of experience in educational leadership, instruction, and curriculum and course development in higher education, K–12, and multiple for-profit and not-for-profit industries. 

Encouraging Student Ownership and Responsibility 

One of the key benefits of the SSDL is that it places students at the center of their educational journey. By taking ownership of their learning, students develop essential life skills such as critical thinking, decision-making, and problem-solving. When students have the autonomy to explore topics that interest them within a given framework, they are more engaged and invested in their learning. To implement this, I can provide students with opportunities to set personal learning goals, choose project topics, and determine their preferred learning strategies. Regular self-assessment and reflection activities can also help students recognize their progress and areas for growth, reinforcing a sense of accountability. 

Fostering Independence and Self-Motivation 

The SSDL encourages learners to transition from being dependent on the teacher to becoming self-directed individuals. This is particularly valuable in a Grade 8 classroom, where students are developing a greater sense of agency and responsibility. By designing learning experiences that gradually increase student autonomy, I can help their journey toward independent learning. 

For instance, I can begin with structured guidance, such as direct instruction and step-by-step assignments, then gradually introduce more student-led activities like inquiry-based projects, collaborative discussions, and independent research. Providing choice in assignments, such as allowing students to present their understanding through written reports, videos, or artistic representations, helps them take ownership of their learning path. 

Structuring Learning Experiences for Self-Direction 

While self-directed learning emphasizes student autonomy, guidance and support remain essential. I can structure learning experiences using the following strategies: 

• Clear Expectations: Providing rubrics, success criteria, and exemplars helps students understand what is expected while allowing room for creativity and personalization. 

• Checkpoints and Feedback: Regular check-ins and constructive feedback help students stay on track while still having the freedom to explore their learning process. 

• Collaborative Learning: Encouraging peer support, group projects, and discussions allows students to learn from one another while developing communication and teamwork skills. 

By embedding the Self-Directed Learning Model into my teaching approach, I can prepare students for future academic challenges but also equips them with the skills needed for lifelong learning. 

Student-Centered Learning Approaches 

Incorporating student-centered learning approaches in health education can significantly enhance engagement, retention, and personal connection to the material. By shifting the focus from teacher-led instruction to student-driven exploration, educators can create a dynamic learning environment where students take ownership of their learning in meaningful ways. In order “to optimize students’ levels of skills, knowledge, and competence in higher education, teachers have been encouraged to work systematically to understand how their pedagogical approaches affect the students’ learning process and learning outcomes” (Sørensen 1). 

Strategies for Student-Centered Learning 

Inquiry-Based Learning – Encouraging students to ask questions and explore topics that interest them leads to curiosity and a deeper understanding. For instance, in a lesson on mental well-being, students can research different stress management techniques and present their findings to the class. 

Project-Based Learning – Providing students with real-world problems to solve can make learning more relevant. A project on building a personal mental wellness plan allows students to apply their knowledge and tailor strategies to their own needs. 

Collaborative Learning – Encouraging peer collaboration fosters communication skills and critical thinking. Activities like group discussions, peer teaching, and role-playing scenarios can help students learn from one another and develop a sense of community. 

Experiential Learning – Hands-on activities such as mindfulness exercises, guided nature walks, or creative arts integration (e.g., journaling, music, movement) help students connect with the material on a personal level, making learning more impactful. 

Flexible Assessments – Moving beyond traditional tests and quizzes by incorporating self-assessments, peer reviews, and portfolio-based evaluations can empower students to reflect on their growth and learning journey. 

Creating an Inclusive and Supportive Learning Environment 

To develop a student-centered classroom, it is crucial to: 

• Acknowledge Diverse Learning Styles – Use multimodal instruction, including visual, auditory, and kinesthetic activities, to accommodate different learners. 

• Encourage a Growth Mindset – Promote resilience by reinforcing the idea that skills and understanding develop through effort and persistence. 

• Provide a Safe and Respectful Space – Ensure that all students feel valued and heard by incorporating student feedback and promoting a culture of respect. 

• Utilize Technology – Interactive tools like digital discussions, self-paced learning platforms, and virtual simulations can personalize learning experiences. 

Promoting Active Participation and Critical Thinking 

Active participation is key to student-centered learning. I would like to encourage students to: 

• Engage in Self-Reflection – Journaling or discussion prompts can help students process their learning and make meaningful connections. 

• Take Leadership Roles – Assigning roles such as discussion facilitators or project leaders gives students a sense of responsibility. 

• Question and Debate – Encourage open-ended questions and debates helps students develop critical thinking skills and learn to articulate their viewpoints. 

By integrating student-centered learning approaches into health education, we can create a learning environment that values individuality, includes collaboration, and promotes lifelong skills. Shifting from teacher-led instruction to student-driven exploration empowers students to take an active role in their education, ensuring that learning is both meaningful and impactful. 

Citations:  

Sørensen, Arne, et al. “Student Teacher Experiences of Learning and Pedagogical Involvement Using a Student-Centered Learning Approach.” Education Sciences, vol. 13, no. 9, 2023, pp. 965-, https://doi.org/10.3390/educsci13090965. 

“The Future of Education is Self-Directed Learning.” YouTube, uploaded by TED x Talks,26 March 2024, Speechify | Stay Focused & Save 10 Hours a Week.