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We continued learning about the assessment tools and methods today..

5 Main Questions... as understood by me

Q1: what are the assessment methods?
- strategies used to see if the students have achieved the learning objectives
Q2: why is it important to use multiple methods?
- Using multiple methods results in a more inclusive learning environment for all types of students based on their level of knowledge.
Q3: which assessment method should be used?
- the one that shows the different levels of the students and the one that is useful based on whatever resources are available.
Q4: what is an assessment (methods) "map"/matrix?
- we can assess students based on different criteria such as remembering, understanding, applying, analyzing etc..
Q5: What are the direct and indirect methods of assessment?
- direct includes tests, essays, presentations etc. indirect includes learning diaries, interviews, and their reflection on learning.

Assessment of knowledge, performance, and attitude...

Beside the things written in the lecture pdf, here are my own understanding of the subject...

Assessing knowledge is where you check what the student knows/ have learned. This is very important for the student, the teacher, as well as the institution since it can be used to determine their levels. It is conducted by many methods, such as, MCQs, short answer questions, group projects, etc.

Assessing performance is checking the skill level of the student by giving them activities where they can use their knowledge. Activities such as field trips, lab experiments, PBL etc. are great methods to check these skills.

Assessing attitude of the student can be made by the student himself, by the direct surrounding (360), or by peers. It is made to check what the student has understood from the subject and how he has developed himself with the subject.

Finally, there are rubrics that teachers must use in order to assess many different types of assignments. This is very important and the student must be given this before the assignment to avoid any confusion.

Some class notes...

- I agree with m. Lehat when she said that steps must be provided for MCQs, this will show better understanding of the subject matter.
- Internship is another way of assessing performance just like m. Bakhan said.
- It is important to remove bias (when teachers are assessing students), this can be done by broadening the number of assessors as m. Miran said.

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The theme of today's class was assessment tools and methods..

It is important to align assessment tools with the learning outcomes of the students and how deep the students have learned, in other words, assess the students not only to judge them but also to improve their learning throughout the subject.

WHAT, WHY, and HOW do we assess?

What we assess is the competence of students which includes their knowledge, their activities, and their general attitude towards the subject.

We assess to guide their learning through out the subject, provide evidence for their learning, and finally give a certificate as validation. it's important for teachers not to leave students behind with their learning and keep track of the poor students.

The how is achieved when students express themselves and conduct a study on specific topics. The assessment should show the different levels of the students, also, if the assessment always shows high marks or low marks, then something might be wrong and the assessment method must be reviewed. The teacher must also be objective and evaluate his assessment to check if he has achieved his learning outcomes.

OTHER points to mention..

There are also the timing of these assessments such as the formative, summative etc. These should aim to teach and increase learning instead of controlling the students. The results of the assessments should also be transparent so that the student can evaluate himself as well. It is also possible for the students to have a say in how they would like to be assessed.

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We continued learning about the learning environment and how we can improve on them. Dr. Karwan discussed the physical and the network in class with us.

The physical environment...

The physical places within a campus such as garages, teachers rooms, reception area, W.C facilities, gardens, workplaces for heavy machines etc. should exist as a standard in school campuses.

Other physical places for learning (outside the campus) include a specific study place in our homes (if possible).

here are a few notes from the student-teachers:
- they mentioned how there are many differences between the foreign universities they studied in versus our own public universities. For example, there were bicycles (and bicycle lanes), large garden areas, health centers, mosques, and so on. Also, the buses were never late and the college buildings were designed based on the college theme. Additionally, how a clean environment must be maintained by the students and the teachers.
- Dr. Karwan mentioned how political influence must be eliminated from the universities and how free Wi-fi is a complete necessity for teachers and students alike. I agree, if the political influence is removed, so are the biases towards students from staff members and teachers.

So.. are these things difficult to accomplish here in our own campuses?

Yes and no,
It starts with the teachers themselves being sincere and having a good consciousness to do good and prevent bad things. From here, they should change the things they CAN change and try to change the things they CAN'T later on.
I think the university management must be made responsible to fix the issues mentioned earlier. It will be difficult if the management are careless.

The Network...

There are a few points to mention
- You should be aware of how you talk/ interact with other people
- Making friends (as a teacher) is important, it is better if some of them are in the teaching environment.
- How your family acts with you should not affect the classroom, you should be a teacher in the class and nothing else.
- We rely a lot on our smartphones which can be used to our advantage for emailing and making teacher groups etc.

Few other discussion points...

- The matter of dress codes was discussed and how the teacher should be able to wear what they like (that is appropriate based on the culture and situation). An inappropriate clothe changes the students focus from content of material to context of surrounding environment (which is not good).
- interactivity / letting the students become more active to create a better LE
- use technology and role changing (student to teacher) to enhance learning

the rest of the day Dr. Karwan explained blogs and blog writing..

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Poster presentation day...

Each group presented their poster in a meaningful way and I will try to briefly comment on and write what I have learned.

1 st Group: (G4) "Flash cards method"

- consists of cards that are made of either words, numbers, or pictures that help students better understand the subject.
- 2 main types: 1. symbol/ pictures 2.  information with pictures. these can be either small or big in size
- why is it important? because it is easy to use, gets student attention quickly, and can give immediate feedback to the student.
- what are the applications: vocabulary for new languages, equations for math class, alphabet for children, definitions of places and things, synonyms and antonyms, summary of lessons.
- advantages include: portable learning method can be used anywhere, easier to memorize information.
-disadvantages include: small sizes might not be seen from far away, we can not put a lot of information on the card.
- what are the principles of flashcards? basically it must be attractive and both sides should be used with precise and short information.

As a conclusion for this teaching method, in my opinion, it has a high impact on learning with relatively lower effort (similar to what they said).

2 nd Group: (G3) "Class discussion by teacher method"

- the teacher shares the subject prior to class, then the students discuss the subject and everyone gives their input on the subject until a result is reached. this discussion is important for students so that they can process the information better and critically think about the subject.
- the teacher should be aware of not going off topic and be careful of time.
- symposium? it tries to present 1 academic topic by a serious student who also should give his own opinion about the topic.
- advantages include: better mixing of information between students, integrating new information with older ones, increases the students interest.
- disadvantages include: can not be used for every subject (i.e. math), can not be used for all levels of students, some students might feel shy or have little knowledge on the subject.

in conclusion, I think this method is effective because it allows new information (besides the teacher's information) to be circulated in the class which ultimately increases the students knowledge and understanding.

3 rd Group: (G7) "Teaching with models method"

- what are models? it is a 3D representation of a proposed structure on a smaller scale
- why is it important? engages the student with the subject, increases visualization skills, can be used as a stimulation and predict future.
- steps include: a preliminary model is made based on the teacher's idea (or student) which can be changed by the students until the final product is reached.
- there are 3 main types: software (can not be touched), conceptual (idea), and physical (can be touched)
. recycling of a bottle was presented as an example.. i still do not understand why

in conclusion, this is very useful in my field (engineering) because we can use models for miniature buildings and site plans (physical), we can use equational models to predict concrete strength based on different parameters (conceptual), we can also use software programs to design a building and put them through simulations such as earthquakes (software).

4 th Group: (G5) "Debate method"

- A debate is a formal way of communication to discuss a subject with two different perspectives.
- why is it important? it encourages critical thinking, research, planning, and communication.
- steps? a topic is posed by the teacher, groups are made (from different thinkers), research and hypothesizes are made, then debate starts.
- advantages: improves time management skills of students
- examples include political debates and cross examination debates (open ended questions needed), academic debates.

in conclusion, this method strengthens the students personality and language (communication skills). It also improves their research skills since they have to prove that their idea is better than the other group.
However, this must not create hatred between the students since the purpose is to increase learning in the classroom.

5 th Group: (G1) "Lecture by teacher method"

- this was made by our group so i will not write about it (also because it is common knowledge)
- it is a teacher centered approach of learning which has its pros and cons.

in conclusion I think the best use of this method is to present new information for the first time just like the ICT module in this pedagogy course.

6 th Group: (G6) "Laboratory experiments performed by more than 2 students working together method"

- In this method, the students work together in a lab (either inside or outside) to create experiments based on their hypothesis and theoretical subjects.
- advantages include: classroom experiment is "active" learning, students work together to solve problems, compare results with theories.

in conclusion, this method should always be used any time it is possible because it is a hands on approach which enables long term memory in the student.

7 th Group: (G2) "Problem solving teaching method"

- in general, its a process from which previous knowledge is critically used to solve generated problems.
- m. jamal (based on his small survey) said it was a very advantageous method which can be best used during MSc (and then downwards from there).
- the steps include: identifying the problem, obtaining data, defining objectives, solving the issue, evaluating the solution to either accept or decline it.
- the advantages are: allows students to use different methods to solve problems and develops a feeling of helpfulness in students.
- the disadvantages are: some students might not be able to properly think about solutions, a good teacher is required to guide students in the right direction.
- m. shamal talked about his real life example of a question he posed to his students; 'why women can not participate freely in politics' and that the results of his problem solving method was "very good" in the end.

in conclusion, this method can be used to solve many problems (real or theoretical) from which a student can learn to critically think and communicate his/her ideas and opinions (solutions).

Conclusion of today...

The effectiveness of these methods depend highly on the situation and the material to be learned. For example, a theoretical subject can not utilize laboratory experiments since it is not appropriate. Moreover, we must choose one method over another based on the classroom context. Whether a classroom is small or big, has computers or not, all change the methods of teaching.

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What is a Learning Environment?

Dr. Karwan broke the ice by asking how many of us has finished their post graduate degrees outside of Iraq. This is important to discuss since students psychology is influenced by the teachers university. This is a recurring phenomena in Kurdistan.

Relating to creating a positive learning environment, here is a quote by Benjamin Franklin.

“Tell me and I forget, teach me and I may remember,
involve me and I learn”

… so what is meant by a learning environment (LE)?
Based on our lecture today as well as the teacher-student discussions, here is a brief summary...

A learning environment is a complete package. it does not simply mean the physical classroom, it also includes the methods of teaching/ learning, the context, and culture of the students.

The extra physical places to improve LE includes the library, lab, cafeteria etc.  moreover, a positive LE reduces student learning distractions. For example, bad room lighting, bad smell, temperature, and noise etc. should be avoided.

Dr. Karwan said we should create a positive environment for the teachers first. That is logical, if the teachers are not comfortable, how are they suppose to teach students? The teacher must have an appropriate environment to display his/her potential and achieve their objectives.

LE also involves the student, their questions, their discussions, their search for sources. It includes characteristics of the setting (classroom), assessment methods, and authentic learning. Also, the various learning habits (that is different from student to student).

We watched a video (linked below) that showed in detail all of the other characteristics of a positive learning environment. we were given an assignment to write on them so I will not discuss that here.

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What are Soft Skills?

I learned that soft skills are those which are independent of your specific individual professions.

These include critical thinking, problem solving, public speaking, professional writing, teamworking, digital literacy, leadership, career management.. which are all desirable in all professions

Class discussions about 21st century skills

These are the points which I learned from and intrigued me:

Dr. Karwan mentioned that interpersonal skills (ability to interact with others) is an absolute necessity for teachers. He gave us examples of emailing with students (its formality) and when people say a teacher is smart but doesn't know how to properly teach in a way which students understand.

Dr. Miran mentioned that creative thinking is encouraged in India. I believe that it should be encouraged here as well.

m. Yad explained communication and collaboration between student-student and student-teacher which results in more learning and gave an example on the field trip to the mechanical factory to see things practically. Of course, people learn better by observing and doing as oppose to just listening to lectures.

Dr. Miran talked about the importance of leadership in teamwork. Good leadership discourages freeloaders. I agree, a team should always have a leader who works with them which is also different from a boss who only gets to command them.

m. Aso said that creative teachers can create creative students. absolutely! you can't learn something from someone who doesn't have it.

m. Lavan said that teachers must be up to date with technology. This was also my main point when Dr. Miran asked us about soft skills. An out of date teacher can not effectively connect with students.

m. Lehat said that teachers should fake enthusiasm to create a positive environment in the classroom. I agree, spreading positive energy improves learning and concentration of students.

Dr. Karwan mentioned the fact that role changing (student to teacher) allows the student to retain much more information compared to other types of teaching. (relating to the learning pyramid)

After much discussion about the English and Kurdish language, Dr. Karwan reminded us that Kurdish is a broad and living language but its problem is that it lacks support from the users (us). Dr. Miran mentioned globalization and how even Finland is having 8 programs in English side by side with their own language.

In my opinion, Kurdish should be used in schools and English in universities. This gives a chance for students to be prepared for globalization.

m. Twana gave an excellent example of Malaysia where they improved their status by learning English and yet did not fail to lose their Malayan identity and language. we should learn from Malaysia!

m. Rozhgar said that "love" makes communication and collaboration effective. this reminded me of Paulo Freire's ideas in his pedagogy of the oppressed book where he says,

"Love is at the same time the foundation of dialogue and dialogue itself."

Dr. Miran answered m. Banaz's question of how we can make the students feel that the module is theirs. He said, we can update the module based on the assessment of the students and allow the students to choose the time of their tests (making a poll). These are the practical things which I would like to learn more in these discussions.

m. Ranyar talked about how in Law college there is no room for new curriculum and that the students are always graded based on the old one. This is unfortunate since it leaves no room for updating students knowledge based on current events.

As Dr. Miran talked about orientation, m. Lehat mentioned the system they have placed in AUIS where the students are familiarized with a lot of things before the school year starts. This reduces the work load on the teacher as the teacher is now responsible only for teaching the subject and not for teaching the students how to write an email for example.

What I think about 21st century skills...

Soft skills are essential for modern pedagogy teachers. The creative pedagogy which includes creative teaching, creative learning, and teaching for creativity are the building blocks for modern pedagogy.
Using combined teaching methods as well as updating the modules and a general dynamic teaching method with attention to "context" ( our environment and culture) all lead to a better learning environment.

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Joe Ruhl TEDx talk about student centered learning (video)

Dr. Miran gave us a chance to discuss what we've learned from the video he previously gave us.
I believe he did this to demonstrate that teachers can give students study material before they come to class so that they are prepared and ready to discuss the subject in hand. In this case, it was the teaching methods.

Teaching methods...

Lecturing: oral presentation of information
This type has advantages and disadvantages as was shown in the slides, there are a few more points that can be added such as:

1. As m. Dawar said, if we do not have enough time to complete the curriculum due to uncontrollable circumstances, then it is better to use the teacher centered method to present most of the essential topics since student center can take longer.

2. m. Derin's point about the tone of the teacher. They should not be monotone!

3. The presentation should not contain a lot of text as to not bore the audience.

4. Dr. Miran mentioned a great practical example. He talked about a teacher where he controlled the noise level of the students by lowering or raising his own voice in contrast to theirs.

Common learning methods...

Dr. Miran showed us the common learning methods, and specifically discussed workshops!

Aside from the slides,

1. Dr. Miran said that there is no quality control given for the workshops here in Kurdistan, the agenda is not known (is it for teaching or is it for gaining points?),  who should benefit from the workshop?, and finally, there is no filter to determine if it is a seminar or a workshop.

2. m. Ranyar talked about time management for the workshops. some teachers do not finish their workshops and conclude early without reaching their objectives.

Fish-bowl for learning

This is a great way to involve most of the students into the subject/ discussion.

The question we were suppose to discuss was about time management in a classroom.
These are the things I learned from the student- teachers during the fish-bowl:

1. Leave time for questions
2. Discuss the previous class's results
3. Don't give too much time for questions (plan ahead)
4. Give them the material to prepare themselves before hand and correct their misinformation when they discuss them in class.
5. Practice your presentation many times in order to use your time wisely and keep within the time limit.
6. Give them a short break!
7. Review what has been learned at the end of the class.
8. Take a couple of minutes at the beginning of the class to observe and diagnose the class environment.

Authentic learning...

This is a type of learning where real life problems are used instead of theoretical problems. This is good for those class projects that require hands on approach.

The students will practically perform the solution and will have a great idea of how it works in real life. We will discuss this in detail in the upcoming classes.

Gamification - Flipped learning - Problem based learning

Gamification was briefly discussed where the learning process is made into a game so that students can enjoy themselves while learning.

Flipped classrooms: the traditional lectures are presented online beforehand, any questions and assignments are conducted in the classroom. A video was presented to us which explains the process clearly.

Problem based learning (PBL): 1 problem with many solutions based on student creativity. The PBL cycle describes the process!

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What does pedagogy mean to me?

I believe it is a teaching method since by method i mean all the different styles of teaching. some teachers my do it more poorly than others and some may do it with much more enthusiasm and passion. so, it's a method to convey a message.

What do I expect to learn?

I want to learn what the teaching methods are, traditional and modern.
I want to learn the formalities between teachers and students.
I want to learn how to become an effective teacher without compromising student learning.
I want to learn how to share my knowledge to the best of my capabilities.

Learning from Dr. Karwans practical experiences...

He expressed strong opinions about those students who don't bring pens and notepads into the classroom. I agree, if students don't take notes, they will not have anything to reflect on when they go home.

He told us to never let students record a session without our permission. it is just common courtesy to ask for permission and avoid problems.

He gave an example of how he purposefully includes 60 pages for a test in order for students to remove some of them and still keep the essential information. what a great idea!

I disagree with one point though, I don't think we should always backup the teacher.. it should always depend on the situation and appropriately assessed!

The "technological" teaching methods...

Dr. Miran showed us the new advanced methods of teaching such as the holograms, the face recognitions, and the virtual reality (VR) etc.
I think VR is the most promising because it has the least disadvantage, for example:
1. I think hologram teaching is just like a teacher centered classroom where you can only listen and not give any input.
2. the face recognition is highly impractical due to the insincerity it creates. Students can fake emotions in order to avoid trouble.