Edutopia Reflection: Let it marinate

http://www.edutopia.org/blog/let-it-marinate-reflection-closing-joshua-block

       How many times have we sat back and thought about something we had read.  What is being said? What does this really mean? In the article let it marinate: the importance of reflection and closing by Joshua Block, the author is emphasizing using the technique of Kolb's method of experiential learning in his religion course. The answers are not as clear when first looked at.  It takes reflecting back on the situation to determine what would be done differently, what worked, what did not. Block states "the strategic integration of meaningful closings and reflection into classroom practice gives students multiple avenues for engaging with complex ideas and allows more students to find broader meaning in their work."
      Working with the dental hygiene students is a cause for reflection in their performance, and evaluation of client outcomes.  Many times we reassess in post clinic after reflecting on the data presented. Did we miss material indicating a different diagnosis? What outcomes are changed from this reflection?  Should we offer additional treatment? These questions often spur on more change with the treatment plan. The reflection develops the critical thinking skill changing the way we process thought.


References

Block, J (2014) Edutopia: Let it marinate, reflection,closing. Retrieved from: http://www.edutopia.org/blog/let-it-marinate-reflection-closing-joshua-block

 McLeod, S (2013) Simply psychology learning kolb. Retrieved from:
http://www.simplypsychology.org/learning-kolb.html

Classroom uses of weblogs in college setting

Applying any new technology requires patience and understanding. First it must be developed into the curriculum with a lesson plan and rubric. Using a weblog in the college coursework is no different. The weblog shows the growth of the student and understanding of the material. In Richardson's book  Blogs, Wikis and Podcasts he states "... that Weblogs are already making an impact on our curricula whether we are employing them as research tools or as publishing tools."(2010 p.38)  This discussion will focus on the use of weblog in the dental hygiene curriculum.

The reflective journal type blog for the dental hygiene student allows for the Kolb's method of experiential learning to reflect on the learning, what happened and what work or could be done differently. This develops the critical thinking.  The article from Simply Psychology emphasizes
http://www.simplypsychology.org/learning-kolb.html  
that learning to reflect is possibly the most important part of the learning process. This fits the adult learner. The dental hygiene student could use an e Portfolio weblog for a two year experience documenting  challenging case studies, diagnosis, intervention, outcomes and treatment planning. Entering in the weblog and sharing with fellow hygiene students documented case studies gives dimensional learning.  The student also becomes the instructor.

References

McLeod S. (2013). Simply psychology learning kolb. Retrieved from: http://www.simplypsychology.org/learning-kolb.html  

Richardson, W. (2010). Blogs,wikis,podcasts and other powerful web tools for classrooms. Corwin: Thousand Oaks,CA