MED858 Session 3

Learning points and Reflection 3
Assessing the Classroom Learning Environments 1 – Instruments and Approaches

Learning points
- A shift from generic instruments to subject-specific instruments
- Focus is to refine and improve the instruments rather than creating new ones
- After assessing LE, we need to plan follow-up actions for improvement
- Four questions about LE: 1. What is LE? 2. Why work on LE? 3. How to assess LE? 4. How to improve LE?
- Important components in LE are physical as well as students and psycho-social aspect of students
- Assessing LE - A shift in the trend from quantitative to a combination of quantitative and qualitative approach
- For the instruments, we need to be mindful about the target audience (maturity). For the design, we need to consider the number of scales and the number of items.

- WIHIC (latest instrument)
There is always instruction given to students
Can be modified for eg. changed to 'science class'
4-point Likert scale
Student cohesiveness (a few statements inder this dimension), Teacher support,
Student Actual Form - mid year, based on actual experience
A teacher converts the questions to statements in the survey
Teacher identify and address gaps
Among the instruments, WIHIC is the easiest to conduct (primary and secondary school students). QTI is rather difficult. Students have difficulty understading certain difficult word such as 'The teacher is enthusiastic.'


Reflection
In assessing LE, we look at the 3 dimensions of Moos's Scheme: relationship, personal development and system maintenance and change. Moos's Scheme provides a more holistic perspective to me in looking at a classroom learning environment. It helps me to device strategies based on the three dimensions.

Normally the LE is rather outcome driven. We need to balance it with the process (process oriented). We need to be mindful of the processes that are put in place in a classroom learning environment.

Student Preferred Form which is normally administered at the beginning of the year is useful for SEM (school self appraisal) to collect data for needs analysis.

Our group will be using WIKI to research on Herbert Walberg. WIKI is basically a social website that anyone can easily edit and contribute to. Utilizing the best features of blogs, forums and social networks, WIKI allows us to create, collect, and organize content on our own social websites.

I feel that through WIKI, we can develop various life skills such as ICT, collaboration, communication, team work and independent learning of students. Students will learn to work as a team towards their common goal. Features such as record of activities and top contributor may stimulate students to strecth their limit to do the best.

Dr Quek bought us drinks and fried fish during lunch. The fish is fantastic. Thank you Dr Quek again. It has been a pleasant learning experience so far with Dr Quek and my suppportive coursemates. I feel this is particularly wonderful amid the tight schedule.

My (modest) action plan after the course:
1. To decide one instrument to assess my classroom learning environment
Hopefully by going through the instrument, I become more aware of Moos's three dimensions of LE and consequently be more competent in facilitating LE
2. To design follow-up actions for improvement based on the result of the assessment