ENroute Yearbook 2018-19
Reflective approach to teaching and learning Hasmik Jasmine Samvelyan , School of Applied Sciences , Associate Fellow
My approach to teaching is student-centred active and self-directed reflective learning . Reflective learning requires students to manage problems and questions they did not address previously . That means students need to operate from their knowledge base and using reflective skills to work strategically towards solving novel problems and self-monitoring solutions . Developing self-evaluation and selfmonitoring skills are important in everyday professional life , and enhances students ’ personal growth .
I am metacognitive about my teaching ; I thoroughly plan , evaluate and adapt it in response to the students ’ learning and context . This creates effective and inclusive learning environment where students are able to get actively involved in all aspects of biomedical research and build strong scientific arguments . This was evident at the end of the journal club tutorial when MSc postgraduate students provided feedback that they gained confidence in presenting , developed analytical skills and became more engaged in the module .
One of my main teaching aims is by using my own knowledge to help students to construct their own knowledge and understanding which promotes their deep learning , critical analytical thinking / writing and problem solving strategies . In my teaching I use ‘ Bloom ’ s Taxonomy ’ classification system for cognitive skills of learning from lower to higher order ( Bloom , 1956 ).
Instead of stating opinions or explaining the topics , listing details or simply giving information I promote students to discuss the significance , importance , relevance or application of the theories or ideas as well as analysis and synthesis between the topics . When completing their written assignments , critical thinking allowed students to be thoughtful and question the information , understand different approaches and apply them in their writing . It is important since critical thinking not only is necessary to be more persuasive and get higher grades at the university but also is extremely valued by the employers .
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