It's Not Just About Ideas

Learning the COVA approach will affect my learning in the ADL program because it will give me choice and ownership of my learning and the ability to move at my own pace. Because of the COVA approach, I am able to connect with my colleagues and share advice and feedback on assignments that I need help with. Since there are no tests in this program, the COVA approach will help me direct my learning and teach me how to take control of what I learn. The COVA model appeals to me because it helps with the issue of traditional learning in the classroom. In the typical learning classroom environment, the teacher has assignments for students in the same format and due at the same time. When we use the model, we are learning, we see that we can move some of the assignments and learning online and we could analyze our students and how they learn in the classroom thus effectively giving more forgiveness if a student turns in work late due to a disability or because they learn differently.

I feel like taking ownership of my learning is the real challenge that I face in the ADL program. I am used to being tested for what I know and given direct guidance and instructions on how to do my assignments. When I started out in the ADL program, I was so overwhelmed by all the information that was thrown at me in the 5303 and 5305 classes. It was the first time I had to figure out how to take ownership of my learning without any instructions or guidance. I am still struggling but getting better with taking ownership. I do have somewhat of a learner’s mindset now that I have gone through a couple of classes. I used to keep doing the same thing in my job for who knows how long and once I finally looked up, I realized that I wanted to go back and get my master’s degree so I could better help my students in the future. So, I adopted that mindset and now here I am in the ADL program taking ownership of my learning and its awesome.