3 matters regarding Teaching Adults online: Critical thinking, Peer grading and Ageism

 

1. Ageism - what limits adults' learning

A SHORT REVIEW ON

Nelson, T. D. (2011). Ageism: The strange case of prejudice against the older you. In R. L. Wiener, & S. L. Willborn (Eds.), Disability and aging discrimination (pp. 37-47). Springer

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The research provided insights into ageism in many aspects, from its history, manifestation in reality to its consequences and potential solutions. According to the author, ageism initially started in the changes in market which did not favor the older population. Also, American cultural views that show the fear of aging and death and their influences in Eastern culture are the roots in the increasing ageism through history. As ageism has been institutionalized, it has been manifested in reality in different ways and been activated automatically in social perception. However, the author highlights how ageism negatively affects varied based on different types of the elderly. Only the old who are high functioning perceive ageist attitudes as offensive while the others with mental or physical deficiencies tend to consider ageism as a helping relationship between them and young people. Regarding solutions to ageism attitudes, the author emphasizes the need for creating a more inclusive society for the old and teaching people about positive attitudes towards aging and death. This joint hand efforts of both social and educational factors might help eliminate ageism from its roots.

 

2. Skeptical about the potential of online learning to promote critical thinking?

MY VIEW ON POTENTIAL OF ONLINE LEARNING

 

In my point of view, regarding traditional learning and teaching, the physical interaction between teachers and students and among students is usually emphasized. When it comes to online learning, doubts might arise due to the lack of interaction when all students and teachers were just behind a screen. The second challenge could be how to make students actively learn without direct motivation and encouragement from their teacher and peers. Would they just look at the screen and passively take a look at the materials available?

However, the ways of practicing online learning from talk of Daphanne Koller may help address these two above matters. The personalized feedback, peer grading, answering questions independently to move to the next part of the lesson, etc are suggested answers for the mentioned doubts on the engagement capacity of online learning

 

3. Peer grading- pros and cons

MY DISCUSSION ON PEER-GRADING 

 

In my opinion, peer grading is an essential and effective tool for learning and enhancing students' critical thinking. First of all, during the grading process, students tend to reflect on their experience of doing the assignment, find the similarities and differences between their own work and their peer works. They then may question themselves "why is it different from my view?" and try to find claims and reasons to argue for their views before writing the feedback and grading their peers. Besides, they can learn from others' experience. Listening to different opinions of the same matters can bring a more well-rounded and unbiased view to students. On the other hand, peer grading may make students feel skeptical about the grade and feedback they receive. It is sad to admit that not every student is at the same level of ability and responsibility, therefore, students tend to trust the results from their tutors rather than their peers. At this point, I totally agree with Justyna about the importance of a given clear grading system so that students can have a great reference and source before giving their peers a grade. With regard to grading by tutors, I think it is still of significance and irreplaceable. Tutors are those who are most clear about their students' strengths and weaknesses and how to help them improve. The grades and feedbacks by tutors are always reliable and high quality. Overall, I believe that combining both peer and tutor grading during the course can exert a positive impact on each student's learning and the productivity of the whole class. However, despite the benefits of peer grading, tutors should give grades and feedback for important tasks such as final assignments.

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"...This is my first time joining a discussion forum. I was quite shy to raise my own point of view. But then I nailed it! I was also happy when I saw people share their views, of which some were similar to mine and some were different. They used theories to support their opinions in an academic and persuasive way. I know I need to learn more from them.

I realized that joining a discussion was not only for showing personal opinions but also for building engagement with others and listening to them. And listening to others' views on Online learning really stimulates my curiosity for this new type of learning. I promise myself that I will join the next discussion forums more enthusiastically!" 

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