Additional Assignment #2

1. What do you think? If learners are motivated, can they teach themselves?

I do think that if learners are motivated they can teach themselves. My little sister would not sit still long enough to do any homework when she was in school. She got pregnant when she was 15 years old. My mother and my sister decided that she would be home-schooled. To our surprise, my sister did all of her school work without having to be asked to do so, and she made all A's. She graduated a year before her classmates, and is now attending college. My sister is one of the reasons I believe that if a child, or anyone for that matter, is motivated to do something, they will do it.

2. If those motivated learners are kids, can they teach themselves?

Yes, they most certainly can. My sister did it when she was home-schooled. She taught herself things I never even learned to do in school. It was impressive.

3. What conditions are necessary for kids to teach themselves? For anyone to teach him or herself?

I think that the person would have to be motivated and driven. Also, resources would need to be available for them to use such as a computer or books.

4. What role do computers and internet access play in the process?

I think computers and internet access play a huge role. You can learn anything you need to know from a computer that has internet access.

5. What role does motivation, a desire to learn?

I think you have to want something to actually do it. It is easier to just not do something than it is to do it. People like to take the easy way out. It is a shame because if you always take the easy way out you miss out on things, sometimes, important things.

6. What roles do a problem, a question or multiple problems or questions play in the process?

If there is a problem to be solved or a question to be answered, it gives them something to look for. It gives them a certain thing to concentrate on. If you do not give a particular problem or question, then there is no direction in whatever they do. I think children need direction and structure but also freedom to figure out the answers on their own. I know I learn a lot more if I am "forced" to find the answer on my own.

7. How do you motivate someone to learn?

I think to motivate someone to learn, you have to find something that interests them. You have to show them why it is important, and how it can benefit them.

8. How are you motivated to learn?

I have always been motivated to learn. I enjoy learning. (It might have helped that my mother was a teacher.) My grandfather is a big reason I am motivated to learn and do well in school. I want him to be proud of me. My daughter is also another reason why I am motivated to learn. I want to be a good role model for her. I want her to be proud that I am her mother, and I want to be educated for her.

9. Can anyone who is not motivated to learn learn?

I think people learn new things all the time whether they want to or not. They may not master things someone tries to teach them, but they will learn something. I think it is just human nature.

10. Do you teach yourself? When? Why?

I teach myself all the time. I look up information I need or want to know. I recently looked up things I could start feeding my daughter now that she has teeth. If I think of something I do not know and I have the time to find the answer, I will look it up. Why wouldn't I seek information about things I need to know?

11. What role does a teacher (either answer generally or use a specific example) play in your learning?

I think teachers help give you structure. They tell you what direction to take with your learning. Teachers provide guidance, support, advice, resources, etc.

12. What is the most important idea, question or emotional response you take away with you as a result of watching this video?

The most important thing I took away with me from this video is to never under-estimate what someone is capable of, especially if they have resources to thrive.

13. What other questions or issues are raised by this video that should be considered and discussed by aspiring teachers?

How can we help provide our students with resources to thrive? How can we use technology to help students with language barriers to understand and be understood?