Conclusions of the learning Diary

This learning diary is constituted by deep reflections on various topics, which include lectures, articles, ted talks, and books.

The Learning Diary aims to develop critical and reflective statements regarding various topics which are of interest to me for my future research. The development of knowledge and understanding is expressed through my own intake of these topics as well as research and investigation on key points of my interest.

This Diary done as voluntary work, compiles various questions and concerns raised during my Erasmus exchange at University of Helsinki, Spring 2021.

SESSION 1: BULLYING THROUGH A SOCIAL PERSPECTIVE

Verbal Bullying can hurt as much as physical pain, due to the similarities in the neural receptors that identify both aggressions. Many types of bullying can affect an individual, and if this individual is in an intersectional crossroad ( For example bullying + Learning difficulties) life as well as learning can get harder. Bullying should be studied from an interdisciplinary perspective to understand fully the implications of it, as well as the different types which tend to proliferate nowadays with technology and social media. This should also allow us to tackle bullying through pacifist measures, without targeting the bully. This is because the bully can also be a victim and the victim also is a bully. Overall it is important to treat the root of the problem, the psychological aspect of the pain. It is also important to approach the problem from a systemic-ecological framework where not only the bully and victim are considered but the whole environment they are embedded in.

SESSION 2: INDEPENDENT LEARNING SKILLS + LLL 09/03/2021

Lifelong learning is an innate characteristic to human beings, despite this, it has to be promoted, trained, and developed, especially when learning new academic skills. Independent learning is also a part of lifelong learning, where the learner is encouraged to search for their own path in Learning. These skills have to be trained in order to adjust to the 21st-century society of ever-flowing information and changes. This has to be promoted in all stages of education. Also, modern technologies help develop these skills by letting the learner guide their own learning, through the access of different information. This is why also critical thinking has to be practiced to be able to classify this information.

Article 1: Mystakidis, S., Berki, E., & Valtanen, J. (2019). The Patras Blended Strategy Model for Deep and Meaningful Learning in Quality Life Long Distance Education. Electronic Journal of e-Learning, 17(2), 66–78.

Article 2: Greenhow, C., & Lewin, C. (2016). Social media and education: reconceptualizing the boundaries of formal and informal learning. Learning, Media and Technology, 41(1), 6–30.

Book 1: Morley, D., & Jamil, M. (2021). Applied Pedagogies for Higher Education Real World Learning and Innovation across the Curriculum (1st ed. 2021.). Springer International Publishing.

SESSION 3: ONLINE/ OFFLINE ENGAGING EDUCATION 23/03/2021

Making education engaging is the key to success. This can be done by developing intrinsic motivation within students ( linked to LLL). Nowadays with the pandemic closing schools, it's very important to find alternative ways to educate online, especially for special needs students who need specific adaptations to be able to work and develop their capacities. This is why when teaching SE students remotely, it's very important to focus on positive psychology highlighting their aptitudes.

Also, different learning methodologies such as PBL or Active learning flipped classroom and more, are crucial for engaging the learner developing an active classroom that can easily adapt to changes.

Book: Boss, S., & Larmer Larmer, J. (2018). Project Based Teaching: How to Create Rigorous and Engaging Learning Experiences. Association for Supervision & Curriculum Development

Article 1: jardo Bravo, I., Gómez-Merino, N., Jury, M., Mannik, S., McDougal, E., Klang, N., Lüke, T., Perrin, A., Pittas, E., Ranzato, E., Rubio Jimenez, A., Sormunen, K., & Van Herwegen, J. (2020). Guidance for the inclusion of students with Special Educational Needs for online learning / Ohjeita erityistä tukea tarvitsevien oppijoiden in

Article 2. Hatta, P., Aristyagama, Y., Yuana, R., & Yulisetiani, S. (2020). Active Learning Strategies in Synchronous Online Learning for Elementary School Students. IJIE (Indonesian Journal of Informatics Education), 4(2), 86–93. https://doi.org/10.20961/ijie.v4i2.46019

Article 3: Kane, L. (2004). Educators, learners and active learning methodologies. International Journal of Lifelong Education, 23(3), 275–286. https://doi.org/10.1080/0260/37042000229237

ART AND EDUCATION 15/04/2021

Art has various ways of developing the human mind which can be studied through neuroscience. Art can be used to motivate learning as well as a visual tool for developing critical thinking towards information received.

The educational system ( in general) nowadays tends to exclude art as an important subject, not acknowledging its multiple applications as well as its an incentive for change. Art can also be used as an engine for change where multiple alternative pedagogies are applied searching for social justice in education.

BOOK:

Atkinson, D. (2011). Art, Equality and Learning: Pedagogies Against the State (1st ed. 2011.). SensePublishers. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-94-6091-454-6

ARTCLES:

ART OF LEARNING: Andersen, P., Klausen, M., & Skogli, E. (2019). Art of Learning - An Art-Based Intervention Aimed at Improving Children’s Executive Functions. Frontiers in Psychology, 10, 1769–1769. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2019.01769

Carabine, J. (2013). Creativity, Art and Learning: A Psycho-Social Exploration of Uncertainty. The International Journal of Art & Design Education, 32(1), 33–43. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.14768070.2013.01745.x

Roig-Palmer, K., & Pedneault, A. (2019). Promoting Higher Learning Through Artivism. Journal of Criminal Justice Education, 30(1), 91–113. https://doi.org/10.1080/10511253.2018.1439514

MENTAL HEALTH IN STUDENTS

The nowadays demanding society causes severe damage in student's mental health. This is why mental health should be supported in education through various strategies. Nowadays the pandemic has aggravated the situation so more interventions are needed.

BOOK: Manthorpe, J., & Stanley, N. (2002). Students’ mental health needs: problems and responses . Jessica Kingsley Pub

ARTICLE 1: Panter-Brick, C., Grimon, M., & Eggerman, M. (2014). Caregiver-child mental health: a prospective study in conflict and refugee settings. Journal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry, 55(4), 313–327. https://doi.org/10.1111/jcpp.12167

ARTICLE 2: Harding, S., Morris, R., Gunnell, D., Ford, T., Hollingworth, W., Tilling, K., Evans, R., Bell, S., Grey, J., Brockman, R., Campbell, R., Araya, R., Murphy, S., & Kidger, J. (2019). Is teachers’ mental health and wellbeing associated with students’ mental health and wellbeing? Journal of Affective Disorders, 242, 180–187.