Learning the Mandolin

This week in my educational technology class I was asked to learn something in six weeks using only “youtube” videos and “help forums”. It is supposed to be something achievable yet ambitious. I have chosen to start learning the Mandolin. You might think this is a tough task and something obscure, but I have had one laying around my house, gathering dust and 7 of the 8 strings on it (but rusted), for a little while and never really found a reason to learn it. I do enjoy listening to the occasional bluegrass and country music, so this sounds like a cool instrument to learn.

I believe I will be capable of learning a “novice” level of mandolin in 6 weeks due to my musical knowledge and ability. I currently play guitar. This should help with my fingers understanding certain mechanisms, but the strings and size is completely different.

I have began to search “Youtube” and found a multitude of resources. The first video I watched was Brad Laird’s video, from “Free Guitar Videos”, Mandolin Lessons: Getting Started. He goes slow, which is good for a beginner like me. I have also searched helpful tips and found a couple discussion forums that talk about certain picking techniques that I will have to explore more in the coming weeks. I have not yet bought an 8^th string, but I am planning on getting it fixed up on Monday and undertaking this journey to learn mandolin in 6 weeks! HERE WE GO!!!

What is Learning?

In CEP 810 this week, I have been asked to write an essay that explores what I understand about learning, understanding, and conceptual change. The essay has been influenced by my reading this week of Bransford, Brown & Cocking’s (2000) How People Learn. I focused on two essential questions: 1) What is Learning? and 2)What teaching methods support learning and its related concepts — understanding and conceptual change? I defined learning as a process of changing what we know to acquire skills that help us adapt to the world around us. I go into great depth about how to learn like “experts” and the techniques that have been successful in creating “life-long learners” and critical thinkers in education. The focus is on how teaching for understanding and teaching students to think deeply about connecting ideas will lead to deeper understanding and increase retention.

The full essay is titled “What is Learning & How can we Teach Others to Learn like Experts?” and is available –  HERE.

Introduction

WELCOME!

This blog is designed to improve, innovate, share and discover successful & new ideas in education. It is meant to be “Winning at Education” by encouraging others to learn, think, and express understanding of themselves and those around them. Education is NOT confined to the classroom. Learning is a life-long process of growing and adapting the world around us. Learning is a natural process of curiosity about the world. It is practiced by: questioning, experimenting, and reflecting. It is an individual journey of understanding complexities in our society. It is all encompassing. Learning a broad curriculum helps us become well-rounded individuals, but more importantly it helps us develop our interests and talents. Education is the best way lift people out of poverty and the best way to create productive citizens. Students should leave high school confident and equipped with the academic and social skills necessary to fully participate in our democratic society. This blog will focus on education, learning styles, teaching strategies, utilizing technology, and student centered learning.

The MISSION: Improve our schools by providing a more meaningful and creative approach to teaching. Changing approaches to allow for more student engagement, creativity and well-rounded education by promoting a teaching philosophy that facilitates critical thinking and individual growth.