Reverse Bootcamp: From dependence to independence in a 10 week Direct Entry (DE) course

Part 1 of 4 of a presentation at the English Australia conference, at the Adelaide Hilton, September 20 – 22, 2017.

After introductions and context, the first part examines the training wheels theory, which combines the stages and process of the gradual release of responsibility theory, with the staged self-directed learning (SSDL) model. These stages and processes are related to the DE course at CQU English.

The second part then looks at the it is what it is theory, an amalgamation of Biggs 3 levels – What students are, What teachers do, What students do; Learning styles – Surface, Strategic, Deep; and the PAH continuum – Pedagogy, Andragogy & Heutagogy. As in the first part, this amalgamation is related to the CQU English Direct Entry course. The second part concludes with the genius of Mr Miyagi, the iconic character from the Karate Kid movies of the 80’s, and how his killing two birds with one stone philosophy can get more done and better prepare DE students for university.

Part three proposes a new blended learning of connectivism, movement and environment. A constructivist theory for the digital age, actionable takeaways of connectivism for the DE classroom, as well as for the use of movement and environment, are explained and the involvement of the audience occurs with amusing results.

The fourth and final part, though rushed due to time limitations, explores the peak end rule, circadian rhythms, the 90/20/8 rule, flexible and dynamic grouping, cultural competency, class bonding, and classroom silliness (as a circuit breaker). It finishes too quickly on start-up methodology and the business model canvas.

PS Please forgive the excessive information on the slides, I am breaking a rule that I teach my academic English students of keeping the slides simple in terms of text and images. This is so that the PowerPoint can be a reference for those interested.

Please comment or contact me at:

reinventenglish@gmail.com

robert.puffett@reinventenglish.com

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