Learning Experience

Throughout the semester, we will engage in many small group discussions and a variety other types of learning experiences. While I will lead many, so you will have opportunities to design and lead learning experiences as well.

This semester, our ED100 class is divided into four (4) learning circles responsible for planning and engaging the whole class in a learning experiences (~30 minutes) based on the assigned reading(s) for that week. Assigned readings are posted on the course calendar:

Prior to planning and teaching your Learning Experience, each LC is required to meet with Dr. Shutkin outside of class for approximately one (1) hour. In that meeting we will discuss the assigned readings and different approaches to lesson planning and teaching.

Readings will be assigned from the New Teacher Book we are reading as a class this semester. The Schedule for these learning experiences is available under the Learning Circles tab on the ED100 Course website.

Assignment due dates vary by learning circle.  However, Learning Experience BlogPost summaries are due at midnight on the Friday following classroom learning experiences.


Your contribution to the development and staging of your class learning experiences will be assessed using the Learning Experience Assessment Rubric.  Responsibilities include your:

  • Learning Experience BlogPost summary through which you demonstrate your understanding of assigned reading(s);
  • Contributions to the design of the class learning experiences;
  • Contributions and participation in the staging of the class learning experiences;

Lx BlogPost –> Summarize the learning experiences to include discussions of:

  1. Following the class learning experience, each LC member writes a brief essay about the week’s assigned reading.
    1. Place emphasis on demonstrating your understanding of the assigned reading. Discuss and analyze:
      • What the reading was about,
      • How it is developed, and
      • It’s point of view.
      • What your LC chose to emphasize and why;
    2. Also discuss:
      • The design of the learning experience (include links to shared material such as a Google Slide);
      • Your contributions to the design of the learning experience;
      • Your responsibilities during the learning experience; and
      • References consulted for the learning experience.

(Approximately 750 words)


Designing & Leading Learning Experiences

Prior to leading their first learning Experience, each LC is encouraged to meet with Dr. Shutkin outside of class for approximately one (1) hour. In that meeting we will discuss the assigned readings and different approaches to lesson planning and teaching.

Below please find links to a range of websites with pedagogical ideas and tools to consider as you design and plan your learning experiences.