Part 1: My COVA & CSLE Process

As humans, we possess the ability to solve problems and a strong survival instinct. Also, we can use the growth of mindset to learn about our feelings. I have realized that when a change is necessary, it is essential to create better solutions that address the root of the problem rather than just providing a simple fix. These experiences have helped me develop the skill of self-reflection and the ability to make independent decisions that lead to greater freedom and independence. When I was given the chance to showcase my skills and knowledge to improve my educational community, I was thrilled and ready to take on the challenge. I experienced a range of emotions - happiness, hope, and moments of overwhelming doubt about my ability to succeed. However, these doubts faded away as I began to see the positive results of my work. It's crucial to manage emotions effectively by setting clear goals and seeking help from a supportive learning network that you can trust and learn from.

 

Adopting an authentic learning style like Applied Digital Learning involved several steps for me. First, I set clear goals in both my student and work life. Then, I learned to manage my time efficiently by creating an Implementation Online, researching and collecting information relevant to the topic I chose to study, and making informed decisions based on the data I collected, Assessing my Digital environment. I also learned to collaborate with my work team and regularly reflect on my progress. Through this process, I gained valuable knowledge that allowed me to improve my initial planning, establish realistic expectations, seek greater collaboration from my work team, and always seek feedback from the beginning, allowing me to make the necessary adjustments. I wouldn't change anything about this learning process. I enjoy every stage of it.

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Mastering my skills of having my voice and focusing on my audience was challenging at first. Still, with constant practice and experience, I could communicate my ideas effectively and persuade others. Convincing people about the effectiveness of my project took much work. However, using the art of persuasion, I was able to back up my proposal with logic and evidence to secure the necessary support. Literature Review was essential in providing the evidence required to make my case.

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My students are preschoolers who have recently started school. Naturally, they have mixed feelings about it. The first few weeks in preschool are usually hard for them as they struggle with adaptation and separation from their immediate environment, which is their family. It is a challenging process, and children often suffer when they are separated from what they have known until now—their parents and siblings. However, as my students progress through this adaptation process and establish routines, their attitudes evolve from mixed feelings of fear and separation anxiety toward greater confidence, clarity, and appreciation for the role of change in improving their lives. 

 

My innovation plan is authentic in that it combines the traditional classroom approach with blended learning. This approach is tailored to pre-kindergarten students, allowing them to learn at their own pace according to their individual needs. The teacher's role is that of an instructor who sets the conditions for learning. The plan also includes a group and individual organization system. The structure changed in terms of focus; working with stations was done before but was not officially established as blended learning; now, I have a basis to support and develop the effectiveness of this modality of work adopted in my classroom.

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Although there are some challenges in introducing the COVA and CSLE approach in preschool settings, their main ideas align with the primary outcomes of early childhood education. These goals focus on encouraging children to participate in their workstations actively, become more independent, and take charge of their learning experiences. Teachers can use these approaches effectively in preschool classrooms with planning, adjustments, and assistance to improve the learning and development of young students, taking into account choice, ownership, and voice in the design of our knowledge and providing our students with the same conditions of choice.

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I grew up knowing a different learning method than I currently use. When I started working in education in 2013, there needed to be more clarity about the roles of teachers and students. But as technology has advanced so far, those roles have become more evident. I like this learning method in which everyone (students, teachers, and parents) participates in education. My teaching philosophy has stayed the same. I believe in putting students at the center of learning. When I started 11 years ago, my goal was to help my students and their families, and I am happy to say that with the advances in education, I was correct in how I worked and thought.

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Part 2: Let's create a brighter future with COVA & CSLE.

In the future, I plan to continue integrating the COVA approach into my preschool students' learning environments. This will involve leveraging technology, ensuring flexibility and accessibility, and using qualitative and quantitative assessment data to foster lifelong learning and promote collaboration with my teaching team and students. These efforts will allow us to create dynamic and inclusive learning experiences that encourage students to make decisions and have choice, ownership, and voice in authentic learning events.

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To give my students more choice, ownership, and voice in their learning, I offer flexible topics based on their interests, connect the classroom with real-world settings, and show their work to authentic audiences who feel proud of their creations. Additionally, I encourage feedback and reflection in class, regardless of their age. By implementing these strategies, my students will be more active in their learning process, promoting autonomy and motivation to continue learning.

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To prepare for the COVA approach and CSLE, I recommend following the steps below:

 

For colleagues:

1. Attend training sessions and workshops to learn about these learning methods.

2. Understand the benefits of COVA and CSLE.

3. Observe practical demonstrations and case studies to comprehend these methods' implementation better.

4. Participate in reflective practices to assess the effectiveness of the methods and refine strategies accordingly.

 

For students:

5. Collaborate with peers to apply COVA in classroom activities.

7. Start with rotations station implementations as a practice.

8. Take advantage of support resources and tools during the learning process.

 

It is worth noting that there will be challenges in implementing the COVA and CSLE approach in the future. These challenges may include resistance to change, limited resources, adjusting assessments correctly, preparing students for the new approach each year, and considering cultural factors, as each school group has different mindsets. Teacher training can also be a challenge. To overcome these challenges, it will be essential to maintain effective communication, manage material resources, align teacher training with the focus, group, and age taught, and promote innovation in the education of families and students. Furthermore, it is essential to successfully adapt to changing technological and social environments and implement these approaches in various learning environments.

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In summary, the COVA approach allows teachers and students greater control over their learning process in Significant Learning Environments. Although it may be challenging to implement due to limited resources and fear of change, it offers significant benefits, such as developing lifelong learning skills. By communicating effectively, offering support, and being open to innovative ideas, educators can design rich learning experiences that allow students to thrive.