The creation of my Eportfolio was when I first realized that I genuinely used COVA in my assignments. Based on my learning in the DLL program at Lamar University, COVA is the Choice, Ownership, Voice and Authentic learning experiences one undergoes, usually coupled with CSLE, or Creating a Significant Learning Environment. My first reaction to this was frustration. Additionally there were feelings of panic to succeed and, undoubtedly, resistance. Because learning is so effortful (, and due to my own personal and professional life instances, I did not feel ready, equipped for, or even willing to have another wrench thrown in my plans. Nor did I want to derail my expectations or ideas of what I thought graduate school might be. Little did I know, this experience helped me to better understand the way that I learn, my interests and how I would like to enhance myself professionally.
I was able to connect with my current, future and past students to understand how they felt in the classroom with struggle. I was able to understand my role as their teacher and more importantly, as a facilitator of learning. I was also able to see the significance in allowing students to choose, helping me realize that the ownership of their learning will push their curiosity and commitment to learn and do more. Most importantly, I was able to dive in. I committed. I explored and I learned. The more I learned, the more I needed to find ways to express my thoughts, ideas and reveal whether my ideas were legitimate or not through academic research and application. This was such an insightful challenge!
From these experiences, I will commit to do my part in enhancing learning experiences for my students, no matter what age group, setting or curriculum I will guide learners through. It is important for the result of the experience to yield self guided growth and reflection that can be led into further experiences of growth and reflection. Whether or not my organization changes from my research or the materials I can help them with, the students who follow my guidance will learn more about the topic and, more importantly, learn about themselves. When each person’s potential is revealed to himself, the greater good is experienced from the whole. Little by little, I hope to show the importance of COVA by name, action and experience.
RESOURCES
Harapnuik, Dwayne (2018, July 14). COVA. It's About Learning. http://www.harapnuik.org/?page_id=6991
Muller, D. [Veritas]. (2017, March 2). The Science of Thinking [Video]. YouTube.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UBVV8pch1dM