Something that was said in this article stuck out to me, the author stated that, "in the act of writing, we make knowledge." My prompt is simply "How?"

This statement really rang true for me when I read the article, and it definitely applies to this class. Everything that we do, we write about it. In all of the numerous reflections we've done we explain what we did, why we did it, and how we did it. Also in our reading journals, sometimes when I asked a question I would write about it and eventually come up with the answer. I feel that by taking all the thoughts and feelings in our heads and putting it into words, we learn. We take something that we know in our minds, but by putting it down on paper or in text, we explain it to someone else in a way. Which brings me to another point; the best way to learn something is to teach it to someone else. It also talked in this article about the students teaching students. I feel that is sometimes the best way to learn because if you know something and can teach it to someone, then you really know your stuff. We make knowledge by writing, sometimes writing nonstop until we understand. We can also solidify our knowledge and understanding by teaching others. Both, I feel, are important and successful learning tools.

For as far back as I can remember (which sometimes is only yesterday) school has been pretty easy for me. All that changed when I got to college of course! In elementary school, I can't remember any subject really giving me problems. In middle school it was science I think, and in high school it was higher science and math like chemistry and trigonometry. In high school, there were a few things holding me back as a learner. The first thing was, my junior and senior years I was plagued with teachers who were extremely intelligent, but couldn't teach worth a lick! There was no doubt in my mind that they knew what they were talking about, but teaching it to me was another story! Second, I didn't really care much about these subjects (chemistry and trig), I often had the "when am I ever going to use this in REAL life?" attitude. These two things, compared with lack of confidence in my abilities, and other silly high school stuff hurt my learning at times.
I came to college expecting to do well, but I knew it was going to be much harder than high school. Believe it or not, I'm really shy in classes. I don't speak out, don't ask many questions, etc. I believe this has also held me back in reaching my full learning potential. I know that there is no such thing as a stupid question, and I don't know what it is holding me back, but I just tend to sit and listen without saying much.

It really makes me feel good when I realize that I've actually learned something! Not just in school, but in any area of life. Learning a foreign language was especially exciting for me, as well as learning new songs, dance routines, and abilities. I try to learn new things all the time. Like just today, I was on my way home for the weekend. I was chewing bubble gum and trying to crack and pop it really loud in my mouth by sucking it back through my teeth. Well I know how to blow a bubble, but I wanted to learn something else. So I worked on it and by the time I had gotten home, I could do it! I know that's a silly example, but I think that it makes anyone feel good when they learn something new!

Learning in itself is rewarding, but I think the most rewarding part is when you have an opportunity to show what you've learned! This is the time to show off a little and let people know that you know what you're doing/ talking about! When I walk away from a situation where I've showed what I've learned, and how well I know it, I have the biggest grin on my face! That, for me, is the best feeling!!

Wow! This is a tough question! Or should I say question(s)!! There's like 4 in this one prompt! Ok well I guess I'd better get them answered! First of all, continuing my academic and professional development is what I'm doing at this very moment. Continuing in classes, surrounding myself with people in the same field, and learning with them and from them furthers my development. These actions further my development as a student, as well as a future professional in the field. I think it's extremely important to never stop learning. Sure, here in a few years I'll be out of school (hopefully)! Just because I'm out of school does not mean that my learning should cease. I will continue to learn whether I want to or not! By simply being a practicing SLP, I will be learning every day and perhaps relearning things that I'll have forgotten by that time. The important thing is to keep researching, looking for new information, keep on top of things. It's like if I hadn't watched the news since 1995, look at everything that I would have no idea even occurred! It's the same way in learning; if we as professionals don't keep on top of new information, we'll have no idea what's going on. This is very dangerous!

Right now, our main outlet for learning is class. However, we become more resposible for our own learning with each passing day. In the 2 weeks that we've been in this CD class, it has become apparent to me that no longer is learning about going to class, listening to a teacher, and taking notes on what he/she says. Learning is about finding things out on your own, using all the resources available, asking questions, and reaching out for assistance in order to further learning. How do I meet my learning needs? Well, honestly, I probably don't meet all my learning needs. I don't always take advantage of the resources at my fingertips, and sometimes I'm just too lazy to go after something in order to learn. So, those are areas where I need to improve in order to meet my learning needs. Now that I'm becoming more and more responsible for my own learning, I need to take that responsibility seriously and run with it. I need to embrace knowledge, learning, research, and information!