Consider the elements of 'SITE' and the needs of your learners or audiences. How does SITE apply to you as a learner?
The SITE model resonates well with me because I truly believe in the "whole person" approach. We all come from different backgrounds, different socio-economic status', different cultures and upbringings, and so much more. We all learn differently. SITE values the learner in the center of the model and expects learning to be applied in the real world. Students, including myself, always question how they will use the lesson in the future. In the SITE model, learning is tailored around the student. The framework provides experiences that are closely related to situations where students can apply their new knowledge. The most important take-away I have from this article is held within the Sociocultural Sub-context. The underlying factor within this sub-context is relationships. I believe we work harder and better for those we respect. The relationship between the facilitator and student motivates learning. It is true with any given relationship. When you want someone to be proud of you, you work harder for them. However, the relationship goes both ways. That is the key component as to why it is successful. In turn, the student knows that the facilitator cares for them. They appreciate that the facilitator has learned about them and works hard to bring clarity and understanding to their lessons. Many times, I have students that need the lessons broken down more than others do. Therefor, I add extra supports to assist their learning. I don't have to call them out or embarrass them. They know who they are and they appreciate the extra support. Unfortunately, long ago, before all of our SEL and Community Circle/relationship building PD's, I had come across many educators who didn't take the time to build relationships in their classrooms. It made me sad and sometimes frustrated because I knew more learning would occur if they only took the time to get to know one another. Once upon a time, I was asked how I had more growth in students' reading than my colleagues. Don't get me wrong, I have always had great colleagues in both of the districts I have been honored to call home. However, after really thinking about this question, the answer didn't come down to school adopted curriculum. I truly believe it came down to the fact that I had stronger relationships with my students, and I knew what they needed....individually. They knew I wanted them to be successful, and I was proud of them. I'm not going to lie, it's not easy. I couldn't imagine the struggles I would face if I were a middle or high school teacher with the amount of students they see everyday. However, it is worth it in the long run for both the student and the facilitator. Our reward is their progress and growth!
1 Comment
Jamie Lutz
11/1/2020 09:13:31 pm
I love that you started this post with the "whole-person" approach as well. The relationship between the teacher and the student does have a huge motivational role in student learning. I think it is great that you can really get to know each individual student and their needs. I always feel the most connected to my high school students if I have them for a second year. It does take awhile to build the relationships with high school students since we have multiple classes each day. However, it is possible & takes community building activities as you go. It has become even more challenging with distance learning, but we are working on it!
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AuthorMy name is Kimberlee Nelson. I am a mother of two and a 3rd grade teacher at Irene M. Snow Elementary School, in Napa. Archives
December 2020
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