User:Agnes

27 August 2024 Hi everyone!

Welcome to my Userpage

Cynthia D'Costa

(Agnes D'Costa)

नमस्कार wikieducator में आपका स्वागत.

= A Small Message =  If you are new to Wikieducator, please note that content in blue is hyperlinked. Content in red indicates that pages have still to be developed. This is a page in perpetual progress. So changes are to be expected.... thanks .... Cynthia D'Costa

= My Profile =

Professional Background

 * 1987-1996 ---Teacher at St. Augustine's High School, Vasai . Taught Mathematics, Science and Geography
 * 1996 to date --- Lecturer in Educational Philosophy and Educational Psychology at Pushpanjali College of Education,Vasai.
 * Involved with Bachelor in e-education as Curriculum Developer and facilitator, Yeshwantrao Chavan Maharashtra Open University.
 * Have delivered talks and conducted workshops for parents, students, teachers and administrators
 * Presented several papers at State and National Level Seminars

Education
 M.A(Hist), M.Sc(Inorganic Chemistry), M.Ed, Ph.D (Education)

= My Interests =

Professional

 * I am interested in e-content creation. Yeshwantrao Chavan Maharashtra Open University has launched a programme entitled Bachelor in e-education. The Course aims at nurturing teaching skills, both on-line and off-line. I was part of the team that created a course 'Teacher as an e-learning specialist'. I assisted in preparation of content, scenario based learning designs and conducted a webinar on'e-learning approaches'.

As a teacher educator, I incorporate tech-based learning in the form of online quizzes, online presentations and blogs. A few samples of my work can be accessed on http://www.wiziq.com/tutorial/55182-Gandhi-s-philsophy-of-education http://www.wiziq.com/tutorial/54669-Theory-of-Achievement-Motivation http://www.wiziq.com/online-tests/9459-memory-and-forgetting http://www.wiziq.com/online-tests/9067-philosophy-and-education http://www.wiziq.com/online-tests/9033-multiple-intelligences-and-learning-styles http://www.wiziq.com/online-tests/8994-psychology-of-learning http://www.wiziq.com/online-tests/8927-e-learning-approaches http://www.pushpanjaligames.blogspot.com/

http://pushpaganit.blogspot.com/

http://granthpushp.blogspot.com/

https://pcehistory.blogspot.com/

Video lessons presented for NMEICT(National Mission of Education through ICT) project

Blended Learning

Introduction to Large Group Learning

Teaching Learning Strategies for Large Groups

I contribute to magazines of educational interest. Five of my articles have been featured in the magazine "Teacher Plus". My book entitled "A Call for Constructivist Classrooms" was released in August 2010. My book "Empowering Leadership" was released by His Grace Archbishop Dr. Felix Machado on the 28th of January 2011. I have published two books for the B.Ed Course, University of Mumbai... Knowledge and Curriculum (ISBN 978-93-5202-903-7) and Gender, School and Society (ISBN:978-93-5262-471-3|)

I shall be very happy to assist in creating Open Educational Resources for school level content and content in the field of Teacher-Education.

Personal
 I am interested in travelling. I like dabbling with computers, surfing the net. I love word games, crosswords and puzzles like sudoku. I play the keyboard, mostly by ear. I have not learnt music formally. I like creative work like drafting scripts for street plays. I read extensively anything from psycho spiritual to comics. I like cooking too.

=Psychology of Learning=  Psychology of Learning is my contribution to Wikieducator. Hope to complete this one some day!!!

= My Research =  A Study of the Relationship Between Multiple Intelligences and Teacher Effectiveness of School Teachers

Researcher : Ms.Cynthia D'Costa, Pushpanjali College of Education, Vasai

Research guided by: Dr. Veena Deshmukh, Former Reader, Smt K.K. College of Education, Santacruz, Mumbai

This research was awarded Doctorate in Philosophy by University of Mumbai in December 2008.

The study highlights areas of Multiple Intelligence that have a bearing on teacher effectiveness.

Read on for more Research Paper June 2012:I had undertaken a project entitled "Open Education Resources in Teacher Education". My students undergoing the Bachelor in Education Course, used OERs to learn some components of their course. The findings of this project were presented before NCERT(National Council of Educational Research and Training). The project was acknowledged as an innovative practice in Teacher Education.Read more OERs in Teacher Education

 I am interested in pursuing research on the following topics(please scroll)


 * 1) Remedial Work in Learning disabilities
 * 2) Approaches in On line learning
 * 3) Learner diversity in E-learning

Feel free to suggest ideas, findings in above areas. Mail me at [mailto:c.dcosta@rediffmail.com c.dcosta@rediffmail.com]

= Blended Learning =  This section aims at supplementing classroom activities with e -activities(e-tivities). It will feature games, activities, worksheets and other ideas to enliven Classroom interaction..... Constructivism will be the guiding force.


 * Use Co-operative e-learning to help students learn better through collaboration
 * Discover the magic of Learning styles at http://wikieducator.org/images/6/6a/Learning_styles1.pdf
 * Also see http://wikieducator.org/Facilitate_adult_learners%27_individualised_learning/Activities/Discover_your_Learning_Style
 * Learn skills needed for effective facilitation using the Situation Based Learning Designs that follow and enhance the effectiveness of your teaching.Do read http://wikieducator.org/Micro_teaching#Micro_teaching_Cycle

Skill of Set Induction    Skill of Questioning     Skill of Motivation Skill of Classroom Communication    Skill of Explanation    Skill of Class Management    Skill of Interacting with parents    Skill of Evaluation

Do see http://www.scribd.com/doc/17886608/Micro-Teaching-Skills-Components for more on Micro Teaching.

= Tribute to Wikieducator =  W here the learner is without fear I mmediate help is quite near K nowledge runs free I nherent creativity on the spree E nrichment for empowerment - the only goal D eeply committed facilitators play their role U and I work in tow C aring to help one another grow A world sans a digital divide T hrough wikieducator we can provide O pen Education Resources for all to use R ejoice, Wikieducator brings you good news

A big thankyou to William and Flora Hewlett Foundation for supporting the cause of WE. Thanks to Dr. Wayne Mackintosh (founder, Wikieducator), the team of facilitators and co-facilitators and all members of Wikieducator for all the wonderful work being done. God Bless!

= Quiz Time =  <font color="#000000">Quizzes are interesting ways to check how much you know. Take a quiz that interests you. You may leave your comments in the comments section

Multiple Intelligences

Comments:

= Constructivist Learning = <div style="border-bottom: 4px outset; text-align: justify; border-left: 4px outset; padding-bottom: 30px; padding-left: 30px; border-spacing: 0px; width: 800px; padding-right: 30px; border-collapse: separate; font-family: comic sans ms; background: orange; color: black; font-size: 12pt; border-top: 4px outset; border-right: 4px outset; padding-top: 30px; -moz-border-radius: 8px 8px 8px 8px"> Constructivism encourages the learner to take responsibility for his own learning. This section provides activities to facilitate constructivism.

= Stories to teach = <div style="border-bottom: 4px outset; text-align: justify; border-left: 4px outset; padding-bottom: 30px; padding-left: 30px; border-spacing: 0px; width: 800px; padding-right: 30px; border-collapse: separate; font-family: comic sans ms; background: pink; color: black; font-size: 12pt; border-top: 4px outset; border-right: 4px outset; padding-top: 30px; -moz-border-radius: 8px 8px 8px 8px">

My stories for Science Concepts

Priya in the Land of Density

Simple Machines :Inclined Planes

Priya in Lever Land

My e-Library
<div style="border-bottom: 4px outset; text-align: justify; border-left: 4px outset; padding-bottom: 30px; padding-left: 30px; border-spacing: 0px; width: 800px; padding-right: 30px; border-collapse: separate; font-family: comic sans ms; background: pink; color: black; font-size: 12pt; border-top: 4px outset; border-right: 4px outset; padding-top: 30px; -moz-border-radius: 8px 8px 8px 8px"> Let me share with you some wonderful e-books that I have read. Happy Reading!!!


 * 1) E learning--A guidebook of Principles, Procedures and Practices by Dr. Som Naidu explores the pedagogical aspects of e-learning.
 * 2) Have fun with numbers as you browse through Happy Maths:1 by Mala Kumar
 * 3) Happy Maths :2 by Mala Kumar teaches you about shapes and data
 * 4) Happy Maths:3 by Mala Kumarintroduces concepts related to measurement.
 * 5) Happy Maths:4 by Mala Kumardrills in concepts related to time and money
 * 6)  The book "Teacher Education" by Gloria Salandanan covers many topics from Multiple Intelligences to Constructivism and Higher Order Thinking Skills.
 * 7) The Azim Premji foundation brings out a periodical named as "Learning Curve" . This well researched periodical often centres around a theme.  I strongly recommend this periodical for teachers.

Also see http://granthpushp.blogspot.com/p/e-books.html

e-Courses
<div style="border-bottom: 4px outset; text-align: justify; border-left: 4px outset; padding-bottom: 30px; padding-left: 30px; border-spacing: 0px; width: 800px; padding-right: 30px; border-collapse: separate; font-family: comic sans ms; background: turquoise; color: black; font-size: 12pt; border-top: 4px outset; border-right: 4px outset; padding-top: 30px; -moz-border-radius: 8px 8px 8px 8px"> <div style="border-bottom: blue 2px solid; border-left: blue 2px solid; background: lemonchiffon; border-top: blue 2px solid; border-right: blue 2px solid"> '''Here are a few samples of techniques I have found useful in the classroom. Happy reading and Happy experimentation!'''

<font color="#008000">Webquests
<div style="border-bottom: 4px outset; text-align: justify; border-left: 4px outset; padding-bottom: 30px; padding-left: 30px; border-spacing: 0px; width: 800px; padding-right: 30px; border-collapse: separate; font-family: comic sans ms; background: orange; color: black; font-size: 12pt; border-top: 4px outset; border-right: 4px outset; padding-top: 30px; -moz-border-radius: 8px 8px 8px 8px"> Webquests are wonderful ways to initiate self learning. A sample webquest has been created for you.

Check http://wikieducator.org/Webquests

to get an understanding of what a webquest is.

Also see http://www.nelliemuller.com/Nutrition_WebQuest.lessonplan.htm

My experiences:

<font color="#008000">Brain based Learning
<div style="border-bottom: 4px outset; text-align: justify; border-left: 4px outset; padding-bottom: 30px; padding-left: 30px; border-spacing: 0px; width: 800px; padding-right: 30px; border-collapse: separate; font-family: comic sans ms; background: turquoise; color: black; font-size: 12pt; border-top: 4px outset; border-right: 4px outset; padding-top: 30px; -moz-border-radius: 8px 8px 8px 8px"> We all agree that the brain is involved in learning. Read on to see how teachers can facilitate brain compatible learning. Also see this video https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HyYhoCqo58w



<font color="#008000">Tips for teachers
<div style="border-bottom: 4px outset; text-align: justify; border-left: 4px outset; padding-bottom: 30px; padding-left: 30px; border-spacing: 0px; width: 800px; padding-right: 30px; border-collapse: separate; font-family: comic sans ms; background: orange; color: black; font-size: 12pt; border-top: 4px outset; border-right: 4px outset; padding-top: 30px; -moz-border-radius: 8px 8px 8px 8px"> •Know thy learner :Be sure you are aware of who your students are. It is a good idea to have a learner profile filled in at the start of the term The learner profile could contain important information on the student's learning styles, Multiple Intelligence, Emotional Intelligence, his/her attitude towards the Course, other information that would be vital for you to know. The Profile helps the teacher to design learning experiences that are tailored towards the student.

•Go tech: Use Powerpoint presentations, encourage wiki creation, use webquests and other tech based techniques to foster constructivist approach.

•Use co-operative learning: We learn better with others. Incorporate co-operative learning techniques so that all learners take responsibility for their learning.

•Evaluate:Opt for various techniques of formative evaluation. formative evaluation gives the teacher good feedback to find if the learning objectives are being met. Also, a variety of techniques means the monotony of quizzes as evaluation techniques is broken.

•Network: Be in touch with other teachers all over the globe to know how they handle their classes. Wiki communities are a wonderful way of being linked. Grow by learning. All the best!!!

= Notes from wikineighbours =

Use the scroll bar on the right to see all the comments below: <div style="border-bottom: green thick solid; border-left: green thick solid; background: lemonchiffon; height: 200px; overflow: auto; border-top: green thick solid; border-right: green thick solid">
 * Hi Dr. Cynthia...thanks for encouraging me to this course. I know I took long to reciprocate your wishes..all the same..thanks and keep up the good work!--Chinmayee Bhange 10:04, 15 June 2012 (UTC)
 * प्रिय सिंथिया, मी खूप दिवसांनी तुझे पेज पाहिले. तुझे अभिनंदन. उत्कृष्ठ कामगिरी केली आहेस. Congrats on the UPE award. एकदम मस्त! --Kalpana Gupte 17:17, 9 November 2010 (UTC)
 * Hiii Cynthia,Could you please help me in acheiving the title of Wikibuddy?Expecting your extreme help,your ,--Darsana Joseph
 * Hiiiii Cynthia.Thank you for your complements $my heartfelt adulation on winning the User Page Expo award.Great Job! --Darsana Joseph

Hi! Congratulations!!- Jyoti


 * Hi Cynthia,hearty congrats for winning UPE September2010 award!great work,good job--satarupa
 * Hello Cynthia madam, congrats for winning user page expo award!--Vaishali


 * Hello Agnes and congratulations on winning the User Page Expo award! Good for you! --Benjamin Stewart 00:54, 14 September 2010 (UTC)
 * Young and colourful page, a lot to learn from you. Congratulations on your award!--Nadia El Borai 23:17, 13 September 2010 (UTC)


 * Hello Cynthia, I am inspired by your amazing area on WE. A goal to work towards in my new journey, Jane Scripps I don't have this signature thing right yet

Congratulations on achieving the Wikibuddy certification. Excellent work! Keep progressing and achieve all the objectives that you have set for yourself. Regards, --Kalpana Gupte 09:07, 20 June 2010 (UTC)

Dear Agnes: I'm just trying to get my bachelor degree on teaching foreign languages, I'm studying on line in my country National University UNAM. But I love your page, and your project of solving constructivist cases is just very much needed, I feel. I am already a fan of your wiki because it's a place where any teacher can learn a lot! I'd like to collaborate with you as much as I can! It's a privilege to be able to be in contact with you through this wonderful tool. Thanks for your work.--Zapoteco 22:20, 29 July 2010 (UTC)

--Vilimaka Foliaki 12:51, 1 August 2010 (UTC)

Hi Cynthia/Agnes,

I quite enjoyed reviewing your page. When I was reading about Multiple Intelligences I was reminded of a very favourite quote of mine that is attributed to Howard Gardner. I think he said "Don't ask-- How smart am I? Ask-- How am I smart?"

Thanks for sharing your work, Dianne

Hi Cynthia, thank you a lot for your comment and advice... I am very glad to know you... I would like also to congratulate you for your award... Congratulations dear! --Zaynah 16:42, 24 November 2010 (UTC) Hi Cynthia! Thanks a lot for your support and encouragement. I am looking forward to collaborating, sharing and learning from you. Best regards.--Emmanuel Nalumenya

Hi Cynthia. Neat to have you and your students involved in the eL4C48 class. Nice to see your encouraging comments - Michael (Mverhaart 10:06, 9 December 2010 (UTC))

Hi Mam...its a pleasure to be with people like you..hearfelt congrats on ur success..--Shijisubodh 07:14, 5 February 2011 (UTC)

Hi Cynthia! You have beautiful User page! Great to have you as a WikiNeighbour! --Teromakotero 12:37, 5 February 2011 (UTC)


 * Hi Cynthia Madam, Myself Dr. K.S.Ramakrishnan, Assistant Professor, School of Education, Tamil Nadu Open University, Chennai. I am a participant of EL4C50 Workshop. I visited your WE page and it is very beautiful and colourful and contentful. I am amazed by it. I would like to know the development of e-content. If you give the address of your blog, or website, I may visit there. I believe I may learn a lot from you. Wishing you all the best. --Dr. K S Ramakrishnan 12:17, 30 April 2011 (UTC)