Graphic/Web Design Experience
Significant experience in visual design using Creative Cloud applications.
Educator Experience
Experience teaching in both secondary and post-secondary environments.
Instructional Design Experience
Experience designing learning interactions using research-based instructional strategies.
Who am I?
My name is Tom Smalling, and I’m a career designer. Initially, I began my career as a graphic designer, then transitioned into web development. However, since 2013, I’ve been working in the classroom educating adults about graphic design. During this time, I have developed an appreciation for the design of learning. I have re-focused my attention on learning about the design of instruction, and I am currently developing ways to apply my design skills to educational products.
My Education Philosophy
My education philosophy is based on building a growth mindset in learners. Encouraging learners to approach learning with a positive can-do attitude is essential. Studies have shown “positive emotion and lower stress foster better brain functioning for optimal learning” (Tang, 2017, p. 8).
So how can I help learners approach learning positively? One approach is to help learners find their motivation to succeed. Learning new skills involves a certain level of stress and discomfort. By carefully designing learning experiences and events, I can help learners develop competencies and increase their confidence. This confidence helps the learner build feelings of satisfaction, which stimulates the brain’s reward systems. The goal is to encourage students to find a flow state in the teacher’s projects and activities.
Along with a positive approach to learning, a constructivist approach to learning is vital. Learners continually build and revise their knowledge based on their foundations and experiences. Each learner brings a unique vantage point to the classroom, and it’s essential to consider these viewpoints when developing learning experiences. Some of these experiences may be experiential, providing opportunities to connect the learning to real-world applications. I feel this connection is a vital, sometimes overlooked, part of the educational experience.
References:
Tang, Y.-Y. (2017). Brain-based learning and education: principles and practice. San Diego: Elsevier. https://doi.org/10.1016/B978-0-12-810508-5.00002-X
