Week 4 Reflection

Reading Brent Wilson’s idea of “Guerrilla Design” really made me think about my approach as a new lab instructor. He talks about how we don’t need to wait for permission or big changes to improve learning; we can start by making small, thoughtful adjustments right where we are. In his rejoinder, Wilson explains that guerrilla design isn’t about being reckless, but about being responsive and creative within real-world limits. In the lab, I’ve already seen how small tweaks - like changing the way I explain a process or setting up a more hands-on activity - can make a real difference in how students engage. Wilson’s idea makes me feel more confident experimenting and finding what works, even if it’s not the traditional way.

Brad Hokanson’s thoughts on “content” also connected with what I’ve been noticing. He argues that too often, education focuses on delivering information instead of helping students use it. That’s especially true in labs, where the goal isn’t just to memorize facts but to apply them. I’ve realized that when I let students explore and make sense of the material through real tasks, they learn much more deeply. I really liked his point about how content is only one piece of the puzzle, and how it’s the experiences and interactions that make learning stick.

Both Wilson and Hokanson reinforced the idea that while following a set plan can increase design efficacy, it’s also about staying flexible, responding to learners, and focusing on meaning instead of just content or structure. As I keep finding my footing in this role, or potentially shift into a different position, I want to keep that mindset and be willing to adjust, take small risks, and as a teacher, keep the focus on helping students actively learn, not just absorb information.