What?
The theory that i agree most on is Humanism. This theory believes that children learn best through figuring out problems themselves, it also believes that school learning should involve the total development of the person, not only cognitively, but also socially, emotionally, physically, and spiritually. This theory believes that fostering social and emotional development in students is just as important as the development of academic skills and students can be trusted to find their own goals and should be given choices as to what and how they will learn. Helping students feel good about themselves is just as important as the academic skills they are taught and it is important to be a facilitator of learning rather than a presenter of knowledge as a teacher. Humanists also believe that significant learning only takes place when the subject matter is perceived by the student as having relevance to his or her life and when personal meaning can be attributed to it.
So What?
Because this theory is the most agreed on by me, as a teacher i will a form of teaching that is student based and more than academic focused. This theory will impact my classroom in many ways, I feel that it is important to incorporate more than academic skill while teaching. It is important that students are learning other skills while they are in school because as they grow older, other skills will be essential in the real world. also, having other skills such as social, emotional, physical and spiritual skills will help them learn in different perspectives and attitudes. While teaching, it is important to give my students positive feedback and praise. I feel that when students have a higher self esteem, they are more likely to succeed in the future. From my observation, i feel that students are more likely to learn and remember information by group work and active participation rather than from a teacher lecture.
Now What?
Now that i know my emerging theory/philosophy, it is important for me to take the next step as a teacher and focus on areas that i need improvement. I feel that because i believe in humanism above the other theories, i care a lot about the feelings of others. I understand that i am dedicated and am motivated to teach children how to succeed in life. Now that i realize this, it is important for me to figure out exactly HOW i will do so. It is very important to have a game plan and i need to prepare myself to understand the ins and outs of this concept so i can become a great teacher. As i have learned in our ed psych class, i have learned a lot about how children learn best and how, we as teachers, can reach these students effectively. I have learned about different types of learners and behaviorism. I have learned about the brain and how it functions. Because of these, and many other concepts, i have come to the understanding that becoming a teacher is all about reaching your students so they can become successful in the future.
Sunday, April 26, 2009
Chapter 4 Learning Log
What:
This chapter discusses group differences and how they can affect your classroom. It talks about diversity and how each group difference has special needs and abilities. It defines the characteristics of group differences and explains how they differentiate from one another. This chapter also gives tips and examples to us as teachers, it discusses how we can work effectively with students from diverse backgrounds. It discusses specific behaviors and differences, and how we can treat and help these students, while keeping the classroom differences in perspective. This chapter also gives examples of effective ways teachers can handle a classroom with group differences and activities that promote effective learning.
So What:
This chapter is important to learn about because it gives you a different perspective of being a teacher. This chapter teaches you that every student in your classroom will be different and will have a different background. This chapter teaches you about group differences and how you need to realize that some students will have different home lives that other students. I have learned a lot and have a different view of how i need to see my students when i become a teacher.
Now What:
Now that i have a different perspective on group differences, i know how important it is as a teacher to see each student for who they are. As we learned in class, its hard not to judge your students but i feel that we need to treat each student equally. There is a lot of controversy with this subject but as a teacher we need to see this as an issue and know how we will handle it when we have our own classroom. I feel that it needs to be balanced, and have an understanding of each of your students and their group differences.
This chapter discusses group differences and how they can affect your classroom. It talks about diversity and how each group difference has special needs and abilities. It defines the characteristics of group differences and explains how they differentiate from one another. This chapter also gives tips and examples to us as teachers, it discusses how we can work effectively with students from diverse backgrounds. It discusses specific behaviors and differences, and how we can treat and help these students, while keeping the classroom differences in perspective. This chapter also gives examples of effective ways teachers can handle a classroom with group differences and activities that promote effective learning.
So What:
This chapter is important to learn about because it gives you a different perspective of being a teacher. This chapter teaches you that every student in your classroom will be different and will have a different background. This chapter teaches you about group differences and how you need to realize that some students will have different home lives that other students. I have learned a lot and have a different view of how i need to see my students when i become a teacher.
Now What:
Now that i have a different perspective on group differences, i know how important it is as a teacher to see each student for who they are. As we learned in class, its hard not to judge your students but i feel that we need to treat each student equally. There is a lot of controversy with this subject but as a teacher we need to see this as an issue and know how we will handle it when we have our own classroom. I feel that it needs to be balanced, and have an understanding of each of your students and their group differences.
Sunday, April 19, 2009
Chapter 5 Learning Log
WHAT
This chapter discusses individual differences and special educational needs. Throughout the chapter it talks about what individual differences are and how students with special needs differ from students without special needs. Intelligence is the ability to apply prior knowledge and experiences flexibility to accomplish challenging new tasks. The chapter discusses the different types of intelligences such as fluid and crystallized. It talks about Gardner's multiple intelligences and how they differ from one another. The chapter gives tips and advice on how to teach students with special needs and differences.
SO WHAT
I feel that it is important to learn about this chapter because we are all going to be teachers some day. At the beginning of the semester Dr. Cox had us take the multiple intelligence test to see our strengths and weaknesses. This gave me a different perspective on teaching because when we have a classroom full of students someday they will all be different and unique. Its important to learn how to teach different types of students so that our teaching is effective and successful.
NOW WHAT
When we become teachers, it is so important to be optimistic and open minded. Each student will be special and unique with different strengths and abilities. We as teachers, need to adapt to these students needs so that we can bee effective teachers. I will do a lot of group work, visual representation and other types of teaching so that i can reach every one of my students.
This chapter discusses individual differences and special educational needs. Throughout the chapter it talks about what individual differences are and how students with special needs differ from students without special needs. Intelligence is the ability to apply prior knowledge and experiences flexibility to accomplish challenging new tasks. The chapter discusses the different types of intelligences such as fluid and crystallized. It talks about Gardner's multiple intelligences and how they differ from one another. The chapter gives tips and advice on how to teach students with special needs and differences.
SO WHAT
I feel that it is important to learn about this chapter because we are all going to be teachers some day. At the beginning of the semester Dr. Cox had us take the multiple intelligence test to see our strengths and weaknesses. This gave me a different perspective on teaching because when we have a classroom full of students someday they will all be different and unique. Its important to learn how to teach different types of students so that our teaching is effective and successful.
NOW WHAT
When we become teachers, it is so important to be optimistic and open minded. Each student will be special and unique with different strengths and abilities. We as teachers, need to adapt to these students needs so that we can bee effective teachers. I will do a lot of group work, visual representation and other types of teaching so that i can reach every one of my students.
Sunday, March 15, 2009
Chapter 10 Learning Log
What:
Chapter 10 discusses a perspective of learning called Social Cognitive Theory. Through background knowledge of underlying assumptions, reinforcement and punishment, you are able to understand modeling, self-efficacy, and self-regulation in this chapter. This chapter also takes about the power of observation and how the social cognitive theory focuses on how people learn by watching others. It also develops beliefs of which tasks they are and are not capable of doing. Much of social cognitive theory focuses on how people can be masters of their environments and the importance of motivation.
So What:
I feel that this chapter was crucial to learn because as teachers we are going to need to effectively use these techniques and strategies with our students. Also, it is really important to teach your students self-efficacy while they are young, because if they don't it will create more drastic problems later on. We as teachers have such an impact on our students future and it is vital that we learn how to effectively help our students. I feel that learning about modeling and reinforcements will help us become better teachers.
Now What:
As we become teachers we are responsible for our students. It is our job to make sure that they are properly learning what is needed to go on to the next grade level. We need to decide how our classroom will be managed and what reinforcers we will use with our students. I think that using self regulated behaviors will play a large part in our students success and motivation.
Chapter 10 discusses a perspective of learning called Social Cognitive Theory. Through background knowledge of underlying assumptions, reinforcement and punishment, you are able to understand modeling, self-efficacy, and self-regulation in this chapter. This chapter also takes about the power of observation and how the social cognitive theory focuses on how people learn by watching others. It also develops beliefs of which tasks they are and are not capable of doing. Much of social cognitive theory focuses on how people can be masters of their environments and the importance of motivation.
So What:
I feel that this chapter was crucial to learn because as teachers we are going to need to effectively use these techniques and strategies with our students. Also, it is really important to teach your students self-efficacy while they are young, because if they don't it will create more drastic problems later on. We as teachers have such an impact on our students future and it is vital that we learn how to effectively help our students. I feel that learning about modeling and reinforcements will help us become better teachers.
Now What:
As we become teachers we are responsible for our students. It is our job to make sure that they are properly learning what is needed to go on to the next grade level. We need to decide how our classroom will be managed and what reinforcers we will use with our students. I think that using self regulated behaviors will play a large part in our students success and motivation.
Sunday, March 8, 2009
Chapter 9 Learning Log
What:
This past week in class we learned about behaviorism. Behaviorism is where learning and behavior are described and explained in terms of stimulus-response relationships. It discusses conditions that are already present in a learners environment. the responses may lead to changes in the learners environment. This chapter also discusses the difference between contiguity and contingency and different situations that come from it. We learned about reinforcers and reinforcement and how they are used in the classroom a long with token economy and delay of gratification which is the ability to forgo small immediate reinforcers to obtain larger ones later on. This chapter also explained behavioral mooentum which is an increase tendency for a leraner to make a prticular response iediately after making similar responses.
So What:
I feel that we are required to learn about behavorism because it is really important to maintain good behavior in your classroom and to create a healthy environment for your students. It is important to see the differences in "rewarding" your students and the pros and cons for each method. I feel that because we are learning how to become teachers we need to be understanding of our future students situations so that we can be more understanding and acceptable.
Now What:
It is important for us as teachers to choose the proper form of reinforcement for our stuents. I feel that we need to maintain a good balance between rewards and consequences so that our students respect and obey us. Also, it is important to create a fun, motivating environment so that our students want to come learn and succeed.
This past week in class we learned about behaviorism. Behaviorism is where learning and behavior are described and explained in terms of stimulus-response relationships. It discusses conditions that are already present in a learners environment. the responses may lead to changes in the learners environment. This chapter also discusses the difference between contiguity and contingency and different situations that come from it. We learned about reinforcers and reinforcement and how they are used in the classroom a long with token economy and delay of gratification which is the ability to forgo small immediate reinforcers to obtain larger ones later on. This chapter also explained behavioral mooentum which is an increase tendency for a leraner to make a prticular response iediately after making similar responses.
So What:
I feel that we are required to learn about behavorism because it is really important to maintain good behavior in your classroom and to create a healthy environment for your students. It is important to see the differences in "rewarding" your students and the pros and cons for each method. I feel that because we are learning how to become teachers we need to be understanding of our future students situations so that we can be more understanding and acceptable.
Now What:
It is important for us as teachers to choose the proper form of reinforcement for our stuents. I feel that we need to maintain a good balance between rewards and consequences so that our students respect and obey us. Also, it is important to create a fun, motivating environment so that our students want to come learn and succeed.
Sunday, March 1, 2009
Chapter 7 Learning Log
What:
This week in class we discussed chapter 7. This chapter talks a lot about learning and the different ways children receive and acquire knowledge. There are several different types of learners and ways we can teach learners so that everyone understands. Also, the chapter talks about different ways to organize knowledge. A concept is a way of mentally grouping or categorizing objects or events that are similar in some way. Concepts are a good way of remembering information and organizing it so you can easily find it again when needed. Another term that goes with this chapter is schema. Schema is a tightly organized set of facts related to a particular concept or phenomenon. This is how we build on prior knowledge to expand on new things.
So What:
I think this chapter is exceptionally important because we need to learn how our students will learn. I think that our teachers are teaching this because when we become teachers someday we need to construct lessons that will benefit our students. It is also really important to incorporate different activities and lessons that involve all types of learners so that no student is left out or falls behind.
Now What:
Now that we know how to teach different types of learners and know how our brain stores information, we can accommodate those learners so that everyone gets the most out of our lessons. Also, we as teachers, need to realize how important it is for our students to enjoy what they are learning as well as receiving information. There are endless possibilities that we can use as teachers to apply what we have learned in class to our teaching someday. I think that it is important to help out students understand how they learn best so that in the future they can adapt to new things and accept others.
This week in class we discussed chapter 7. This chapter talks a lot about learning and the different ways children receive and acquire knowledge. There are several different types of learners and ways we can teach learners so that everyone understands. Also, the chapter talks about different ways to organize knowledge. A concept is a way of mentally grouping or categorizing objects or events that are similar in some way. Concepts are a good way of remembering information and organizing it so you can easily find it again when needed. Another term that goes with this chapter is schema. Schema is a tightly organized set of facts related to a particular concept or phenomenon. This is how we build on prior knowledge to expand on new things.
So What:
I think this chapter is exceptionally important because we need to learn how our students will learn. I think that our teachers are teaching this because when we become teachers someday we need to construct lessons that will benefit our students. It is also really important to incorporate different activities and lessons that involve all types of learners so that no student is left out or falls behind.
Now What:
Now that we know how to teach different types of learners and know how our brain stores information, we can accommodate those learners so that everyone gets the most out of our lessons. Also, we as teachers, need to realize how important it is for our students to enjoy what they are learning as well as receiving information. There are endless possibilities that we can use as teachers to apply what we have learned in class to our teaching someday. I think that it is important to help out students understand how they learn best so that in the future they can adapt to new things and accept others.
Sunday, February 22, 2009
Chapter 6 Learning Log
What:
This week in class we learned about cognitive theories and the elements of the info processing model, ways to support working memory and long term memory, and also how to explore methods of promoting complex cognition in the classroom. I learned how the model of human memory is related to the pathway in the human brain. Each different element of the model is connected to a piece of the brain and the pathways information is transmitted. Also, we learned the process of memory through the brain. We learned the key terms to cognitive theories such as encoding, retrieval, sensory register and many others that broke down the process of memory and how it functions in the brain.
So What:
Now that i am able to identify the process of how information transmits thorough the brain i am able to take what i have learned and realize why it is so important. We are learning the steps of cognitive theories so that someday as teachers we can help our students in ways that aren't straightforward and direct. We will be able to identify when students are struggling and need extra help.
Now What:
As teachers we need to be able to identify those students who are having a hard time understanding what you are teaching. As a class i will need to help each and every student become at the same level. Because this is nearly impossible, there are different techniques and strategies i can use not just to one individual who is struggling but to every student. I can use techniques in a variety of ways that will help students remember and retrieve information. Techniques may include demonstrations for visual learners. art projects for hands on learners, and also role playing or acting out a situation to grasp a more emotional attachment for knowledge. Each technique will help students grasp knowledge and connect more to what you are teaching.
This week in class we learned about cognitive theories and the elements of the info processing model, ways to support working memory and long term memory, and also how to explore methods of promoting complex cognition in the classroom. I learned how the model of human memory is related to the pathway in the human brain. Each different element of the model is connected to a piece of the brain and the pathways information is transmitted. Also, we learned the process of memory through the brain. We learned the key terms to cognitive theories such as encoding, retrieval, sensory register and many others that broke down the process of memory and how it functions in the brain.
So What:
Now that i am able to identify the process of how information transmits thorough the brain i am able to take what i have learned and realize why it is so important. We are learning the steps of cognitive theories so that someday as teachers we can help our students in ways that aren't straightforward and direct. We will be able to identify when students are struggling and need extra help.
Now What:
As teachers we need to be able to identify those students who are having a hard time understanding what you are teaching. As a class i will need to help each and every student become at the same level. Because this is nearly impossible, there are different techniques and strategies i can use not just to one individual who is struggling but to every student. I can use techniques in a variety of ways that will help students remember and retrieve information. Techniques may include demonstrations for visual learners. art projects for hands on learners, and also role playing or acting out a situation to grasp a more emotional attachment for knowledge. Each technique will help students grasp knowledge and connect more to what you are teaching.
Tuesday, February 17, 2009
Dr Temple Grandin
We had the opportunity to hear from Dr. Grandin. She is an extrordinary woman that has autism. Hearing from her was an experience i never will forget, she is unlike anyone who suffers from autism. I was blown away by how smart and funny she was! She knows a lot about how to help children with autism and gave a lot of tips for us as future teachers. Hearing from her really gave me a different perspective on how to handle special ed children and am so glad i had the opportunity to listen to her!
Monday, February 16, 2009
Chapter 3 Learning Log
What: This past week in class we learned about sense of self and the factors of peer groups. Also, we learned a lot a bout the developmental changes and what the different stages are. Sense of self is how you critique yourself and how you view and question your surroundings. The different stages of developmental changes are in the childhood, early adolescence, and late adolescence. These stages are perceptions and how you view things.
So What: I think it is very important to learn about sense of self, it is important for us as individuals and also future teachers. I feel that as we progress in the teaching program we will become more familiar with ourself and who we want to become. As future teachers we will be seeing a lot of different personalities in our students. It is important for us to understand why our students will do the things we do, that is why it is important to learn the stages of developmental changes.
Now what: As teachers, we are only seeing half of what our students are going through. What we dont see could be their personal life, fears and issues. It is vital that as teachers we help our students develop a sense of self. Our students should feel important and are able to make a difference. I think it also would help to show them the sense of self model so they can ask those questions to see how they are doing. It is also important to know about the developmental changes that affect students learning. Our students will most likely be in the childhood or early adolescence stage which they will feel invinsible and will have an imaginary audience. As teachers, from knoing this, we can help our students and be understanding of their reasoning.
So What: I think it is very important to learn about sense of self, it is important for us as individuals and also future teachers. I feel that as we progress in the teaching program we will become more familiar with ourself and who we want to become. As future teachers we will be seeing a lot of different personalities in our students. It is important for us to understand why our students will do the things we do, that is why it is important to learn the stages of developmental changes.
Now what: As teachers, we are only seeing half of what our students are going through. What we dont see could be their personal life, fears and issues. It is vital that as teachers we help our students develop a sense of self. Our students should feel important and are able to make a difference. I think it also would help to show them the sense of self model so they can ask those questions to see how they are doing. It is also important to know about the developmental changes that affect students learning. Our students will most likely be in the childhood or early adolescence stage which they will feel invinsible and will have an imaginary audience. As teachers, from knoing this, we can help our students and be understanding of their reasoning.
Monday, February 9, 2009
Kim Peek
Listening to Kim Peek talk to us the other day was an incredible experience!! Hearing his story was very inspirational and amazing. Kim was born with agenesis of the corpus callosum, where the corpus callosum is compleely absent. He was 30 years old when he found out his lobes were fused together by a brain scan. Although he was declared mentally retarded at the age of nine months, he had memorized and could repeat every book that was read to him by the age of two! By the age of three he had memorized the dictonary, and at the age of five he started walking which docters had told him he never would, what an inspiration! By the age of fourteen Kim had finished the whole high school curriculum. He has also memorized the scriptures and other LDS books, all together he has memorized over 12,000 books! Although Kim has never taken piano lessons, he can play 85 percent of the classical music that he had heard when hew as around 5 years old! Because of Kims accomplishments, he recieved an honorary degree from Oxford University. This man is incredible and has so much talent and knowlege that i was blown away after hearing from him! He wasnt just a guy with a lot of knowlege, just by watching Kim i could see how sweet and caring he was to everyone around him. He is such a special person and i will never forget listening to him and how he changed peoples lives!
"Learning to recognize differences in others and treading them the way you want to be treated will make this a better world. Everyone is different."
-Kim Peek
"Learning to recognize differences in others and treading them the way you want to be treated will make this a better world. Everyone is different."
-Kim Peek
Sunday, February 8, 2009
Chapter 2 Learning Log
The two theories!
What: This week in class we learned about the different theories of Piaget and Vygotsky. It was interesting to see their different perceptions and beliefs. Piaget believed in individual construcivism, role of environment, interaction with peers, and the theory that derived from observation. Vigotsky on the other hand believed in social constructivism, role of culture, interaction with adults, and the theory that derived from observation as well. Piaget believed that the factors in cognitive development included biological maturation (nature) active exploration of physical environment (nature) social experiences (nurture) and equilibrium(self-regulation). He also believed that schema which is a category, becomes a scheme over time which is the physical process. Then, becomes operation, which is mental process. Vygotskys factors of the role of society include: sociocultural learning, guided participation, apprenticeship, peer interaction, and power of play.
So What: This weeks chapter helped me relate things to my own life and how i can use these theories in my teaching career. I think that learning about these theories can help us as teachers understand our students better and learn from their learning techniques. It was interesting to learn about Piagets process of equilibrium and how Dr. Cox related it to clogging. It put things into different perspectives. Also, learning these things will help us become better teachers because we can quirk our teaching styles to meet our students learning needs.
Now What: Although I learned a lot from Piagets and Vygotskys theories, there is so much i need to learn to use their theories in my classroom someday. Now that i learned what their theories represent, i now need to learn HOW to use these techniques to benefit my students. In my future teaching i will now be able to relate things to the students more so that they can understand and relate it to their own lives.
What: This week in class we learned about the different theories of Piaget and Vygotsky. It was interesting to see their different perceptions and beliefs. Piaget believed in individual construcivism, role of environment, interaction with peers, and the theory that derived from observation. Vigotsky on the other hand believed in social constructivism, role of culture, interaction with adults, and the theory that derived from observation as well. Piaget believed that the factors in cognitive development included biological maturation (nature) active exploration of physical environment (nature) social experiences (nurture) and equilibrium(self-regulation). He also believed that schema which is a category, becomes a scheme over time which is the physical process. Then, becomes operation, which is mental process. Vygotskys factors of the role of society include: sociocultural learning, guided participation, apprenticeship, peer interaction, and power of play.
So What: This weeks chapter helped me relate things to my own life and how i can use these theories in my teaching career. I think that learning about these theories can help us as teachers understand our students better and learn from their learning techniques. It was interesting to learn about Piagets process of equilibrium and how Dr. Cox related it to clogging. It put things into different perspectives. Also, learning these things will help us become better teachers because we can quirk our teaching styles to meet our students learning needs.
Now What: Although I learned a lot from Piagets and Vygotskys theories, there is so much i need to learn to use their theories in my classroom someday. Now that i learned what their theories represent, i now need to learn HOW to use these techniques to benefit my students. In my future teaching i will now be able to relate things to the students more so that they can understand and relate it to their own lives.
Sunday, February 1, 2009
Brain Learning Log
What?
This week in class we learned all about the Brain!! It was fascinating how much detail and information the brain has to offer! Although I found it fascinating, i was not at all surprised. As a class, we took a quiz on how well we knew about the brain. After that, we split into groups of 3 and were assigned a different part of the brain. We were assigned to find information about where it was located, what it's functions were, and what would happen if that part was damaged. Then we switched groups and told the rest of our group about our part of the brain and gained our knowledge that way. It was a fun activity but it was hard to learn a lot about the different parts because of the time we were given and the detail each person gave was different. I learned that each of the parts of the brain would not function without one another, they are each vital and work together. Also I learned that we use 100 percent of our brain and no one is really left or right brained.
SO WHAT?
I feel that learning about the brain will not only make us more knowledgeable but it helps us understand why we do, think, and act a certain way. As a teacher, we will need to be very understanding and patient with our students. Therefore, learning about the brain will help us realize that their is a reason why our students aren't understanding or listening to what you have to say. That way you can be open minded to change a lesson or take more time on a certain subject. Learning this information about our brain will help me become a better teacher because I feel that being open minded towards your students will be extremely beneficial. You can never have a set lesson because you never know how your students will react or learn the concept. This way you can change things around so you can be a great teacher and make a difference in your students lives!
NOW WHAT?
Although I learned the basic parts and functions of the brain, I still have so much to learn and understand. I need to learn more of the cause and effects of the brain so that i can use what i have learned effectively as a teacher. That way, I can be more understanding and open minded if I have a student that reacts inappropriately towards one of my activities or lessons. Also after i gain more knowledge about the brain, I can teach my students why they do the things they do so they can understand themselves and those around them.
This week in class we learned all about the Brain!! It was fascinating how much detail and information the brain has to offer! Although I found it fascinating, i was not at all surprised. As a class, we took a quiz on how well we knew about the brain. After that, we split into groups of 3 and were assigned a different part of the brain. We were assigned to find information about where it was located, what it's functions were, and what would happen if that part was damaged. Then we switched groups and told the rest of our group about our part of the brain and gained our knowledge that way. It was a fun activity but it was hard to learn a lot about the different parts because of the time we were given and the detail each person gave was different. I learned that each of the parts of the brain would not function without one another, they are each vital and work together. Also I learned that we use 100 percent of our brain and no one is really left or right brained.
SO WHAT?
I feel that learning about the brain will not only make us more knowledgeable but it helps us understand why we do, think, and act a certain way. As a teacher, we will need to be very understanding and patient with our students. Therefore, learning about the brain will help us realize that their is a reason why our students aren't understanding or listening to what you have to say. That way you can be open minded to change a lesson or take more time on a certain subject. Learning this information about our brain will help me become a better teacher because I feel that being open minded towards your students will be extremely beneficial. You can never have a set lesson because you never know how your students will react or learn the concept. This way you can change things around so you can be a great teacher and make a difference in your students lives!
NOW WHAT?
Although I learned the basic parts and functions of the brain, I still have so much to learn and understand. I need to learn more of the cause and effects of the brain so that i can use what i have learned effectively as a teacher. That way, I can be more understanding and open minded if I have a student that reacts inappropriately towards one of my activities or lessons. Also after i gain more knowledge about the brain, I can teach my students why they do the things they do so they can understand themselves and those around them.
Saturday, January 24, 2009
Webquest Reflection
What..So What...Now What..?
This web quest assignment has opened my eyes to different approaches to analyze or handle a classroom. Descriptive research helped me realize there is always a goal of describing what, how, or why something is happening in my classroom or with students. Correlational research taught me about comparing two or more variables to find a relationship or cause. Experimental Research is seeing things as a cause and effect. Action Research can be used when comparing your own techniques and developing strategies to improve your own.
Learning these different research strategies will help me a lot in the future because when we begin teaching we thing we don't need help or critiquing. Although we think we know everything, we need to analyze ourselves and see how we can improve different situations so they don't happen again. This has helped me critically analyze myself and see things in all different perspectives. It is important to realize what you are doing wrong so that you can learn and fix your problems. Each of these research techniques are different in their own ways, they all will benefit us as teachers when we are comparing things or trying to make our teaching more effective.
Although I have learned an enormous amount about educational research, there is still a very large portion that I am still very unsure about. I can read books and books about it but the point to where I fully understand the concepts wont be until I have my own class and use the research for myself. In the future, I will use educational research in many different situations. For example, If i am wondering if my students are understanding what I am teaching, I can use Action research to figure out new ways to help my students if my own are not working. Also, I can use Correlational research to compare different classes or students to see what each needs to improve on. Overall, i think these research techniques will be beneficial to not only me but my future students.
This web quest assignment has opened my eyes to different approaches to analyze or handle a classroom. Descriptive research helped me realize there is always a goal of describing what, how, or why something is happening in my classroom or with students. Correlational research taught me about comparing two or more variables to find a relationship or cause. Experimental Research is seeing things as a cause and effect. Action Research can be used when comparing your own techniques and developing strategies to improve your own.
Learning these different research strategies will help me a lot in the future because when we begin teaching we thing we don't need help or critiquing. Although we think we know everything, we need to analyze ourselves and see how we can improve different situations so they don't happen again. This has helped me critically analyze myself and see things in all different perspectives. It is important to realize what you are doing wrong so that you can learn and fix your problems. Each of these research techniques are different in their own ways, they all will benefit us as teachers when we are comparing things or trying to make our teaching more effective.
Although I have learned an enormous amount about educational research, there is still a very large portion that I am still very unsure about. I can read books and books about it but the point to where I fully understand the concepts wont be until I have my own class and use the research for myself. In the future, I will use educational research in many different situations. For example, If i am wondering if my students are understanding what I am teaching, I can use Action research to figure out new ways to help my students if my own are not working. Also, I can use Correlational research to compare different classes or students to see what each needs to improve on. Overall, i think these research techniques will be beneficial to not only me but my future students.
Tuesday, January 20, 2009
Course Contract
Course Contract
I need to set goals in my life in order to keep pushing myself and grow. My three goals for this course include:
1. Never settle, always do my best work.
2. Stay on top of things, don’t get behind.
3. Be organized
I chose these goals because in my general classes I always took the easy way to get good grades. After the last discussion we had in class it changed my whole perspective. These classes we are taking will benefit us in the future, it is essential we understand and grasp each concept.
My weekly preparation plan to complete these goals will include creating a planner to keep me on track. Having a planner will make sure I know what assignments and discussions in class ahead of time that I need to know about. Each day I will break down the chapter piece by piece to read a small portion at a time. That way, I will not feel overwhelmed or become bored from the reading. Also, I will complete each assignment at least 2 days after it was given, that way I can stay on top with the rest of my classes and perfect them if needed.
My study strategies will be simple but effective. From the textbook I will highlight important information and also create an outline of the chapter, that way I can go back and review without re-reading the chapter. Also, I will collaborate with my classmates to study together for important exams or assignments.
If I do not understand a topic, again I will collaborate with classmates to figure out what I do not understand. At the first of class I got 4 classmates phone numbers in case I have a problem or do not understand.
Because I am determined to complete my goals, I will do whatever it takes to understand and grasp what I need to know!
Friday, January 16, 2009
Motivation
When I think of motivation, I think about being driven and determined. I am most motivated when there is a reward or the feeling of success is involved. For example, when I was starting high school I wanted to become a cheerleader. I had NO dancing abilities or coordination whatsoever! I was determined to make the squad so 2 months before tryouts I practiced and practiced day and night. When it came time for tryouts I was extremely nervous but was confident at the same time. To make a long story short I made the squad and it was the best experience of my high school years. What motivated me was my older sister, she was a cheerleader in high school and I looked up to her a lot. I saw how involved with the school she was and how much fun she had. It was an extreme amount of work but that determination helped me succeed. When I think about failing, I think about giving up. As much as I hate failing, I have to admit there have been times where I have failed mainly because I was just lazy and didn't push myself to succeed. I am at UVU because I am determined to become an awesome teacher and role model for students. I want to be involved and help children have the same love for learning as I have. I do have a lot of learning to do and I want to soak up every drop of it as I can! In my classroom, I need to be motivated with my students and teach them to be motivated as well. It is really important to be driven because it is up to me to teach and help my students grow.
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