I am zooming right along and trying to get ahead. I've got a surprising amount of energy today, and I'm going to need that ... as I will be working non-stop all weekend on developing lesson plans and trying to get caught up on all the grading. I am so far behind already (we're only on Week 4!), and am just struggling to stay positive, enjoy my job, and not get burned out.
Anyway, I am rambling. This week's lesson was very interesting. The focus was on models of learning, primarily Learning Styles and Multiple Intelligences. In my mind, both are very similar and blend together, even though I know they are different theories. One focuses on learning through our senses; the other on our intellectual capabilities.
I took two assessments this week, and it was a little frustrating in that I always get different results each time I take these tests. Nevertheless, the results usually indicate that I am strong in many of the different learning styles and intelligences. The results usually just disagree as far as which are the strongest.
I hope I don't sound like I'm bragging, because I'm not trying to. There is a reason I have always enjoyed learning and being a student. I liked it so much I decided to become a teacher. It's because I'm pretty adaptable and can learn well through a variety of methods. I believe this helps me, in turn, do a good job of incorporating variety into my teaching methods in order to meet the needs of many different types of learners.
Friday, February 12, 2010
Thursday, February 11, 2010
Week 2 Reflection
I found this week's assignment to be very interesting. I really thought through one of my learning units, the interview unit in Oral/Interpersonal Communication. It is one of my favorites, and it was good to use it to examine my practices.
Last week, I blogged about how behavioral theory is a reality in my teaching. I still think it is (unfortunately). In a perfect world, I wouldn't need it at all, but in my world, I do!
However, by doing this assignment, I realized that I am most using Constructivist Theory and Social Learning Theory in my practices.
By using Constructivist Theory, I place more demands on my learners by inviting them to take an active role in their learning. They need to construct meaning rather than simply regurgitate meaningless facts from the teacher and textbook.
By using Social Learning Theory, I ask students to collaborate and work in groups. Students learn by interacting, by sharing resources, and by observing each other. Collaboration is a reality in the workforce and life in general. I would not be doing my job if I were not integrating this theory into my classroom.
Last week, I blogged about how behavioral theory is a reality in my teaching. I still think it is (unfortunately). In a perfect world, I wouldn't need it at all, but in my world, I do!
However, by doing this assignment, I realized that I am most using Constructivist Theory and Social Learning Theory in my practices.
By using Constructivist Theory, I place more demands on my learners by inviting them to take an active role in their learning. They need to construct meaning rather than simply regurgitate meaningless facts from the teacher and textbook.
By using Social Learning Theory, I ask students to collaborate and work in groups. Students learn by interacting, by sharing resources, and by observing each other. Collaboration is a reality in the workforce and life in general. I would not be doing my job if I were not integrating this theory into my classroom.
Friday, February 5, 2010
Week 1 Reflection
I've made it through Week 1 of Educational Psychology. Wow, it is really difficult for me to be a student AND work my full-time job. As it is, I can barely keep up with my job AND still sleep. I suppose this is a good lesson into how my students feel sometimes.
This week, I read about five different learning theories, completed the Learning Theory Assignment, and chatted with peers on the discussion board. It was a good review of the learning theories and of things I had learned before. I've got to admit that I am not a huge fan of theories. Theoretical stuff isn't as interesting as just getting out there and doing it. However, I understand why the theories exist, and they are important to know.
The thing that stands out the most relates to behavioral theory. I hate the thought of learning as conditioning and of learners not having to think or put much work into what they learn. However, being realistic, I use behavioral theory all the time. Students wouldn't do assignments if these assignments didn't earn points. Students wouldn't come to class if they weren't required to and if participation didn't play a role in their grade. Maybe it is different for core classes that students are truly interested in, but for general studies classes, the intrinsic motivation isn't always there.
This week, I read about five different learning theories, completed the Learning Theory Assignment, and chatted with peers on the discussion board. It was a good review of the learning theories and of things I had learned before. I've got to admit that I am not a huge fan of theories. Theoretical stuff isn't as interesting as just getting out there and doing it. However, I understand why the theories exist, and they are important to know.
The thing that stands out the most relates to behavioral theory. I hate the thought of learning as conditioning and of learners not having to think or put much work into what they learn. However, being realistic, I use behavioral theory all the time. Students wouldn't do assignments if these assignments didn't earn points. Students wouldn't come to class if they weren't required to and if participation didn't play a role in their grade. Maybe it is different for core classes that students are truly interested in, but for general studies classes, the intrinsic motivation isn't always there.
Wednesday, February 3, 2010
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