Final learning log

What? I think that children learn best a number of ways so this is kind of hard. I think probably the best way would be by discovery learning and authentic activities. I have always learned best by examples, visuals, and doing hands on activities. I think that, that is a good way to learn and also if the students were able to have the hands on experience they will be able to retain the information and be able to remember it better.

So What? Therefore, I think i would focus on the Constructivism theory the most. I really like using discovery learning where they derive their own knowledge about a topic through firsthand interaction. I also like community of learners where the teacher and student work together to retain information. I really like having the students working in groups to learn more and be able to succeed. I also like authentic activity and how they can learn more information about what they might encounter in the real world, and be able to apply it to the real world.

Now What? I am really excited to be able to apply these theories and applications the next time we do field experience and in the future when I teach. I would like to learn a little of every thing in more depth and especially focus on how to apply it in the classroom and what are the best ways to teach the material. I am always feeling like I need to improve in a lot of areas. I think during the field experience the thing I noticed the most was focusing on classroom management. To focus on the positive and negative reinforcement and be able to learn how to manage the class so that they all could have a positive experience.

12/8/08

What? We learned about social cognitivism. We learned more about the power of expectations. We had an activity where we broke up social cognitivism into modeling, vicarious reinforcement, self regulation, and self efficacy, and each group did a PowerPoint presentation on it.
So What? I think the individual groups learn a lot about what they are teaching. I also think doing this activity helped us learn more about these individual areas, than if we were to just read the book.
Now What? I really liked learning about these different areas and know that it will help in the future. It will help us understand the kids and be able to teach them in different ways and be able to have classroom management in many different ways.

12/1/08 Learning log

What? We learned about the definition of learning in Behaviorism. We learned about classical conditioning and operant conditioning and how to determine what situations are what. In classical conditioning we learned the unconditioned stimulus and response, and the conditioned stimulus. We also learned about reinforcing the group, and good behaviors. We learned how to eliminate bad behaviors and effective forms of punishment.
So What? Now we know what they are and how to apply it in the classroom. We can define the problem or situation and find a resolution for it.
Now What? I really liked the discussion on classroom management, the practical reinforcers, reinforcing the group, and eliminating behaviors. I found it really helpful and thought of ways that I could use in the classroom.

11/24/08

What? We learned today about authentic activities and constructivism. We picked a topic that was affecting the world today and came up with a basic lesson plan for it. We also learned about the 5 E's, and Bruner's 4 stages.
So What? I found it very interesting to learn more about authentic activities, discovery learning, and community of learners, and the positives and negatives of each. How and why you should apply it into the classroom.
Now What? I know what to use, when to use and how to apply it into the classroom. How it can help and effect each student and each class. I liked coming up with a quick lesson plan for an authentic activity. Also, I found Bruner's 4 stages very interesting. I really liked the 5 E's. Engage, Explore, Explain, Elaborate, and Evaluate. I think those all work really well with lesson plans and if used correctly you can have a successful lesson.

Extra Credit - John Ratey

What? John Ratey states that exercise stimulates the brain and helps you do better in school, and life overall. Exercising makes you feel better about yourself. He states that if you exercise before you take a test or go to classes you will do better. I also found it interesting that when you are pregnant and you exercise your baby will develop better and do better in the future.
So What? I do agree and think that exercise makes you feel better and be able to stay more focused in your activities and learning. It keeps your brain alert.
Now What? It makes me want to exercise more. With busy schedules, sometimes I find it hard to exercise, to even go on a walk. I need to set aside time to do something, even if it is a quick walk around the block. I know it will help me in many ways.

Chapter 3

What? We learned about moral and social development. The thing that I found most interesting about chapter 3 was Kohlberg's three levels and six stages of moral reasoning and Erickson's stages of development.
So What? I liked learning about Erickson's stages of development. I thought they were interesting. I liked how you had us present it to the class, and then I liked how you helped us think of words to help us study and know it for the test. I am a visual learner, so things like that help.
Now what? Now that I have learned about these levels of development, I hope that I am able to determine what level my students will be at so I can help them to their best of their needs.

Fertile Minds - Extra Credit

I thought the article fertile minds was very interesting. I didn't know that the brain starts developing at 12 weeks and found it very interesting. I also thought the statistic that kids who don't play and aren't touched develop brains 20 to 30% smaller than normal for their age. I really liked the quote "There is a time scale to brain development, and the most important year is the first," notes Frank Newman, president of the Education Commission of the States. They also talked about working moms and sending children to day care. I have worked at a day care for a number of years in the past and saw some of the affects on children. As we are planning on having children, it has brought up should I work or stay home. That is a tough decision, and not too many people have that option at this time in life. I liked how they named a gene after Sonic the hedgehog. I thought this statement was mind boggling: "By the age of two, a child's brain contains twice as many synapses and consumes twice as much energy as the brain of a normal adult". I liked the study on Brandi Binder, I thought that was amazing. It is amazing how the brain functions, and how it functions with the body. I also liked this statement: "Indeed, parents are the brain's first and most important teachers. Among other things, they appear to help babies learn by adopting the rhythmic, high-pitched speaking style known as Parentese". It reminded me of what you were saying in class for example when we change a child's diaper to talk to them and tell them exactly everything we are doing. I also liked this statement: "Experience is the chief architect of the brain" says Perry. I found it interesting that if a mother is depressed it has a serious effect on the child and its brain. I found it interesting when the brain can take in the most, such as learning a language is best from birth to 6 years. I think it would be great to learn another language in elementary school. What a great opportunity for children to learn a second language in their school if they can't from their parents. I thought this article was very interesting. Again, I think that the brain and how it functions and how it functions with the body is amazing. This article gave me a lot to think about. When I become a parent, I hope that I can teach my kids a lot and give them the best opportunities possible.