Final Learning Log

I took the quiz and my scores were as follows:
Behaviorism 42/49
Cognitivism 45/49
Humanism 41/49
What? I scored the highest under Cognitivism. There are three main parts of social cognitive theory: the power of observation, the role of control, and the importance of motivation. When talking about the power of observation, social cognitive theory is mainly about learning by observing others. By doing so, you can learn new behaviors from models. For example, take vicarious punishment and vicarious reinforcement; people learn what behaviors are most likely to lead to reinforcement and punishment by watching others who experience it. Also, by watching others, they get a good understanding of what they are and aren’t capable of doing. The social cognitive theory also talks about how people can be in control of their surroundings. When people watch others, they control what they learn, and if they learn, by paying attention or not paying attention. When people self-regulate, they take charge of their own behaviors and their own learning by setting goals and doing self-evaluations. Lastly, it is important to be motivated. Most of people’s behaviors are goal-based. Also, through observing, people form their own expectations of future outcomes of certain actions. It’s found that, in order to be completely motivated, people must have high self-efficacy and believe they will be successful, to some degree or another. Most people take charge of their own motivation by evaluating future responses. I believe that it is so important for students to be motivated, and this is the reason why I think I scored the highest in that section.
So What? It is important to know this information because we, as teachers, will deal with this for the rest of our career. In every classroom there is AT LEAST one student who struggles, is disabled, or is special needs. It is important for the teachers to be well educated in how to handle these kinds of situations so they are able to reach out to every one of their students, whether they are disabled or fully able. As I further my education and career, I will become more aware of which abilities and behaviors are typical for a particular age-group and will be able to identify children who are atypical in one way or another. The job of referring students to a specialist or for assessments ultimately comes down to the teacher, so it is important to be aware and educated on this information. For all I know, in the school I teach at, they might practice inclusion. I would need to provide specialists with information for IEP's and detailed specifics about the disabled students.
Now What? Now that I have learned about the information in Chapter 5, I feel a LITTLE bit more confident in going into teaching and being aware that I will encounter these kinds of situations. I am still nervous because of the unknown, and actually having them in a classroom compared to just doing textbook exercises on the information. I believe I will be able to express my knowledge about inclusion and IEP's, as well as apply to my classroom the concept of "Least Restrictive Environment", which is extremely important to have in the classroom. As a teacher, it is my job to teach everyone in my classroom, not just those who are willing and able. I need to reach out to those who have severe to minor disabilities, as well as special needs. Whether or not my school I teach at practices inclusion, I need to be aware of what it is and how to adapt my classroom to it. From Chapter 5's information about individual differences, I think it is very important for the students in the classroom to be aware of the differences amongst the students around them, and it doesn't matter if the differences are minor or major.

Chapter 4 Learning Log

What? Who we are is composed of our past experiences, beliefs and knowledge. This is an important concept because it applies to the social relationship between teachers and students. All of us get in the habit of looking at the world through our own cultural lenses, seeing things the way we believe they are supposed to be seen. But, what happens when a student sees the world differently than other students see it, or how the teacher sees it? This is why it is so important to have an open mind as a teacher. In order to effectively work with students, teachers must try hard to overcome these biased behaviors. For example, in some cultures, children do not look adults in the eye as a sign of respect. The best thing to do is to know who your students are. Communicate with the parents to find out if there are any cultural differences that you should be aware of as their teacher. As a teacher, it is also very important to be able to quickly adapt and modify your teaching style to those students who are culturally different.
So What? It is important to know these things because in the classroom I will have many students from diverse cultures. I need to know how to handle situations where students may think other students are weird for being "different", but in fact every one is different, and it is my job to make each and every one of my students aware of that. No parent wants to send their child off to school when they are unsure of how their child is "viewed" each day. It is the teacher's job to make sure that there is an atmosphere of respect that is maintained in the classroom.
Now What? Now that I know this information, I am more aware of the cultural aspects of a classroom. I will be able to educate my students about the differences between all the students. I could maybe have a "Me Day" where each student chooses a way to present themselves to the class. I could do this activity in the beginning of the school year as an introduction activity. I think it is so important, and so much more important after reading Ch. 4, to be educated about cultural differences among students. The better you know the students, the more comfortable they will feel around you as their teacher, and the more successful they'll be in your class.

Chapter 5 Learning Log

What?  There are several ways in which students in any classroom may be different from one another.  Starting out, teachers may find this to be overwhelming.  however, with time and experience, I'll learn how to bring diversity into the classroom and make each student feel special and loved.  It is very important to know as much as you can about each student.  What's it like for them at home?  What languages do they speak?  Any information will be helpful to the teacher in providing that student with the proper learning environment.  Individualize instructions for those students who are non-disabled, as well as disabled and special needs.  It is VERY important to have good communication with the students' parents, because the more information about their child you swap, the more successful the teacher will be in reaching out to that student.  When dealing with inclusion, it is important to take into consideration their disabilities.  Your classroom always should be LRE (Least Restrictive Environment), meaning the teacher should do everything they can to reach every student, and the way they are teaching should benefit everyone in the classroom and leave nobody out.

So What? It is important to know this information because we, as teachers, will deal with this for the rest of our career.  In every classroom there is AT LEAST one student who struggles, is disabled, or is special needs.  It is important for the teachers to be well educated in how to handle these kinds of situations so they are able to reach out to every one of their students, whether they are disabled or fully able.  As I further my education and career, I will become more aware of which abilities and behaviors are typical for a particular age-group and will be able to identify children who are atypical in one way or another.  The job of referring students to a specialist or for assessments ultimately comes down to the teacher, so it is important to be aware and educated on this information.  For all I know, in the school I teach at, they might practice inclusion.  I would need to provide specialists with information for IEP's and detailed specifics about the disabled students.

Now What? Now that I have learned about the information in Chapter 5, I feel a LITTLE bit more confident in going into teaching and being aware that I will encounter these kinds of situations.  I am still nervous because of the unknown, and actually having them in a classroom compared to just doing textbook exercises on the information.  I believe I will be able to express my knowledge about inclusion and IEP's, as well as apply to my classroom the concept of "Least Restrictive Environment", which is extremely important to have in the classroom.  As a teacher, it is my job to teach everyone in my classroom, not just those who are willing and able.  I need to reach out to those who have severe to minor disabilities, as well as special needs.  Whether or not my school I teach at practices inclusion, I need to be aware of what it is and how to adapt my classroom to it.  From Chapter 5's information about individual differences, I think it is very important for the students in the classroom to be aware of the differences amongst the students around them, and it doesn't matter if the differences are minor or major.