CHAPTERS 1, 2, 3

CHAPTER 1, 2, 3

Module 1: Learning and Teaching Today

1.1   No Child Left Behind Act.

Reading and math test are administrated in grades 3-8 and then again once the students are in High School. Science is tested in every grade from grades 3-12. As a result of poor state testing scores schools can be closed and certain teachers may be fired because of this. Differentiated Learning is important tool to use within the classroom. It allows students to work at different paces, and gives options to assess what fits the needs of students’ based on their interests and needs.  Teachers should alternate calling on students, so all students have a chance to speak. 

1.1.1      Effective Teaching

Being an effective teacher does not only mean having a degree that makes them be able to teach. An effective teacher cares about their students and continues to find ways to encourage their students. A lot of teachers are very concerned with test scores and forget about engaging students, so that they understand the work they are being taught. I have had many teachers in the past that were not the best teachers and didn’t engage their students. An ineffective teacher does what is easy for them and not what will benefit their student.  Effective teachers are always making observations and changing lessons/activities so that all students can grasp the material. Their main concern is on their students and their well-being and giving them the tools they will need to succeed, not only in their class but in their future education. The difference between an effective and ineffective teacher is easy to see, the effective teacher's students are engaged in learning and are learning through many different techniques and strategies that the teacher provides for them.

Module 2: Research and Theory in Educational Psychology

1.3           Methods used to conduct research in educational psychology

Single subject experiments can be used to systematically explore effects of an intervention on a student. Ethnographic research is real teachers and the naturally occurring events that take place in a classroom to better understand the meaning of events to all people involved. 

1.4: Recognize key theories of development and learning that influence educational practice.

Cognitive Development Theory by Piaget describes the four stages of development; sensorimotor, preoperational, concrete operational and formal operational. Sensorimotor is from ages 0-2 and they learn mostly through their senses. Preoperational is from ages 1-7 and they learn by language and symbols. Concrete operational is from about 10 to adulthood and they are able the think logically. Formal operational is from adolescents to adulthood and allows for hypothetical thinking. 

Zone of Proximal Development by Vygotsky explains what children can do alone and what they can do with help and how to use this in teaching. ZPD and Scaffolding follow strategies that include modeling, organizational starters, giving hints, encouraging small steps, connecting new learning to prior knowledge and giving clear directions.