Chapter 1

Module 1:  Learning and Teaching Today

1.1: Describe the key elements and requirements of the No Child Left Behind Act.

Reading and math test are administrated in grades 3-8 and once in High School. Science is tested in every grade 3-12. Because of poor state testing scores schools can be closed and certain teachers may be fired. Differentiated Learning is important and allows students to work at different paces, exercise options and is to be assessed by indicators that fit the students interest and needs. Teachers should wait for students to ask for help. And teachers should alternate calling on students, so all students have a chance to speak. 

1.2: Discuss the essential features of effective teaching.

Being an effective teacher does not only mean having a degree that makes them be able to teach. Effective teacher care about their students first and are constantly finding new ways to engage and motive their students. Many teachers only care about test scores and do not know their students. I think we have all had an unqualified teacher, who put in the least amount of effort possible. Ineffective teachers do what is easy for them, not what benefits their students. Effective teachers are always making observations and changing lessons/activities as necessary. 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 medias. 

Module 2:  Research and Theory in Educational Psychology

1.3: Describe the methods used to conduct research in the field of 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. 

ENGAGE: Read and Ponder

Thorndike, E.L. (1910) The contribution of psychology to education. Journal of Educational Psychology, 1,5-12 retrieved from Classics in the history of Psychology. http://psychclassics.yorku.ca/Thorndike/education.htm

Ponder and answer the following questions, discuss them in your blogs and share the links to your posts on the forum:

1. What are the roles for education and psychology envisioned by E.L. Thorndike?

The roles of education and psychology include helping students discover. It should also be about real learning and not just memorizing facts. Students should be able to manipulate their environment and learn to create and build off previous information learned. It should include the student's behavior, intellect and character to change human nature. It should improve human being's welfare and to master our souls.  

2. Have these roles changed? What kind of methods did Thorndike recommend for research?

Education used to be adding on to the person's common sense. It was once thought that improving bodily welfare was a barrier to spiritual growth. Teachers used to think that their students were less capable then they really were. They were not growing and Bain's research is no longer used because it supported these ideas. 

Think about your Professional Development Plan. In your 1 page plan, identify:

1. What constitutes scholarly research.

Scholarly Research is peer reviewed and is published in articles, books and databases. They are written by professionals in the field that have conducted studies and research in the topic. 

2. Ways to acquire and interpret scholarly research.

Scholarly Research can be found in databases and articles. It is important to also read articles written about the original article to read about pros and cons of the studies that were performed. You can learn from others mistakes and take pieces you think will help your students because there is no need to reinvent the wheel. You can read ways other teachers have implemented these practices and learn from their successes and mistakes. 

3. Ways to use scholarly research in your future practice.

Using scholarly research is very important but it is more important to take the ideas collected and apply them to your students. You must change and adopt the practices that are used by others and make them your own. You must take into account your individual students and their needs and how these scholarly practices can help them in their education. It is helpful to take ideas that have been helpful to others but to customize and personalize them for your students and their skills and needs. There isn't one thing that will help all students, ELL and special education students may need more help and we can not just assume something will work for everyone. Differentiating learning is so important so all students have to ability to learn in the best way that works for them so they can succeed and love learning.