Module 2

Chapter 4 discusses learning differences and the learning needs of students. This includes learning styles, IQ and intelligence, students with learning challenges such as learning or intellectual disabilities, Students with Autism Spectrum Disorder, RTIs, IEPs, the importance of creativity, and gifted students. One of the concepts that really stood out to can be found on pages 148-149 and discusses learned helplessness. I never knew this term existed and when I was reading, I could not believe how relatable this term was to me at one point. I do have documented learning disabilities, and it was something that took me a long time to accept because I felt stigmatized by it. There have been times where I have felt like I was experiencing learned helplessness. I knew many classmates who have felt the same way. But what helped me overcome this issue was the intervention of direct instruction. Looking back, I am so thankful that my teachers took time out to assist me in understanding their content. This inspires me to be the type of teacher that will adapt their lessons to meet the learning needs of their students.

Chapter 5 discusses topics related to language development, language diversity, and teaching Immigrant students who are ELLs. These topics include how and when language develops, diversity in language development, students with language disabilities, dialects and teaching, to name a few. The existence of the cultural deficient model (on pages 195-196) stood out to me. This is because it offends me that this concept was ever implemented in schools. However, I understand it was a product of the time. I am thankful it is not the case today. However, through my experience, I have seen some teachers with this mindset still to this day. This bothers me for two reasons. One is that shows the teacher is not adapting to the times. Secondly, it does not provide an accepting atmosphere for immigrant students. I believe in inclusivity, respect, and multiculturalism. I will bring those beliefs into my future classroom. Being that my content area is music, I am provided with many opportunities for inclusivity. For example, I would also encourage students of different or Immigrant cultures to showcase music from their culture in a presentation or demonstration.

Chapter 6 discusses topics about culture and diversity. Specifically within ethnicity, race, and gender. The explanations of prejudice, bias, stereotype, and discrimination (from pages 233-235) are truly important concepts for teachers to be aware of. I have seen prejudice and stereotyping throughout my junior high and high school years and it was toxic. I did not realize how toxic it was until I went away to school for my undergrad. Now that I am aware of it, I will strive to not have those concepts within my style of teaching. For example, I will promote fairness and equality towards every one of my students.

Chapter 8 discusses cognitive views of learning. One of the biggest themes I have seen is memory and retention. The concept of mnemonics on pages 328-329 is relatable to me because I have used several mnemonic strategies for several voice students I work with. This includes, for example, notes on the staff. The space notes for the treble clef all spell out FACE, to name one. I would implement these strategies in my future classroom because they are fun and improve retention.

Comments

  1. Mary TolerJune 25, 2019 at 10:13 AM

    I too learned about learned helplessness and resonated with me regarding one of my sons. He has a lot of learning disabilities and it can be challenging to overcome this sense of helplessness. I agree to the ideas of discrimination, bias and prejudice being toxic and hope to help students who have learned these ideas to see what the idea entails and help them go past those thoughts. I absolutely love listening to the varied folk music from around the world, I feel like the older songs folk songs, with their unique instruments can show the culture of the people more than modern music because of the influence of globalization.

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  2. NickwinninghamJune 27, 2019 at 11:11 AM

    Thank you for sharing your schooling experience and I think it is great that the teachers helped you achieve your goals. I also did not know learned helplessness was even a thing before I read the chapter in the book. I think that teachers not adapting to modern times is dangerous because it could make a student have a disgust for education. Then they could ultimately drop out of school due to them being of a different race/ethnicity. All classrooms should have a good sense of community and accept all students regardless of what their background is.

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  3. AnonymousJune 27, 2019 at 12:58 PM


    I too know exactly how a you felt with your learned helplessness. Due to a slew of circumstances, I am one of the slowest, inaccurate readers I have ever met in my entire life. My fiancee and I are doing some research study and it took me four times the length to read the contract as it took her. In the past that type of thing would have made me real mad but I've come to terms with it at this point. Unless you stop trying, nothing will be able to hold you back from what you set yourself out to do.

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  4. Casey CaseJune 27, 2019 at 1:01 PM

    I too know exactly how a you felt with your learned helplessness. Due to a slew of circumstances, I am one of the slowest, inaccurate readers I have ever met in my entire life. My fiancee and I are doing some research study and it took me four times the length to read the contract as it took her. In the past that type of thing would have made me real mad but I've come to terms with it at this point. Unless you stop trying, nothing will be able to hold you back from what you set yourself out to do.

    PS: I have no idea why blogger didn't let me reply using my name for the post above by "Unknown" so I just copy and pasted it here

    ReplyDelete
  5. Nikki PuchalskiJune 28, 2019 at 9:19 AM

    Josh I am glad that you are both open with your own struggles in school and had teachers that stepped up to help you! What a great experience though to bring with you to the classroom and give to the kids who you will be able to relate with in this way!

    I also agree with the toxic environment that prejudices and stereotypes create. I have been in the environment before and like you it motivates me to be the change that I had and to be more aware with my own students!

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  6. JrodrigueztrntyJune 28, 2019 at 9:38 PM

    I find it wonderful how you plan to include music from all cultures in your teaching. It is important for all students to feel that they belong in a classroom environment, especially with everything that has been going on in the world with immigration. With all the hate that is spreading around, it is imperative that we as educators try our best to incorporate love and respect for all cultures and backgrounds. Great blog post!

    ReplyDelete

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