Module 1-Welcome to Educational Psych!

This first week we read chapters 1, 2 and 3.  Chapter 1 was really just an introduction to psychology, studies and research and the effects good teachers have on the classroom.  On page 13 there is a small table that shows what students want their student's teachers to know.  I liked this little table because with so much pushing and pulling us (what we are learning, how to be teachers, standards, EDtpa stuff, just all of the mental overload) it was a great reminder of what STUDENTS need from us and want us to do for them!  This chapter also discussed the different components of the research and studies that went into the support of educational psychology and text. 

Chapter 2 was about Cognitive Development, which is what education is all about!  This chapter talked about the connection between the brain and forming synapses to support education and the development of the brain in students.  I think we often forget about the part our brain actually plays in our learning and behavior because for 1. we can't see everything going on in there, and 2.  we often forget that students, and humans alike, can't always control their actions or behaviors.  This chapter brought up Piaget and Vygotsky, which as we know are two of the key theorists in education and human development!  Woolfolk dove into their perspectives on learning and how we use their theories in the classroom.

Lastly, Chapter 3 was all about the self, social and moral development!  This chapter touched on many subjects from peers and cliques, to physical activity and student-athletes, parenting styles and eating disorders.  It also talked about Erikson's stages of psychosocial development, which i have seen before in my previous psychology classes.  Woolfolk also introduced Kohlberg's moral development theory.  This was just more proof of how complex we as humans are and that there are so many different factors to take into account when we are not only teaching children but trying to support them.  It feels overwhelming to read about all these aspects but I think just like anything, when it's put into practice it'll all make sense and seem much more manageable!

Comments

  1. Charlotte SlatteryJuly 12, 2019 at 2:23 PM

    Hi Nikki,
    Your overview of chapters 1-3 are great! I agree that the advancement of cognitive development in students and education do go hand in hand, as you stated--it's what education is all about! The complexity of human development does seem very overwhelming, I agree with you that when this management is put to use in the classroom, it will all seem much more manageable.
    Thanks for sharing! :)

    ReplyDelete

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