What?
In Educational Psychology this week I learned some interesting things about the brain. Taking the online quiz testing my knowledge about the brain led me to realize that I have several misconceptions about the brain. It was interesting to me to know that we are using 100% of our brain. Another interesting thing about the brain is that the brain only uses as much energy as a refrigerator light. Dr. Cox’s explanation of this seemed to make sense, that if it used more energy, our heads would overheat.
I learned the basic functions of each section of the brain. The frontal lobe, located right under the forehead, controls reasoning, judgment, motor function, planning, parts of speech, movement and emotion. The frontal lobe is extremely vulnerable to injury due to its location. The temporal lobe is located under on the sides of head by the temples and helps with speech, memory, hearing, memory formation and emotional responses. The occipital lobe is the vision perception center and is located most posterior back of head. The parietal lobe is located at the back and top of head and integrates sensory and spatial information along with hand-eye coordination. The hippocampus is involved in emotion and is the birthplace of memory. It is located deep within the temporal lobe near the amygdala. The Amygdala is almond shaped and is involved in arousal, fear, emotion, and hormone secretions. The brain stem is vital and should not be damaged. It controls motor movement, regulates heart, stomach, breathing and other reflexes. It is located deep in the brain leading to the spinal column. The reticular activating system is the center of arousal and motivation. The cerebellum controls voluntary motor movement, balance, equilibrium, and muscle tone. It is located at the base of the skull. The Brochas area is for language production and is located in the front of the left lobe. The Wernicke’s Area is similar to the Brochas area and it is responsible for language comprehension. Finally, the corpus collosum is deep within the brain and it is the gateway between the left and right halves of the brain.
Neurons are nerve cells that reside in the brain and in other parts of the nervous system. The neurons sent information to other cells. The neuron is made up of dendrites which receive information. Dendrites are branch like structures that are like fingers on a hand. The cell body can be thought of as the hand, and the axomis an arm-like structure that transmits information to other neurons. The axom eventually becomes covered in a myelin sheath of fatty insulation. Myelination enables faster transmission of messages. Messages are transmitted over the synapse. This is gap between two neurons that allows message transmission. Synapses begin to form before a child is born and continue to form throughout life. Some synaptogenesis is driven by genetics. Early in life children have more synapse than adults but over time, synaptic pruning occurs which means that the unused connections fade away. According to the text, learning involves forming new synapses and strengthening old ones. Dr. Cox stated that the brain is a garden and it needs pathways to function.
So What?
The brain is a complex organ that controls all the functions of our bodies. Understanding the basic regions of the brain, their functions, and the general development of the brain will help me to tailor learning to the needs of my future students. With this basic understanding that I have I will be able to help students who might have brain injuries or tumors in the brain. Understanding which sections of the brain may be affected will help me tailor specific help for these students. In addition, I realize now that learning involves important processes in the brain, many parts of the brain work together to accomplish tasks, and that the brain continues to change and adapt throughout life.
Now What?
Now that I am aware of some of the functions of the brain and the developmental time frame of the parts of the brain, I will better understand the actions of others around me especially my own children as well as the students I will teach. I better understand that the brain develops from back to front and that the frontal lobe which controls judgment, planning and problem solving develops last. I can continue to learn and improve my own life because my brain is capable of what ever I set my mind to do. I will instill the idea that my students can learn and be whatever they want because their brains are capable as well.
Saturday, January 31, 2009
Saturday, January 24, 2009
Educational Research
There are four types of educational research which include descriptive, correlational, experimental, and action research. Descriptive research tells how, what, or why a situation happens. Descriptive research can be quantitative – using percentages, frequencies, and averages; or it can be qualitative – yielding nonnumeric information in the form of verbal or written reports, documents and pictures. This type of research tells facts about a particular situation. An example of this type of study would be the number of students in a classroom and their standardized test scores.
The second type of educational research is correlational research. This type of study explores the relationship between two variables. Although it may determine that a relationship exists, it cannot determine that one variable causes the other variable. With this type of study, if one variable is know, we can predict what the other variable might be. An example of this type of study is seeing that there is a relationship that exists between class size and improvement in standardized test scores.
The third type of educational research is experimental research. This type of study can determine cause and effect relationships. This type of study requires manipulating one variable to determine its possible effect on something else. This type of study requires a control group and a treatment group selected at random to make sure that the groups are as similar as possible. Although this type of research yields the most useful results, questions sometimes do not lend themselves ethically or practically to carefully controlled experimental studies. An example of this type of research would be determining that lower class sizes result in an increase in standardized test scores.
Action research is the four type of educational research. This type of study is useful to an educator when they want to do their own research into their personal teaching practices or programs. Educators can reflect on their educational practices, identify strategies for improvement, implement the improved strategies, and then assess the effectiveness of the new strategy. This is effective for the particular classroom or school where the action research takes place; however, the practice cannot be generalized and used in all classrooms or schools. Additionally, this type of research lacks the external and internal validity associated with properly conducted experimental research. An example of action research would be a teacher changes her reading program and sees an improvement in the reading levels of her students.
Through this Webquest, I have learned the differences in the types of research and what conclusions can be drawn from each type. I have learned that it is important for me to look carefully at research conclusions reported in the media and journals to determine for myself if the conclusions are valid. Accepting what is reported as fact, and changing educational practices based on invalid research could have a negative impact upon my teaching practices which would negatively impact my students. Jumping onto a bandwagon of a touted theory based on inaccurate conclusions would be a poor decision.
While analyzing the research scenarios, I determined that I need further explanation into the wording that I should look for to determine what type of research is taking place and if the conclusions are based on sound research. This would help me to know if the proper conclusions are being drawn from the research in the first place. I believe that I need additional guided instruction into understanding what words to look for to determine the types of research that are being discussed. This would allow me to determine if the conclusions drawn are valid for the research.
For myself, I have a greater understanding into the benefit of being a reflective educator. I realize it is important for me to critically think about my own teaching practices and look for areas that can be improved. Keeping current on educational research will help me determine which of my practices should be altered to align with current theories and practices. Once I determine that I need to alter or improve my practices, I can implement the changes and assess their effectiveness in my own classroom.
The second type of educational research is correlational research. This type of study explores the relationship between two variables. Although it may determine that a relationship exists, it cannot determine that one variable causes the other variable. With this type of study, if one variable is know, we can predict what the other variable might be. An example of this type of study is seeing that there is a relationship that exists between class size and improvement in standardized test scores.
The third type of educational research is experimental research. This type of study can determine cause and effect relationships. This type of study requires manipulating one variable to determine its possible effect on something else. This type of study requires a control group and a treatment group selected at random to make sure that the groups are as similar as possible. Although this type of research yields the most useful results, questions sometimes do not lend themselves ethically or practically to carefully controlled experimental studies. An example of this type of research would be determining that lower class sizes result in an increase in standardized test scores.
Action research is the four type of educational research. This type of study is useful to an educator when they want to do their own research into their personal teaching practices or programs. Educators can reflect on their educational practices, identify strategies for improvement, implement the improved strategies, and then assess the effectiveness of the new strategy. This is effective for the particular classroom or school where the action research takes place; however, the practice cannot be generalized and used in all classrooms or schools. Additionally, this type of research lacks the external and internal validity associated with properly conducted experimental research. An example of action research would be a teacher changes her reading program and sees an improvement in the reading levels of her students.
Through this Webquest, I have learned the differences in the types of research and what conclusions can be drawn from each type. I have learned that it is important for me to look carefully at research conclusions reported in the media and journals to determine for myself if the conclusions are valid. Accepting what is reported as fact, and changing educational practices based on invalid research could have a negative impact upon my teaching practices which would negatively impact my students. Jumping onto a bandwagon of a touted theory based on inaccurate conclusions would be a poor decision.
While analyzing the research scenarios, I determined that I need further explanation into the wording that I should look for to determine what type of research is taking place and if the conclusions are based on sound research. This would help me to know if the proper conclusions are being drawn from the research in the first place. I believe that I need additional guided instruction into understanding what words to look for to determine the types of research that are being discussed. This would allow me to determine if the conclusions drawn are valid for the research.
For myself, I have a greater understanding into the benefit of being a reflective educator. I realize it is important for me to critically think about my own teaching practices and look for areas that can be improved. Keeping current on educational research will help me determine which of my practices should be altered to align with current theories and practices. Once I determine that I need to alter or improve my practices, I can implement the changes and assess their effectiveness in my own classroom.
Saturday, January 17, 2009
Motivational Blog
Why are you here in the teacher education program in this class at UVU?
For fifteen years I have had the dream of going back to school and eventually becoming a kindergarten teacher. During those years, I raised my children, supported my husband through numerous job transfers, and collected books, games, puppets, manipulatives, and ideas that I planned to eventually use in my kindergarten. Finally, after settling our family in a permanent location, I returned to school with my dream in mind in the fall of 2007. I have finally arrived in the teaching program and look forward to each step that brings me closer to my dream.
What motivates you?
Having returned to college after a twenty year absence, I have found the university learning experience to be exhilarating and rewarding. I truly love learning and understanding more about the world around me. Although at times college life can get extremely challenging, I find that I look past what is causing the challenge and visualize myself teaching my own kindergarten class and know that I can make it through the temporary setback. Additionally, I have a grand cheering section back at home, encouraging me in all my endeavors.
Why do you succeed?
I am internally driven to do well in what ever I set out to do. Usually this included a lot of hard work, effort, encouragement, and a few occasional tears. Hard work usually pays off and you are rewarded for your efforts.
Why do you fail?
If I allow myself to become overloaded and allow discouragement to creep into the corners of my life, I can begin to question my ability to succeed.
How do you need to change your motivations and mindset for this class in order to become a great teacher?
Being driven by perfection can be a debilitating force in my life. As I begin this challenging teaching program, I need to keep my focus on the big picture of becoming a kindergarten teacher and realize I cannot or need not be perfect in all things. I am here learning to become the great teacher I hope to be one day. This learning process might include some missteps along the way from which I can learn from as well.
For fifteen years I have had the dream of going back to school and eventually becoming a kindergarten teacher. During those years, I raised my children, supported my husband through numerous job transfers, and collected books, games, puppets, manipulatives, and ideas that I planned to eventually use in my kindergarten. Finally, after settling our family in a permanent location, I returned to school with my dream in mind in the fall of 2007. I have finally arrived in the teaching program and look forward to each step that brings me closer to my dream.
What motivates you?
Having returned to college after a twenty year absence, I have found the university learning experience to be exhilarating and rewarding. I truly love learning and understanding more about the world around me. Although at times college life can get extremely challenging, I find that I look past what is causing the challenge and visualize myself teaching my own kindergarten class and know that I can make it through the temporary setback. Additionally, I have a grand cheering section back at home, encouraging me in all my endeavors.
Why do you succeed?
I am internally driven to do well in what ever I set out to do. Usually this included a lot of hard work, effort, encouragement, and a few occasional tears. Hard work usually pays off and you are rewarded for your efforts.
Why do you fail?
If I allow myself to become overloaded and allow discouragement to creep into the corners of my life, I can begin to question my ability to succeed.
How do you need to change your motivations and mindset for this class in order to become a great teacher?
Being driven by perfection can be a debilitating force in my life. As I begin this challenging teaching program, I need to keep my focus on the big picture of becoming a kindergarten teacher and realize I cannot or need not be perfect in all things. I am here learning to become the great teacher I hope to be one day. This learning process might include some missteps along the way from which I can learn from as well.
Course Contract
List 2-3 specific goals you have for this course.
I will be perfectly honest and let you know that one of my goals is to work hard on all assignments and tests in order to earn an A grade. This will help me maintain my high GPA and allow me to apply for another scholarship. At this time, I am able to work toward my educational goals through scholarships and grants and I hope to be able to maintain this avenue. Another goal which I have is to learn and understand appropriate teaching techniques and apply them to my future classroom in order to be a successful teacher. As the time for me to have my own classroom approaches, I realize it is extremely important for me to know how to teach, motivate, and encourage the students in my classroom. Finally, I hope to maintain a positive attitude by keeping the big picture in mind in order to maintain a sense of what is really important in my life.
Describe your weekly preparation plan. Be specific. What will you do each day of the week to prepare for this course.
I will refer to the schedule and look for the chapter that I need to read for the class that we are discussing it. While reading the chapter, I will highlight information that I think is important. If I have been given a study guide, I will go over the questions prior to beginning reading, and look for the answers as I read. After I have completed reading the chapter, I will then type my notes from my reading in outline form including the highlighted items. I will then print out my notes and scan them daily. For key words, I will put them onto cards so that I can study them. After attending class, I will type my class lecture notes and with red pen write into my reading notes any additional information I would specifically like to remember. I will complete my assignments in a timely fashion, completing the bulk of any work on Friday and Saturday. I will make time available as necessary to meet with any group members if I need to do so during the school hours on Monday through Thursday. On Sunday evening and Monday morning, I will quickly review my reading notes on the chapter that is going to be discussed on Monday.
Outline the study strategies that you will use to understand the material.
I will carefully read each assignment. When necessary, I will re-read particular sections to try to understand what it is saying. When necessary, I will consult the internet for additional information. I will make clarifying notations in my notes with a red pen and then I will review my notes and note cards on a frequent basis. I will get together with other classmates to review for tests and assignments as needed.
Explain the process you will follow if you do not understand a topic.
First, I will re-read a section to see if I missed something. Next, I would read further in the text to see if I can clarify my question there. I would consult the Internet to shed further light possibly. I would contact my friends and classmates to see if they had some way to explain it to me better. Finally, I would contact Dr. Cox to get her explanation of the topic.
Complete the following statement:
I will reach my goals in this course by continuing to work hard and do my best in all I do. Since I am aware of how difficult this course is, I will apply myself, study diligently, maintain a positive attitude, and never allow discouragement or set backs to get the upper hand in my life.
I will be perfectly honest and let you know that one of my goals is to work hard on all assignments and tests in order to earn an A grade. This will help me maintain my high GPA and allow me to apply for another scholarship. At this time, I am able to work toward my educational goals through scholarships and grants and I hope to be able to maintain this avenue. Another goal which I have is to learn and understand appropriate teaching techniques and apply them to my future classroom in order to be a successful teacher. As the time for me to have my own classroom approaches, I realize it is extremely important for me to know how to teach, motivate, and encourage the students in my classroom. Finally, I hope to maintain a positive attitude by keeping the big picture in mind in order to maintain a sense of what is really important in my life.
Describe your weekly preparation plan. Be specific. What will you do each day of the week to prepare for this course.
I will refer to the schedule and look for the chapter that I need to read for the class that we are discussing it. While reading the chapter, I will highlight information that I think is important. If I have been given a study guide, I will go over the questions prior to beginning reading, and look for the answers as I read. After I have completed reading the chapter, I will then type my notes from my reading in outline form including the highlighted items. I will then print out my notes and scan them daily. For key words, I will put them onto cards so that I can study them. After attending class, I will type my class lecture notes and with red pen write into my reading notes any additional information I would specifically like to remember. I will complete my assignments in a timely fashion, completing the bulk of any work on Friday and Saturday. I will make time available as necessary to meet with any group members if I need to do so during the school hours on Monday through Thursday. On Sunday evening and Monday morning, I will quickly review my reading notes on the chapter that is going to be discussed on Monday.
Outline the study strategies that you will use to understand the material.
I will carefully read each assignment. When necessary, I will re-read particular sections to try to understand what it is saying. When necessary, I will consult the internet for additional information. I will make clarifying notations in my notes with a red pen and then I will review my notes and note cards on a frequent basis. I will get together with other classmates to review for tests and assignments as needed.
Explain the process you will follow if you do not understand a topic.
First, I will re-read a section to see if I missed something. Next, I would read further in the text to see if I can clarify my question there. I would consult the Internet to shed further light possibly. I would contact my friends and classmates to see if they had some way to explain it to me better. Finally, I would contact Dr. Cox to get her explanation of the topic.
Complete the following statement:
I will reach my goals in this course by continuing to work hard and do my best in all I do. Since I am aware of how difficult this course is, I will apply myself, study diligently, maintain a positive attitude, and never allow discouragement or set backs to get the upper hand in my life.
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