Final Learning Log

What??

I believe that children are more apt to learn if they feel comfortable and happy. I heard somewhere that learning can not take place until students' basic needs have been met, and I agree with that. If students are worried because they are hungry or need to use the bathroom, there mind will not be in a place where it is concentrating in taking in new information. It's also important to have a classroom that is a safe environment so that those who are more shy feel comfortable enough to share and participate in class without fear of being ridiculed. I believe learning occurs through thought and discussion, and if there is a classroom where students do not feel they can contribute to the discussion, that is valuable information and learning that is not being shared with others. I know that when I am in a class and fellow students are discussing what they have learned or how they interpreted something, it really helps me to retain the knowledge because I am hearing it again and from another point of view. I also believe that students learn better from someone who they feel truly cares about them and their well-being.


So What??

Because of my theory of students' learning, I will do my best to build students' confidence from day one. I want to have a classroom where everyone is respectful and kind, and nobody is afraid of what someone else will say to them. I saw a teacher who had everyone sign a contract saying they would be respectful to themselves, others in the class, and the classroom. I loved that idea and plan to use it because I think respect is something that is crucial in a classroom and if the students are signing a contract, it is placing accountability on them. I want everyone to feel they can contribute to class discussions, and that they have something valuable to contribute. I think that if I focus on students' successes, that will help build their confidence and they will feel more comfortable in my class. I also want my students to be friends with each other, so I plan to do lots of activities where we get to know each other and work together.


Now What??

I guess the next steps I need to take are to graduate and get my own class. Then I will put all of my ideas into practice (having a class contract, doing group work, etc.). I'm excited to see what works well for me and to get ideas from others. One topic in Ed Psych I would like to learn more about is how the brain works. I once had a professor who taught my class a lot about our brains and different activities that stimulate different parts of our brains; I loved that and thought it was so interesting. I liked learning how things actually work and are processed in my mind. I also really liked learning about emotional intelligence and fostering it, because I feel that helping our students emotionally is as important as helping them academically. An area I need to improve in is remembering all the different theories and theorists. I feel that they all have important and valuable ideas about learning, but I have a hard time keeping them all straight. I need to study and learn more about them.