In reading the article, Behaviorism and Cognitivism are closely related yet separate. I do agree with the authors that it is important to know that is important to distinguish between two theories. In my overview, I am going to focus on the theory of Behaviorism. Behaviorism is rooted in theories of B.F. Skinner, which the learner responds to stimulus by continuous reinforcement. It is believed humans have mental control over their responses and that the consequences of their past actions shape the stimuli for future behaviors.
What is the Teacher’s Role?
Teacher approaches teaching through the drill and practice approach.
It is believed that a learner responds to stimulus through continueous reinforcement of material and that the student is controlled d through the factors of the outside environment. To facilitate ate learning objectives to the child
· To observe the students response and make sure they respond accordingly to the outcomes.
· Teacher provides feedback to the student on their overall performance.
· Skinner believed in positive (rewards)/negative (bad marking) reinforcements, which are somewhat used today in classrooms.
· Plan assessments with specified outcomes to evaluate students development.
What is the Student’s Role?
The student is the information receiver of the knowledge being taught by the teacher.
Students respond to questions being posed by the teacher after continuous practice.
Students apply rules to show knowledge is transmitted successfully through assessments.
Role of the Computer:
Used to supplement of replace worksheets
Help students prepare for test
Give students self paced reviews
Give instruction when teacher is not available
Helps students who need remediation
Promotes fluency/autonomy
Types of Software
Earobics (phonetics)
Organic Nomenclature
MacGAMUT (music)
Fact Monster
Math Blaster
Monday, March 31, 2008
Tuesday, March 25, 2008
Chapter Ten Response: Technology in English Language Learning and Foreign Language Instruction
I found this chapter very informative for me due to the fact that I have taught three students from other countries that lacked English proficiency. One student was from the Ukraine, one from a Russian orphanage, and the other from Venezuela. While teaching each student was a challenge, it was a rewarding experience at the same time. The wonderful thing was this did not happen all at the same time. So each experience was a learning experience.
I feel that the students being in a Montessori environment helped them feel more relaxed in their learning. Each student was able to move at their own pace and receive one-on- one assistance the majority of the time. Violeta, my Ukrainian student, even carried a hand held translator to help in real confusing times. After about three months she became more comfortable and started leaving her translator at home. Alex, my Russian boy, came lacking in language skills and spent extra time learning phonetics using Montessori materials. Today he is a fluent reader and an avid history/geography buff. Out of all the students, Ana had the easiest transition. Being from Venezuela, she easily adjusted to the English language. If she ever became confused, she would communicate with our Spanish teacher and she would help her understand better.
Even though each child flourished in the Montessori environment, I feel many of the software programs would have benefited my English Language Learners. I feel these programs would have made their learning more meaningful and concepts clearer faster. When the students did go to the library, the librarian did incorporate listening skill activities for them. These activities helped in their communication with their peers and made them become more comfortable in communicating with others.
I feel that the students being in a Montessori environment helped them feel more relaxed in their learning. Each student was able to move at their own pace and receive one-on- one assistance the majority of the time. Violeta, my Ukrainian student, even carried a hand held translator to help in real confusing times. After about three months she became more comfortable and started leaving her translator at home. Alex, my Russian boy, came lacking in language skills and spent extra time learning phonetics using Montessori materials. Today he is a fluent reader and an avid history/geography buff. Out of all the students, Ana had the easiest transition. Being from Venezuela, she easily adjusted to the English language. If she ever became confused, she would communicate with our Spanish teacher and she would help her understand better.
Even though each child flourished in the Montessori environment, I feel many of the software programs would have benefited my English Language Learners. I feel these programs would have made their learning more meaningful and concepts clearer faster. When the students did go to the library, the librarian did incorporate listening skill activities for them. These activities helped in their communication with their peers and made them become more comfortable in communicating with others.
Wednesday, March 19, 2008
Chapter Nine Response: Technology in English and Language Arts Instruction
At the beginning of the chapter, the author makes a valid point in stating that “the way we were taught and the way they learn have changed significantly during their school lives” (Roblyer 291). Today students engaged in reading and writing from electronic forms more than traditional forms. The majority of work completed for classes is done so using some form of technology.
I enjoyed learning about the writing process using word processing and various writing software. Teaching writing using the pen and paper format of my generation has emerged into a technological revolution. A friend of mines husband teaches Middle School Language Arts in Wisconsin and he has twenty-one computers in his classroom. All assignments are completed and saved into a student file for him to access and review. The idea of mapping your writing on the computer is a great approach. Students can easily refer back to their work and not worry about losing their mapping plans. It seems that many of these programs aid the student in directing their overall writing process. Also the various ideas about publishing writing were extremely informative. Using blogs, emails, discussion boards, and word lend valuable support. This gives the writer various formats in which to publish their work. Many of these publications allow children to receive responses from various parties across our globe. As Best Practice states the best learning occurs when students attempt actual communication and see how real listeners/readers react (Zemelman and et al, 87). I believe that children love to share their work and are more open to listen to their peers with suggestions about their work.
The reading/phonetic activities available to lower elementary grades in remarkable. Taking this hands-on approach and formatting to the computer is a wonderful way to engaged children. This tends to make learning more enjoyable, especially for the struggling reader since most programs are designed to format to meet the needs of the child. I personally shared this information with our lower elementary teachers since they focus on reading development. The important fact is that teachers must always work to meet and challenge the needs of the child. By using technology, students are engaged in what they enjoy using and are learning at the same time.
I enjoyed learning about the writing process using word processing and various writing software. Teaching writing using the pen and paper format of my generation has emerged into a technological revolution. A friend of mines husband teaches Middle School Language Arts in Wisconsin and he has twenty-one computers in his classroom. All assignments are completed and saved into a student file for him to access and review. The idea of mapping your writing on the computer is a great approach. Students can easily refer back to their work and not worry about losing their mapping plans. It seems that many of these programs aid the student in directing their overall writing process. Also the various ideas about publishing writing were extremely informative. Using blogs, emails, discussion boards, and word lend valuable support. This gives the writer various formats in which to publish their work. Many of these publications allow children to receive responses from various parties across our globe. As Best Practice states the best learning occurs when students attempt actual communication and see how real listeners/readers react (Zemelman and et al, 87). I believe that children love to share their work and are more open to listen to their peers with suggestions about their work.
The reading/phonetic activities available to lower elementary grades in remarkable. Taking this hands-on approach and formatting to the computer is a wonderful way to engaged children. This tends to make learning more enjoyable, especially for the struggling reader since most programs are designed to format to meet the needs of the child. I personally shared this information with our lower elementary teachers since they focus on reading development. The important fact is that teachers must always work to meet and challenge the needs of the child. By using technology, students are engaged in what they enjoy using and are learning at the same time.
Monday, March 10, 2008
Definition of Learning
What is learning?
Learning is a multifaceted term that is used in education and throughout the workforce. As individuals we are always learning and growing in work and in life. I personally feel you never quit learning; and there is always something new and exciting to learn.
As Maria Montessori said “We do not believe in the in the educative power of words and commands alone, but seek cautiously, and almost without the child's knowing it, to guide his natural activity.” It is up to us to nurture and guide the child to develop to his/her fullest potential.
Listed below is what I feel are the key points to learning:
Learning is exploration of the environment.
Learning incorporates concrete materials that allow a child explore skills/lessons without realizing the knowledge he is obtaining.
Learning allows the child to work independently or within groups to develop projects and/or complete lessons.
Learning allows freedom of choice in how a child completes an assignment with appropriate direction from the teacher.
Teachers act as a guide and impart concepts to the student and then allow him to move forward in his studies.
Learning allows for mistakes; since mistakes is what everyone learns from.
Students grow and develop into independent and responsible citizens within the school and society.
Response to Tina about learning: (Sun., 3/9/08)
Tina,
Hello! I responded to this last night but I see it didn’t post. Something happened and the wireless froze in the house as I was submitting.
I to believe that anyone learns from accomplishing a particular task or goal. I also believe that learning is being allowed to explore your environment and guiding children to be independent learners. It is up to the teacher to add that spark and find what motivates a student.
Do you feel this way? I love watching my students discover a concept that seemed so foreign not to long ago. I witnessed this just this past week when teaching binomials to the 6th graders. As approaching square roots and solving with materials; one of my students saw the correlation and went on to explain how solving square roots relates to division and by using the materials she was able to relate the algebraic formulas.
Response to Ashley about learning: (Mon., 3/10/08)
I know how you feel about recognizing mechanic skills but not applying them in writing. I go through the same situation with my students. I try to use those times as teachable moments when I meet with a student about their writing. I will even mention the lessons we have covered in language mechanics and then ask them to show me the correct way to apply it in their writing. It is frustrating when you know they know something. I feel it develops more as they mature. What my 4th graders do is vastly different from the 6th graders.
Response to Valerie about learning: (Sat., 3/8/08)
Valerie:
What a wonderful way to summarize learning. I too believe learning is an integrated experience that continues throughout our life. Working together or independently is an important part of the learning process. This process allows us to grow as individuals and form our opinions and beliefs to share with others. It is up to us to nurture and guide our students so they are able to educate others about their experiences.
I like that you mentioned that teachers are not knowledgeable about everything and that we should not be afraid to mention it. I too work to find the answers to questions that my students put forth. Sometimes I even encourage the student to help in finding the answer; then they are able to share their new found knowledge with others. I feel it is imperative that students realize we are teachers and part of being a teacher is that we are always learning too.
Response to Tina about Learning: (Mon., 3/10/08)
Tina!
I love the way you mentioned that the classroom is the community and not yours alone. We establish class rules and consequences at the beginning of the year ourselves. These are all student led, and it is amazing the consequences they come up with. Some are harsher than what we would establish. Eventually a medium is met.
I too work on meeting each child’s learning potential. It is powerful that you take the time and do so in your classroom. We must remember that the needs of the students must be met for success to occur.
Response to Ashley about learning: (Mon., 3/10/08)
Ashley!
Your definition of learning is so true. Students must realize that learning is ongoing and continues until we leave this earth. I agree that students must realize that teachers are learnrs too and that it is okay to make a mistake. If I don’t have the answer to something, I tell my students I will research and get back with them. Or I offer for them to help me find the answer. This makes learning something more engaging to me. I know that can be difficult with younger students; but it works well with 4th to 6th graders.
Learning is a multifaceted term that is used in education and throughout the workforce. As individuals we are always learning and growing in work and in life. I personally feel you never quit learning; and there is always something new and exciting to learn.
As Maria Montessori said “We do not believe in the in the educative power of words and commands alone, but seek cautiously, and almost without the child's knowing it, to guide his natural activity.” It is up to us to nurture and guide the child to develop to his/her fullest potential.
Listed below is what I feel are the key points to learning:
Learning is exploration of the environment.
Learning incorporates concrete materials that allow a child explore skills/lessons without realizing the knowledge he is obtaining.
Learning allows the child to work independently or within groups to develop projects and/or complete lessons.
Learning allows freedom of choice in how a child completes an assignment with appropriate direction from the teacher.
Teachers act as a guide and impart concepts to the student and then allow him to move forward in his studies.
Learning allows for mistakes; since mistakes is what everyone learns from.
Students grow and develop into independent and responsible citizens within the school and society.
Response to Tina about learning: (Sun., 3/9/08)
Tina,
Hello! I responded to this last night but I see it didn’t post. Something happened and the wireless froze in the house as I was submitting.
I to believe that anyone learns from accomplishing a particular task or goal. I also believe that learning is being allowed to explore your environment and guiding children to be independent learners. It is up to the teacher to add that spark and find what motivates a student.
Do you feel this way? I love watching my students discover a concept that seemed so foreign not to long ago. I witnessed this just this past week when teaching binomials to the 6th graders. As approaching square roots and solving with materials; one of my students saw the correlation and went on to explain how solving square roots relates to division and by using the materials she was able to relate the algebraic formulas.
Response to Ashley about learning: (Mon., 3/10/08)
I know how you feel about recognizing mechanic skills but not applying them in writing. I go through the same situation with my students. I try to use those times as teachable moments when I meet with a student about their writing. I will even mention the lessons we have covered in language mechanics and then ask them to show me the correct way to apply it in their writing. It is frustrating when you know they know something. I feel it develops more as they mature. What my 4th graders do is vastly different from the 6th graders.
Response to Valerie about learning: (Sat., 3/8/08)
Valerie:
What a wonderful way to summarize learning. I too believe learning is an integrated experience that continues throughout our life. Working together or independently is an important part of the learning process. This process allows us to grow as individuals and form our opinions and beliefs to share with others. It is up to us to nurture and guide our students so they are able to educate others about their experiences.
I like that you mentioned that teachers are not knowledgeable about everything and that we should not be afraid to mention it. I too work to find the answers to questions that my students put forth. Sometimes I even encourage the student to help in finding the answer; then they are able to share their new found knowledge with others. I feel it is imperative that students realize we are teachers and part of being a teacher is that we are always learning too.
Response to Tina about Learning: (Mon., 3/10/08)
Tina!
I love the way you mentioned that the classroom is the community and not yours alone. We establish class rules and consequences at the beginning of the year ourselves. These are all student led, and it is amazing the consequences they come up with. Some are harsher than what we would establish. Eventually a medium is met.
I too work on meeting each child’s learning potential. It is powerful that you take the time and do so in your classroom. We must remember that the needs of the students must be met for success to occur.
Response to Ashley about learning: (Mon., 3/10/08)
Ashley!
Your definition of learning is so true. Students must realize that learning is ongoing and continues until we leave this earth. I agree that students must realize that teachers are learnrs too and that it is okay to make a mistake. If I don’t have the answer to something, I tell my students I will research and get back with them. Or I offer for them to help me find the answer. This makes learning something more engaging to me. I know that can be difficult with younger students; but it works well with 4th to 6th graders.
Tuesday, March 4, 2008
Chapter Eight Response
When I read the title of chapter eight, I assumed it was going to explore the research options available on the Internet. Little did I know the Internet had so much to offer as far as learning activities? I was familiar with basic researching and using web quest as part of learning. It never occurred to me to use email as a form of writing; or that there were ways to explore cultures and publish works. The last section of the chapter was extremely overwhelming to me since actually building a web page seems daunting. Even after reading on how to create one, I am still confused.
The use of the electronic “keypals” is an option I am looking forward to exploring with a good friend and teacher of mine in Wisconsin. I feel this could be valuable tool in writing skills and increase interactions and awareness among a different region within the United States. Many students are unaware that people in various regions of our country go about their lives like they do. I am hoping to discuss this at length with Anneke; and for us to develop a time frame in which students can communicate next year.
Virtual field trips were also interesting and will be a valuable resource to explore topics not easily understood. I plan to explore this option more over the summer and try to implement it into my cultural studies next year.
I do agree with the author that majority of Internet activities can create collaborative learning experiences. This is the main reason as a Montessori teacher; I incorporate them into our curriculum when beneficial. As Roblyer stated in the chapter “web based projects focus on broadening students’ perspectives on their own and other cultures and providing insights into how their culture relates to others…(256). It is up to the teacher to strengthen a child’s understanding and help them develop into well rounded individuals.
I feel the above mentioned key topics will enable me to transform my Montessori classroom into the 21st century. I plan to explore the various collections of Web Based Learning activities listed on page 257. My goal is to find projects that raise a student’s higher level thinking skills and force them to become teachers of their world.
The use of the electronic “keypals” is an option I am looking forward to exploring with a good friend and teacher of mine in Wisconsin. I feel this could be valuable tool in writing skills and increase interactions and awareness among a different region within the United States. Many students are unaware that people in various regions of our country go about their lives like they do. I am hoping to discuss this at length with Anneke; and for us to develop a time frame in which students can communicate next year.
Virtual field trips were also interesting and will be a valuable resource to explore topics not easily understood. I plan to explore this option more over the summer and try to implement it into my cultural studies next year.
I do agree with the author that majority of Internet activities can create collaborative learning experiences. This is the main reason as a Montessori teacher; I incorporate them into our curriculum when beneficial. As Roblyer stated in the chapter “web based projects focus on broadening students’ perspectives on their own and other cultures and providing insights into how their culture relates to others…(256). It is up to the teacher to strengthen a child’s understanding and help them develop into well rounded individuals.
I feel the above mentioned key topics will enable me to transform my Montessori classroom into the 21st century. I plan to explore the various collections of Web Based Learning activities listed on page 257. My goal is to find projects that raise a student’s higher level thinking skills and force them to become teachers of their world.
Chapter Seven Response
This chapter was very informative on the beginnings of the Internet and its evolution into the 21st century. Since its humble beginnings, the Internet has provided information to governments and businesses; with it evolvement into the World Wide Web for consumer use.
The point I want to reflect upon is the pitfalls of Internet use. This captured my attention not only as a teacher, but also as a mother of two girls who use the internet as correspondence with peers. The book made a valid point in mentioning the inappropriate material that is easily accessible to young people. As adults and teachers we need to work diligently at monitoring all kid’s use of the Internet. I personally have firewalls activated that work at keeping inappropriate material down to a minimal. Another valid point made was the fraud on the Internet today. Since children use the Internet as their primary resource tool; it is up to educators to teach children to verify the validity of the information they are researching. Numerous sites post inaccuracies in their work which leads to inappropriate knowledge for young and older minds alike. The last point I take to heart is that of plagiarism. As teachers, we must work diligently to educate children on proper research and writing methods. This needs to begin at an early age to insure children learn proper etiquette. I am a firm believer in checking for plagiarism in my classroom. I usually type what they have written in Google and it will pull up any copied information. I am excited to know about www.turnitin.com and www.mydropbox.com. I feel these tools will be valuable resources in the classroom.
The point I want to reflect upon is the pitfalls of Internet use. This captured my attention not only as a teacher, but also as a mother of two girls who use the internet as correspondence with peers. The book made a valid point in mentioning the inappropriate material that is easily accessible to young people. As adults and teachers we need to work diligently at monitoring all kid’s use of the Internet. I personally have firewalls activated that work at keeping inappropriate material down to a minimal. Another valid point made was the fraud on the Internet today. Since children use the Internet as their primary resource tool; it is up to educators to teach children to verify the validity of the information they are researching. Numerous sites post inaccuracies in their work which leads to inappropriate knowledge for young and older minds alike. The last point I take to heart is that of plagiarism. As teachers, we must work diligently to educate children on proper research and writing methods. This needs to begin at an early age to insure children learn proper etiquette. I am a firm believer in checking for plagiarism in my classroom. I usually type what they have written in Google and it will pull up any copied information. I am excited to know about www.turnitin.com and www.mydropbox.com. I feel these tools will be valuable resources in the classroom.
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