Module 1
Eric Welsh
Module 1: Chapters 1,2,&3
Summary:
In Chapters 1,2, and 3 of Anita Woolfolk book titled, Educational Psychology, the author reviews foundational education perspective. Specifically, the author discusses different perspectives on teaching and learning. There is much discussion surrounding what is good teaching and how teachers connect with kids to make and impact. Additionally, there is a lot of discussion surrounding specific theorists and self, social, and moral development.
Reflection:
Most of what I read I compared to my current profession of being a baseball instructor. Although I haven't formally completed my teaching degree, I have been running a successful business for the past twenty years utilizing teaching practices. I guess if I wasn't good at teaching, I would not have paying clients requesting me to work with their kids. Some of the correlational data collection is interesting to me and I sometimes wonder how I can collect data that could b helpful to my clients. I relate the Zone of Proximal Development discussion surrounding Vygotsky primarily because I have clients as students at varying different levels. I have to scaffold daily to support the athletes I train. Finally, I feel that working with Adolescents and teenagers I am constantly aware of the kids' varying levels of confidence and I see first hand how it impacts their relationship with themselves, and their sport.
It is awesome that you are completing your teaching degree after already being successful as a baseball instructor. There is definitely similarities between management in the classroom and on the field. You mentioned that you work with individuals that range in age and that it is important that you are constantly scaffolding by changing levels of intensity with your clients. Being able to adjust is such a critical skill to have when attempting to pass information on to another person. There is a good chance that not everything will go your way and having the broad experience of working with different age groups could have a positive impact on how you handle tough situations.
ReplyDeleteI like how you used being a baseball instructor as a comparison. Often, we don't think of the similarities between something like sports and school. It is good that the students you teach are at varying levels, as I feel it's beneficial to understand more and relate what you learn to the students you teach. I feel that as you teach younger students, it can help identify different disadvantages that some of the older ones are going through as well.
ReplyDeleteHi Eric,
ReplyDeleteIt's very clever how you connected your baseball experience to what you learned. I also appreciated how you simplified your learning. It's always great to be able to attach your past and current experience with what you are learning. It's always said that what you are called to do, you're already doing it. Best of blessings to you on your journey to officially become a teacher
Eric,
ReplyDeleteIt is interesting that even with taking classes to become a teacher you still have to create your individual way in which you choose to operate your classroom. What work for one may not work for others and that is the best part. Learning the students individuality.