Final Learning Log

What?

It's hard for me to declare a theory of how kids learn when I have just been introduced to all of the theories and theorists. What I do find extremely interesting is how each theory plays a role in one's learning. I don't think that someone learns strictly the way the Behaviorists or Cognitivists believe, because I think that it takes a little bit of everything to complete the learning cycle. Without memory you can't repeat a behavior, or without social/peer interaction you can't develop your own ideas and concepts. I do feel like one of the most important things that was included in most of the theories is group work. We need to teach our students how to learn from each other and how to teach each other as well. But, while this is important, there are many other aspects of learning that has to come into play. It seems like the whole point of this class was to show us how each theory plays an essential role in our students' learning processes. Each theory has its pros and cons, but they all have important areas that offer an idea of how learning truly takes place. 

So What?

In order for me to be a great teacher, I need to understand how my students learn. Whether it be through the multiple intelligences, behaviorism, or social cognitivism, all of my students will be learning in a unique yet similar way. It will be vital for me to be able to change and adapt for different learning styles and to try different ways of teaching. I want to be able to reach as many students as I can and show them that learning can be fun if they know what works best for them. I also want to show students that they can learn a lot from each other so they will experience plenty of group/peer interaction in my classes.

Now What?

Educational Psychology really intrigues me and I want to continue to study and learn more about how psychology plays a role in our students' learning and education. One of the things that I really want to learn more about and improve on is how to incorporate the multiple intelligences into my teaching. I think our students would be much more successful and motivated if we are using different strategies and different teaching styles to meet all of our students' needs. It is going to be really hard at first, but with more knowledge and experience, I will be able to really utilize what I have learned in this class and what I will learn with further studying.