Module Two Blog Assignment-EDUC 7105
The idea to use the isms of educational theories as filters through which sift thoughts, ideas and ideals is the best way to use the theories. In reading the blogs of Bill Kerr, Stephen Downs and Karl Kapp, I must agree that each of the theories has much to offer and neither is complete within itself. As educators, using whichever theory is going to give us the best result for our situation is the “best” one to use at the time. They all have something to offer, they all have specific goals and outcomes. The idea that particular theories line up to Blooms Taxonomy in a definitive way, seems to be a good way to decide which theory would work best in particular situations as well. I almost wanted to make a table with this analogy just to see how it would come out with my own students.
No theory is static; they all grow, change, evolve and overlap. As educators, keeping abreast of the changes to give our students the best experience is our challenge. To see a theory at work from beginning to end without seeing some overlapping would be challenging as well. So we will select the parts of a theory that we need to get the point over or to see student achievement along with our own educational evolution knowing that our understanding of the basic ideas of the theories will give us a platform for categorizing a new theory as it evolves.
In keeping up with my students, an article I found most relevant had to do with the social cognitive theory. Take a look and tell me what you think.
References:
http://billkerr2.blogspot.com/2007/01/isms-as-filter-not-blinker.html
http://karlkapp.blogspot.com/2007/01/out-and-about-discussion-on-educational.html
http://blog.lib.umn.edu/claes019/videogames/2009/12/wii-sports-and-the-social-cognitive-theory.html
Great article. It already impacted me when I saw the word "Wii" in the address. I love the Wii. It is one of my hobbies, although, I do not have time to play. Walden and work are my main sources of entertainment right now and for the next year.
ReplyDeleteThe article was very relevant to our situation as educators. I have always said that if I could be an animation, I would be the best teacher because the kids would watch and listen to me. I can't really be an animated character, but we can use the same principles. The article mentions the impact of attention and retention in encouraging appropriate responses. In other words, if I am constantly observing and providing feedback to my students, they will be motivated to continue for success. The problem is when teachers rarely observe or give feedback too late. The students have already forgotten the task before given remediation. Just like gaming, we must be on our toes, always giving input to affect the output.
Great idea putting together what the kids see as relevant and motivating with what we do on a daily basis.
You are right too you know about theories and strategies always changing. If we become static, so will our kids. We must put forth the effort to provide the best instructional environment before we can expect our students to attempt hard work.
How do you manage all the changes?
I love the Wii also, lol lol. The article was interesting because that is how individuals actually play. The Wii requires real life experiences to complete tasks on the game. Motivation occurs continuously because you do not want to be beat and you want to set all the records on the game.
ReplyDeleteYour post hit the hammer on the nail. I agree that theories are always changing. As teachers/educators we must beg, borrow, and steal all things that will help our students obtain success. Althought the Wii article was fascinating, it is hard to place that same concept in education. Most students are not that motivated to try their best. I have students who hate school. If it was up to them, they would not attend. I know what you are thinking, how could this happen to children? Their focus is learning the negative aspects of their neighborhood (rob, steal, and sell drugs). Eventhough this is a theory, Piaget-knowledge aquired from the world, but it is not in the appropriate setting.
As a teacher, I do not settle for nothing more than their best. It is up to the teachers to light that inner fire, to make students want to learn and be something/someone besides a statistic of society.