Module 1

- From Learning, Teaching and Educational Psychology through Cognitive Development and The Self, Social and Moral Development-

Starting off in chapter one of Educational Psychology by Anita Woolfolk, we are introduced to several ideas on learning and teaching today, what good teaching is and examples of such, and ending with the role of educational psychology.  Overall, while there was quite a bit of information to process at once, I especially found many things quite intriguing.  For example, the concept of differentiated instruction was fairly new to me.  Where I grew up, we did not have much diversity and most people (educators) had been working in the district for some time and were set in their ways.  While in high school I did have some glimpses of method of teaching, they were just usually endorsed by the younger substitute teachers that would teach us if one of our regular instructors had to have an extended absence.  Teaching that "takes into account students' abilities, prior knowledge, and challenges so that instruction matches not only the subject being taught but also students' needs" absolutely appeals to the type of educator that I hope to be.
As intriguing as this chapter was, I did get the impression that students are seen more as percentages, research fodder and test scores than as learning young people.  Rather than the achievement standard test scores and the required tests coupled with a looming deadline for adequate yearly progress standards, why don't researchers and lawmakers instead actually look at what the students are being taught?  In my opinion, it seems like lawmakers and people in power are making standards and rules just so that the country won't be left in the dust (a noble quest indeed,) while instead they should be aiming to have well rounded individuals, proficient in a range of topics, not just science, math and English.  Children should be learning to appreciate the words that Shakespeare wrote, not just memorizing the words and the concept so they can get a good test score.

In chapter two, we are introduced to the definition of development, as well as three questions about development that psychologists have strongly debated: nature vs. nurture, continuity vs. discontinuity, and critical vs. sensitive periods for development. Following this, there is a very interesting look into the brain and some of its functions and how they are linked to teaching. The book then reintroduces Jean Piaget's theory of cognitive development, which is based on the assumption that individuals create knowledge based on their experiences with other people, objects and ideas.Lastly, we are shown how the principles in Lev Vygotsky's theory of development have influenced our current educational research and practices.  While again, there was quite a bit of information to absorb in this chapter, the most interesting to me was the section on the brain, in which I was taken back to my introduction to psychology class and how fascinating the brain is.  The fact that one tiny neuron has the ability to transmit so much information in much less than an instant is simply remarkable.  The brain is such an amazing organ that it's tough not to want to delve into it as deeply as you can.


Chapter three on the self, social and moral development was also especially interesting, as it went into detail the development of a child from the three major influences they have. As I was growing up, I lived in a somewhat secluded area, thanks to a small town population and that my parents were farmers.  That being the case, my family was more than likely the largest influence on me and it was interesting to read into how my mother and father's parenting styles helped shape who I am.  This chapter was also intriguing to see the amount of research that has been done into such topics as cliques, popularity and  their effects. 

Overall for the first set of chapters in this book, while they were at times overwhelming, I found myself really looking into different points of view and reflecting on how my own thoughts are compared to those mentioned.  All in all, a very compelling section.