There are many theories in the field of education. As a teacher, different theories need to be applied to the classroom for teaching, learning and assessment. Every child should be treated as a "unique" individual because not every student learns the same way. From my experience of teaching and observing classes, general education students can be in a class with IEPs and ELLs. Teachers have to be able to accommodate all students. It is a challenge for both students and teachers. Technology is one tool in aiding and accommodating different students in one classroom. When I think back to my own learning, most of it comes from other people (teachers, parents, friends, etc.), active learning environments and personal experience. "Behaviorism, Cognitive Science and Constructivism" can be incorporated into a classroom. I tend to lean more towards "Cognitive Science" and "Constructivism." In an English class, memorizing Vocabulary words are important for Vocabulary Tests and SATs. How many of those words do students truly remember in the future? It's the active learning, thinking and collaborative projects that students remember. The "metacognitive awareness" is the most valuable lesson because a student can think about his or her own thinking. Reading circles are good ways for students to interpret literature amongst themselves. If one student does not understand the reading, then another student may be able to help the other. This type of learning environment is "student-centered." Students assess their own learning. Another example for students to assess their own learning is by creating a portfolio of written work. The portfolio shows how the student develops his or her own thought process through writing. Is a "teacher-centered" learning environment necessary? Absolutely, students need structure and guidance to reach the goal. Old and new ways of teaching methods can be integrated into lesson planning.
Questions:
1. According to Chapter 3, "Standards-based assessments" are important in measuring what is expected of a student for a certain grade level. Do standardized tests truly measure how much a student will succeed in life? And if the answer is no, then why is there so much pressure on students and teachers?
2. Students and teachers are able to express their creativity by using Technology. How much technology should be utilized in lesson planning for a 40 minute class?
3. How do we as teachers or educators assist those students who do not have access to technology 24/7 as oppose to those who do?
