Module 3 Blog

Hello everyone,

            Chapter 7 begins by defining the word learning, a process through which experience causes permanent change in knowledge or behavior. According to Woolfolk the earliest explanations of learning came from Aristotle. (pg. 248). He said we learn by association, in other words we remember things together e.g., A is for Apple. I would say this is exceptionally true with three year olds. Woolfolk then talks about classical conditioning, which deals with reflexes, or responses that are evoked from a specific stimulus. People can be trained to perform a certain task or response by providing some sort of trigger, e.g. a picture, phrase, sound, etc. Classical conditioning works wonders in the classroom. If a teacher is consistent and repetitive with a certain stimuli, eventually the students will learn how to behave properly. It’s all a matter of repetition. In the pre-k class I work in the children know it’s time to clean up when they hear the clean up song. They also know its nap time and quiet time when the lights turn off.

           In the section about reinforcement Woolfolk says that researchers believe “The systematic application of praise and attention may be the most powerful motivational and classroom management tool available for teachers” (pg. 256). I couldn’t agree more with this statement, especially when dealing with students who misbehave on a regular basis. I have found that when I reward and praise a misbehaving child his/her behavior will change dramatically. Children yearn for attention, so it’s best to show excitement when positive behavior is demonstrated.

        Chapter 13, Creating Learning Environments was by far my favorite chapter. I am a very organized person. I believe working in a clean and organized environment will allow you to focus on more important things, and ultimately make life a lot easier. I live by the phrase, “ work smarter not harder”. This chapter focuses on the importance of classroom management and how to build a positive, and productive learning environment. Woolfolk emphasizes that routine is the foundation of a successful classroom. (pg. 476). She also adds that a classroom should have a list of general rules. Students need to be taught what are acceptable behaviors in the classroom setting. They also need to understand that there will be consequences if a student breaks a rule. These types of procedures are ultimately preparing students to become civilized adults in society. I really liked the section on bullying and teasing; it’s a topic I feel very passionate about. It breaks my heart to see children being bullied. A couple of semesters ago I took a social psychology course in which bullying was a hot topic. We talked about how adults need to teach children to look up to real life heroes and not just idolize characters like, batman, or superman. We need to teach children that real heroes exist and that heroes are people who do the right thing.