Educational Psychology: Module 4 Blog

 Module 4 

February 16th, 2022

*After reviewing the syllabus I realized I put Chapter 9 in my Module 3 Blog Post, so Chapter 13 will be put into this blog post.* 

Module 4 Reflection 

    I think this weeks assignments and discussions were interesting to discuss and read about. This week we also wrote our research papers which currently I have halfway done, but I am enjoying researching the difference between an Authoritative vs. Authoritarian Classroom Management styles. Creating the concept map for chapter 9 was also a new way to learn new material. 

Chapter 10 Overview 

    In Chapter 10 we start to look at including the social context of learning and the notion of constructivism. "Constructivism is a broad perspective that calls attention to two critical aspects of learning: social and cultural factors." In this chapter one of the more important ideas to understand is the environment that can be created by students and the instructor. Students have the responsibility of putting the work and using their social skills to make their education experience better. It is also important for educators to teach the material as best as they can. 

Chapter 10 Reflection  

    In this chapter Woolfolk talks about concepts like social negotiation and student ownership of learning. Woolfolk talks about the belief of Vygotsky and how mental processes can develop through social interaction. This makes a lot of sense because when we allow our students to socialize and get comfortable with each other they develop and adopt a more healthy classroom environment. If they are comfortable and looking forward to class then they can learn at a better rate. Woolfolk also goes into the ownership of learning. "Student ownership does not mean that the teacher abandons responsibility for instruction," (Woolfolk 387). I think this a great idea for new and older teachers to keep in the back of their minds. Although it is important for students to take responsibility for the work they put in, it is just as important for educators to provide the best instruction they can. 

Chapter 11 Overview 

    In this chapter Woolfolk talks about the social cognitive theory which has to deal with the view of learning and motivation has to do with dynamic interactions among many of the behavioral, personal, and environmental factors. Another big concept in this chapter is motivation and reinforcement. "Social cognitive theory distinguishes between acquisitions and performance." (Woolfolk 431) 

Chapter 11 Reflection 

    I think as future educators it is important for us to learn how to provide and create an environment full of motivation and reinforcement. In this chapter Woolfolk talks about 3 different types of reinforcement. Direct, Vicarious, and Self-reinforcement. Communicating these different styles to our students is important. Everyone likes to hear about what a good job they're doing and making sure that our students know that they are doing a good job is a great way to make them feel comfortable and to look forward to coming to school everyday. 

Chapter 13 Overview 

    Chapter 13 plays into these chapters very well. This chapter deals with ways that teachers create social and physical environments. Having great classroom management is an important step in making sure students have a quality education experience. 

Chapter 13 Reflection 

    This chapter talked a lot about the types of social and physical spaces that educators can create for their students. With the social aspect of this, it is important to create a space that provides access to learning. A lot of students may feel anxious to want to answer or participate in class. Creating an environment that allows students to feel comfortable will allow them to want to participate and work with other students.