Final_Paper.docx.pdf

Running head: FINAL PAPER 1

Final Paper

Shana Alexander

Liberty University

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Final Paper

Introduction

The teaching and learning in schools have transformed throughout history to meet the

needs of equality and innovations in education. Schools are for learning and teachers are

imparted with the task of promoting the learning needed. I believe that learning starts from birth

in a family setting and educators are essentially responsible for growth of knowledge outside of

the educational setting. I have utilized my knowledge of theories to better prepare myself and

others in education of my philosophy of teaching ALL students. It is vital for all students to have

academic, social, Christ-like and character educational experiences to connect with real-world

situations. According to Brummelen (2009) state “The key point is that teaching and learning

points to God as the Creator and Sustainer of all of reality, including the norms of human life” (p.

13). I believe students should be actively involved in their learning. They need modeling and

practice of concepts to gain knowledge to be successful. Constructivism is one of the most

common alternatives to a traditional approach of teaching where students are active participants.

“Constructivism uses pedagogical strategies that actively involve students and gives them a

considerable voice in their own learning.” (Brummelen, 2009, p.69).

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Learning Theory and Its Importance

There are a variety of learning theories that aid in the development of student success in

Jean Piaget was a Swiss psychologist theory of moral development is categorized by

transitioning through two stages: Heteronomous and Autonomous moral thinking. Heteronomous

moral thinking is subject to external law, rule, or authority and generally based on ages birth to

nine years old. Autonomous moral thinking is independent in mind, rational or cooperation and

based on ages after ten years old. There are three stages that takes place when transitioning from

heteronomous to autonomous moral thinking. They are Pre-moral, ages birth to five, moral

realism, ages five to ten and moral relativism; ages ten and up. However, Lawrence Kohlberg, an

American psychologist developed the theory of moral development. He was inspired by Piaget.

Kohlberg has three levels with six stages (two stages per level) that was very similar to Piaget.

Turiel is an American psychologist who believed in the development of moral reasoning and

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in the understanding of obedience, punishment and the development of stability. “As obedient

which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of conversation” (1 Peter 1:14-15,

King James Version). Peter encourages obedience, courage and learning in this scripture to be

more Christian and live a holy life.

It is essential to instill a sense of right and wrong in children from a biblical perspective

because everything good starts with a solid foundation. Jesus is considered a Master Teacher and

through him we gain foundational skills and knowledge to survive. Brummelen (2009), state

“Promoting righteousness and justice is part of obeying Christ’s commands and must be an

integral part of schooling” (p.10). The classroom must help children through modeling and

interactions to understand right and wrong. Teachers have a purpose to nurture and shape

attitudes, values, obedience and encourage learning. We must ensure we are upholding our

promise to the Lord to lead and guide the future leaders of our society with faith and teachings of

the word”.

Bandura, a Canadian psychologist believed that child internalize and experiment

interplay of personal, behavior and environmental influences on a person’s learning. Slavin &

Schunk, 2017, states “Triadic reciprocal causation is a reciprocal interaction among behaviors,

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environmental variables and personal factors such as cognitions” and “At any given time, one

pertains to my students and challenges with learning new concepts.

An effective teacher is intentional and reflects after every lesson. “Intentional teachers are

leaders in their classrooms who take responsibility for managing time, activities, and behaviors”

As a teacher that works with students in elementary school, it makes me very open-

minded about the importance of differentiated instruction and character education. I consider

myself to be an intentional teacher that reflects on ways to improve instruction for those students

with learning challenges and disabilities. Time is an important factor that I plan carefully with

fidelity to improve students’ academic and social performance. According to Brummelen (2009)

state “Teachers, therefore, are much more that facilitators. They are guides who at times instruct

directly, who at times share and discuss insights, who at times allow students to explore and

create, and who constantly stimulate students to use their insights and abilities in responsive and

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using modeling, engagement, monitoring, guided and independent practice. According to Slavin

information directly to students, structuring class time to reach a clearly defined set of objectives

as efficiently as possible”. Small group instruction is a means for guided practice of review

skills, technology opportunities and new concepts. Small group instruction can benefit many

students, especially those with learning disabilities. “It can improve time on task and develop

social skills that not only enhance community but that are increasingly important in the

workplace” (Brummelen, 2009).

procedures daily. The classroom must be engaging with high expectations of all learners.

According to Slavin & Schunk (2017), “Students who are participating in well-structured

activities that engage their interests, who are highly motivated to learn, and who are working on

tasks that are challenging yet within their capabilities rarely pose any serious management

problems”. As an educator, you must be timely and plan for any transitions, interruptions or lapse

in times at the start of the year. The first day of school is critical in establishing classroom order

for the entire year.

students with disabilities succeed by adapting instruction and modifying materials, teaching

students specific learning strategies, and providing tutoring and computer practice”.

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Differentiated instruction and Repose to Intervention (RTI) are strategies utilized as means of

video about Pennhurst.

This was a very disheartening documentary to watch. As an educator, it was a lot I

learned from watching this video. Also, it gave me clarifications for why the vocabulary has

changed over the years and how much it affects a person depending on the labels they are given.

been created throughout history to support ethical practices and to cultivate effective learning

opportunities for all individuals.

Welcoming, nurturing, and educating learners with diverse needs or exceptionalities must

have a biblical approach in order to achieve success. "But even the very hairs of your head are all

numbered. Fear not therefore: ye are of more value than many sparrows" (Luke 12:7, King James

Version). Fear, I believe was the reasoning behind the Pennhurst institution. People were

uneducated about the many disabilities and created a jail-like hospital for those who were

different. The biblical approach requires us to reflect on creating a learning environment with

important, valuable and respected.

Addressing Behavior and Character Development

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The need to address behavior and character development is essential for an educator to

to allow an educator to instill good behaviors and character education to all students. As an

educator, I want to develop students academically and socially and emotionally healthy. By

communicating with parents my expectations and consequences, students are developing the

good social and emotional skills needed to succeed in and out of school. Promoting self-esteem

and self-efficacy are huge qualities of this development. Felber (2003) states, “Installing the

highest ideals in children is crucial for the survival of our country.” I believe that by

implementing character education consistently and with fidelity school and district-wide will

benefit parent involvement and student behavior concerns. Erikson suggest that as people grow,

they face a series of psychosocial crises that shape personality and involves the person’s

relationship with others. I believe if students learn through modeling of acceptable behaviors,

peer relationships, problem solving skills and character traits. Also, when they are awarded for

the positive behavior; the educational character development practice will become more evident

and an expectation school-wide. Brummelen (2009), states, “Scripture also makes clear that

Engaging Students in Learning, Building Self-Efficacy and Motivation

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modeling acceptable behavior and decision-making. Through use of mastery experiences,

sense of self-efficacy in my students. Mastery experience: I can give boosts when they master an

idea learned and encourage them to be diligent at failures through reteaching so, students “learn

from their mistakes”. Vicarious experience: I can promote observations of students achieving a

goal so that encourages the student to have a strong sense of self-efficacy. Socially Verbal

persuasion: I can verbally persuade through modeling and guided practice of an idea or task for

them to do their very best at mastering. Lastly, Emotional feedback: I can give positive

motivational feedback to eliminate anxiety of learning new ideas. It is important for me as a

teach students to be an effective role-model because self-efficacy is the foundation to human

motivations and accomplishments in life. The choices people make are turning points in their

lives.

Personal Reflections/Conclusion

As an educator, it is vital to shape yourself into an intentional and effective leader of your

classroom. Also, it is important to know your teaching style and learning theory to adjust an

effective classroom environment. Gaining wisdom about the variety of theories shapes the

knowledge of how students learn, and variety of ways teachers teach is a valuable concept to aid

in the type of teacher you want or can be. I can relate to my students better when teaching

different strategies to learn academically, socially and emotionally. Interactions are important to

and it is up to me, as an educator to change their perspective by making effective lessons,

differentiating and having an effective learning environment. I want to engage students to be

self-motivated, respectful, students that take responsibility for learning. Luke 12:7, God tell us