What is Educational Psychology?

“Educational psychology is the scientific discipline concerned with the development, evaluation and application of principles and theories of human learning” (Moreno, 7). The book Educational Psychology by Roxana Moreno, informs teachers about human development, diversity motivation, assessment and technology. Giving examples on how to become aware of these challenges, which teachers will be faced with in the classroom. It will help teachers understand their students and give different techniques to use in the classroom.




Citation for Picture: 
"Educational Psychology (Paperback)." Tower.com. Web. 25 Apr. 2012.   
       <http://www.tower.com/educational-psychology-roxana-moreno-paperback/wapi/113515622>. 

Journal Activities

In the beginning of every chapter throughout Moreno’s book, there are journal activities. The activities ask you to answer the questions before reading the chapter based on your prior knowledge to the subject. Listed below are the chapter lists:

                                                          

Chapters:

Chapter 1: "Educational Psychology: Becoming an Effective Classroom Teacher"

Chapter 2: "Understanding Diversity in the Classroom"

Chapter 3: "Cognitive and Language Development"

Chapter 4: "Personal, Social and Moral Development"

Chapter 5: "Behavioral Views of Learning"

Chapter 6: "Cognitive Views of Learning"

Chapter 7: "Complex Cognitive Processes"

Chapter 8: "Sociocognitive and Constructivist Views of Learning"

Chapter 9: "Theories of Motivation and Affect"

Chapter 10: "Motivation and Affect in the Classroom"

Chapter 12: "Assessment in the Classroom"

Chapter 13: "Assessing Learning through Standardized Testing"

Each of my blogs are biased off of the journal activity questions asked in each chapter. These chapters have been covered in my Psychology of Education class, that I am taking this semester. Sometimes the questions that I was asked to answer will be stated and other times my answers will just appear. Throughout my blog however, I have answered every question from the journal activities. Enjoy!

"Becoming an Effective Classroom Teacher"

Citation: "Teacher-Salary-Math-Chalkboard." Ask Nanima? 5 Oct. 2011. Web. 25 Apr. 2012. <http://www.nanima.co.za/2011/10/happy-world-teachers-day/teacher-salary-math-chalkboard/>.

       What are some of the realities of classroom teaching that you may be concerned about?  Could some of them be how to plan successful lessons, becoming too overwhelmed in the classroom, how to motivate students? These are all concerns and challenges that teachers are faced with. But the real question is how do you overcome those challenges? Before we start let’s think about some strategies that could help you develop into becoming an expert teacher. These strategies could include ways to help you spice up activities in the classroom, by becoming an expert in a particular subject you plan on teaching or conquering classroom management. Now that we’ve brainstormed some strategies, let’s start becoming an effective teacher! Look back on your educational experience and think about the teachers you have had, what were some good characteristics of those teachers that you could carry over into your own classroom? Did your teachers want to see students succeed; would they do anything in their power to help a student?

       I have always appreciated a teacher for taking time out of their day to help me or to answer my questions for me outside of the classroom. Teachers that put all their energy and heart into their classroom and students get a positive response from their students. Also, teachers who are open with their students, I feel make it easier for the students to come to them if they need help or are having a problem. Becoming an effective teacher acquires certain knowledge and skills. It is important that teachers have different teaching methods to use in the classroom. While reading Moreno’s book Educational Psychology I loved when it said “teaching is never a routine” (Moreno, 5). I think that is something every teacher should have on their desk as a reminder because sometimes teachers get into the routine of repeating the same thing every period of the day. But what teachers need to remember is that everyone is unique and learns differently. 

"Understanding Diversity in the Classroom"

Growing up I went to a small school where we’ve all known each other since kindergarten. We were all from the same neighborhood and our parents all made around the same amount of money, we were considered the working middle class. My friends and I were lucky enough to have a good support team at home and to have teachers who cared about their students. We were never faced with ethnic or racial stereotypes and there was little diversity in our classrooms. According to Moreno, "socioeconomic status is one of the most powerful factors influencing student achievement" (Moreno, 37). Socioeconomic status is based on the economic, educational and occupational status of individuals (Moreno, 37). In my opinion, socioeconomics was a positive factor in my achievements as a student. I had a good home structure and support from my neighborhood, to help me reach my goals. However, not everyone can be as lucky as I was. Some students worry where their next meal is coming from or where they will be sleeping that night. These thoughts can affect a student’s achievement in school, for they will not be focused on learning. As teachers we need to be aware of the difficulties students could be having outside of school. If teachers have a better understanding for diversity in the classroom, it can help them "develop an open mind when interpreting students' thinking and behavior" (Moreno, 26).

                                                   Citation: "Globalisation." : Challenge 7. 2011. Web. 25 Apr. 2012. 

                                                       <http://hulyagirglobprof.blogspot.com/p/challenge-7.html>.

Diversity in the classroom doesn't stop with culture, race and ethnic differences. It could also be differences in learning styles or having learning disabilities. Because every student is unique, they all learn differently. Some might be visual learners, while others could be verbal learners. It is important for teachers to be aware of the different types of learning styles and which styles work best for students. Teachers should try to use every kind of style in their classroom, this way every student has the opportunity to get involved with the assignment. Learning disabilities can also be seen as diversity in the classroom. Students with learning disabilities are now considered "exceptional students". "Exceptional students are those who are identified as having special needs and receive few or no special services in the school" (Moreno, 49). When people hear the word "exceptional", they categorize these students as being intelligent, brilliant or geniuses, although they could be. Being an exceptional student means being out of the norm, they are not different from any other student, they just learn in a different way. Teachers need to be able to adapt their lessons to all kinds of diversities when it comes to teaching.

"Cognitive and Language Development"

Cognitive development theorists look at the way children's thinking process has changed over time. They give explanations as to why certain skills and criteria are taught at certain ages.A students cultural background can also affect the way a student thinks. Different cultures have different beliefs; therefore one student can believe one aspect of a subject while another student can disagree. Students' maturity levels can affect the way a teacher has to teach certain subjects and skills. For example, a first grader is not going to understand evolution, which is why it is taught in middle school; when the students can understand what it is really about. Psychologist Jean Piaget came up with a four stages as to how he believed cognitive development happens (Moreno, 80). 

Piaget's Stages of Development:

Citation: "Transparencies." Index of /. Web. 25 Apr. 2012. <http://www.abacon.com/slavin/t5.html>.

Sensorimotor Stage (Age: 0-2): "Infants are able to coordinate their sensory and motor abilities to create a set of behavioral schemas (mental networks of organized information)" (Moreno, 80).

Preoperational Stage (Age: 2-7): "Children have not yet developed the ability to think logically. They understand the use of symbols and imaginary play" (Moreno, 80).

Concrete Operational Stage (Age: 7-11): "Child has the ability to think logically about concrete objects such as; conversations and transformations" (Moreno, 83).

Formal Operational Stage (Age: 11+): "have the ability to engage in logical and systematic thinking" (Moreno, 84).

While Piaget and other psychologists came up with ways cognitive thinking developed, there are also theories on how language has developed. It is becoming more common to have a second language, a person with a second language is considered to be "well rounded". Having a second language makes you aware of different cultures and can help with communication skills. 

"Personal, Social and Moral Development"

       In my opinion if you want to become a good, compassionate, understand teacher then you should take into consideration your students personal life. You do not need to know every detail, but you should know if both parents are involved in the students’ life and if the student has a good support system at home. Teachers also need to be aware of any signs of abuse. It is a teacher’s job to create a safe and healthy environment; we need to be aware of our surroundings. If a child is in danger we need to bring attention to it. Peer pressure is also a big problem for students in grade school and high school. It is something that every student will worry about throughout their years in school. As sad as that might be, I think it is best that teachers and higher authority are aware of it and know how to resolve it. Teachers also need to take into consideration the affect divorced parents can have on students. I have always heard that divorce was hard on the children but I never knew to what extent the children had problems with. "Children of divorcee are more likely to have; relationship problems, use alcohol and drugs, and are more likely to engage in sexual activity earlier" (Moreno, 122).  Divorce amongst families are becoming more and more common, therefore it is something that every teacher should be aware of, for they will eventually be face with it. 

"Behavioral Views of Learning"

Behaviorist views of learning focus on two types of theories; classical conditioning and operant conditioning. The difference between classical and operant conditioning is that classical conditioning focuses on "learning through association" (Moreno, 157). Where operant conditioning, focuses on "the study of how animals learn to operate on their environments" (Moreno, 163). 

Classical conditioning refers to "the pairing of automatic responses to the new stimulus" (Moreno, 157). For example, when a teacher gives a test or a pop-quiz that is considered the stimulus, however the automatic response for some students could be having anxiety over the new stimulus. Some teachers believe that giving pop-quizzes help promote studying, they believe it is a good way to know exactly what the students have learned or what they remember, However, if a teacher wants good results on a pop-quiz they should let the students know about the quiz in the beginning of class. By not telling students about quizzes whether they are scheduled or not it can cause anxiety for students, which can lead them to do worse on the test.

Behaviorists also believe it is important to reward students in order for them to learn and behave, it will help them pay attention more and it will get them more involved in the class. By rewarding students, it shows that as a teacher you care for their input and it shows that you want to see them succeed.