Recent orders
Educational Psychology, Studying and Learning Strategies
Name:
Institution:
Course:
Tutor:
Date:
Educational Psychology, Studying and Learning Strategies
Introduction
The ability to learn effectively is imperative as it motivates the child and encourages positive perception of education. This enables the child to be able to acquire quality education and have lucrative career prospects. Learning disabilities on the other hand compromise the ability of the learner to attain this goal. It is because of the fact that they make the process frustrating and difficult when the respective child fails to keep up with the pace of other students. This is the case with Joe, a seven year old in the second grade in elementary school. He is suffering from dyslexia, a learning disability that has made it difficult for him to acquire literacy skills effectively. In particular, he experiences significant problems with processing language education. As such, he can not read, write, spell and speak effectively. This has frustrated his efforts to keep the pace with other students and as such, he has become disinterested in education. There are different effective strategies that can be employed by his parents in helping him to cope with the problem effectively.
To begin with, the parents need to address the emotional problems that Joe faces in school. In their review, Perogoy and Owen indicate that students with dyslexia tend to get frustrated when their efforts to catch up with other students fail (50). There is a possibility that Joe could be facing intimidation from the classmates or schoolmates. This can be used to explain inherent disinterest in education. In this regard, the social theory indicates that social inclusion is important and imperative for effective functioning. The rebellious attitude assumed by Joe is a normal reaction to the “hostile” environment provided at the school. The parents should therefore liaise with the teachers to ensure that Joe is not intimidated in schools and that his efforts are appreciated by both the students and teachers.
Since Joe is already frustrated, professional psychological help could be a good starting point. In this respect, the parents can take him to a professional counselor for him to be given guidance with regard to dealing with the relative social issues. Woolfolk cites that psychotherapy is also imperative because it enables the patient to accept his or her condition (92). With respect to Joe’s case, acceptance of the situation at this tender age can enable him to devise viable learning strategies. Furthermore, this would prevent him from being frustrated in incidences when he fails to keep up with the pace of other students.
The second strategy that can be employed by Joe’s parents is to increase the complexity of the tasks when helping them with language problems at home. This strategy is derived from the realization that students problems related to dyslexia tend to experience problems with recognition of the breaks between different words (Sprenger 69). Furthermore, they also experience difficulties with accurately remembering the spelling of the words. In other words, they can not effectively differentiate between different syllables. Most importantly, the children experiencing this learning problem find it difficult to differentiate between different sounds of the words that they come across. According to Sprenger, increasing the complexity of tasks is important because it exposes the child to different words and enables the same to decipher differences (74). Repeated exposure to similar tasks can lead to frustration, especially when the child fails to grasp a particular concept.
Notably, children with this learning disability experience difficulties with regard to recalling words. Perogoy and Owen explain that this is because they process the words at a much slower rate than their counterparts. (88) This is regardless of the fact that they could be familiar with the respective words that they could be finding difficulties to recall. In this regard, parents can assist by encouraging the child to use English language more often. In addition, they can provide the same with various story books and assist in reading the same for instance during bedtime.
In his study, Wooflock notes that irrespective of the fact that Joe has a literacy problem, the fact that memory in children of his age can be easily trained makes it possible for him to overcome the challenge (78). This can be attained through employment of a wide range of mnemonic techniques. Some of the suggested techniques that the Joe can use to enable him recall the word easily include acronyms, keywords, peg words and use of spelling mnemonics. For example, the word cemetery can be easily associated with the sound screaming. Thus every time a cemetery is mentioned by the parents, Joe in this regard can be able to recall the sound screaming. Alternatively, the parents can assist Joe to enhance his spelling by relating the numbers to letters. Effective employment of this however requires the student to have the ability to relate the words with the letters easily.
When helping Joe with school work, the parents need to lay great emphasis on employment of multisensory strategy of instruction. In particular, the auditory, visual and kinesthetic approaches need to be employed either in rapid succession or simultaneously. In this regard, the cognitive theory postulates that the method of instruction needs to be in line with the student abilities in order to attain optimal results. Since Joe already lacks an interest in literacy education, employment of passive approaches of instruction are likely to further compound the situation. Sprenger cites that passive modes of instruction trigger incidences of misbehavior especially amongst young scholars (69).
In order to avoid incidences of misbehavior that could further aggravate the situation, a more engaging approach needs to be adopted. For instance, parents can talk for five minutes, use visuals for another five minutes and employ the kinesthetic approach for another five minutes. This does not only improve concentration but it also enhances understanding of the topic being taught. This would have positive impacts on the learning process as the resultant developments would encourage the parents and Joe to continue with the practice. Moreover, the fact that the learning would be taking place in a less crowded environment would enhance understanding. According to psychological studies, a less crowded environment for such students enhances concentration. Further, it reduces incidences of competition that yields counterproductive effects.
Conclusion
Learning disabilities have adverse effects on the process of learning because of the inherent frustration and difficulties. This can be particularly intimidating for young scholars like Joe who attend group sessions. The efforts of the parents can be fruitless if they do not base the same on professional help. Seeking therapeutic help, increasing the complexity of the tasks, employing mnemonics to enhance memory and using multiple methods of instruction can be imperative in helping Joe to cope with the challenges.
Works Cited
Anita, Woolfolk. Educational Psychology. (11th Ed). USA: American Psychological Association, 2010.
Marilee, Sprenger. Learning and Memory: The Brain in Action. USA: Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development, 1999.
Suzanne, Perogoy & Owen, Boyle. Reading, Writing and Learning in ESL. USA: Allyn & Bacon, 2008.
Educational Psychology Personal Teaching Philosophy
Name:
Institution:
Course:
Tutor:
Date:
Educational Psychology: Personal Teaching Philosophy
The process of teaching and learning is considered very complex and its success is depended on the collaboration amongst various stakeholders. With regard to matching the teaching styles to the students’ level of development, I believe that the teacher is charged with the responsibility of ensuring that the students adapt to the specific teaching styles for optimal results. In order to achieve this, the teacher needs to understand the diverse learning styles of the students at certain stage of development in order to be able to tailor the teaching method to meet emergent and long term needs and demands of the students. Notably, this belief is likely to have various implications on my interaction with the students. To begin with, it would foster good relations due to the fact that the individual and particular needs of the students would be taken care of accordingly. This would in return enhance the effectiveness of the teaching and learning process.
In the recent past, direct teaching and discovery instructional methods have been identified as some of the most effective teaching methods for students at the elementary level. Coupled with well designed assignments, Woolfolk (2007) contends that direct teaching plays an elemental role in improving the cognitive skills of learners as well as enhancing their self esteem. Since the goals defined by this approach tend to be objective in nature, it ensures that students understand the gist of the course with ease. Due to its enhancement of active engagement in the process of learning, discovery learning on the other hand motivates the students to engage in creative learning that is fundamental for development of vital problem solving skills. Of great importance is the fact that it seeks to instill a sense of responsibility in the students. Employment of the two methods of instruction during teaching would effectively address the diverse learning styles that are presented by the students. As such, it would greatly improve the teacher student rapport.
Vygotsky and Piaget’s philosophies are sought to further the importance of social interaction, challenges and readiness during the process of learning. Nevertheless, they uphold various philosophies that are distinguished by the differences in the function of language in development of cognitive capacities, the value of guided activities versus free exploration, the role of culture in learning and the advantages of peer interaction verses adult interaction. I prefer Vygotsky’s philosophy because of the fact that its results are sustainable in nature. In this respect, it is worth acknowledging that guidance and incorporation of students’ culture in the process of learning enhances a sense of ownership of the education and the relative values.
With regard to teaching moral behavior and fundamental values, I believe that inculcation of important values needs to be done at a tender age. Thus the elementary level provides the best stage because then, students are ready to learn the same in preparation for their employment in future. I also believe that this is a social responsibility that should not be left entirely to the educators, irrespective of the fact that students spend most of their time in school. In order for this education to be beneficial, it would be imperative for the ideal values to be mainstreamed in the curriculum and specifically in the content of existing disciplines rather than be taught independently (Oakes, 2006). This would ensure that the students are not distracted and that vital values are assumed in a natural manner. Notably, this would aid in the reduction of possible incidences of deviant responses that are often associated with the same. As such, it would uphold viable relationships between the educators and students that are fundamental for sustainable learning and teaching.
At this point in time, it can not be disputed that authentic self esteem plays a vital role in enabling the students to set achievable goals and work towards improving their career choices. In addition, it instills a sense of responsibility in the students that is fundamental for successful living. The classroom experience provides the best environment through which the ideals can be developed and nurtured accordingly. In particular, these can be developed through enhancement of good relationships amongst the students, promotion of personal resiliency that is critical for addressing daily challenges, exposing the students to helper roles that provide them with a chance to value commitment and valuing the students with behavioral constraints.
In order to achieve effective learning, it is imperative to address the inherent labels amongst students that impact upon their self esteem and undermine their academic achievement. The affected students can be assisted to realize their full potential through modification of the curriculum to incorporate their individual concerns. Such achievements are bound to enable them prove to the other students that they do not need to be associated with the labels. I would also liaise with the school authorities and formulate school rules that seek to prevent the culture of labeling. In addition, it would be important to consider the role of the parents and ensure that they are encouraged to stop perpetuating the perceived labels that their children presumably have.
In respect to the nature of intelligence, I believe that this is a multifaceted concept that is anchored upon numerous mutually reinforcing factors. In particular, I believe that intelligence is influenced by social, cultural and genetic factors whose interplay determines the degree of the same. Notably, this viewpoint would enable me to accord each student utmost attention in line with the level of his or her intelligence. Furthermore, I would give each student an equal chance to develop his or her intelligences. This would probably be achieved through enhancement of active participation by students in the learning process. According to Dweck (2006), only then would an instructor be able to identify develop and nurture the varied intelligences that students exhibit.
Employment of multiculturalism is important in teaching and should therefore be upheld because of various reasons. To begin with, it enables the teacher to transcend cultural dominance that undermines effective learning of the minority groups. In addition, this approach empowers the students socially, emotionally, culturally, intellectually and politically. This is attained through its utilization of various referents to instill vital skills, values and knowledge. Furthermore, studies posit that the multicultural approach provides a viable learning environment that is characterized by harmonic co existence.
Tracking on the other hand is a counter productive practice that should be shunned if learning is to accord every student an equal opportunity to participate in the same. In the respect, the practice has been implicated for perpetuating economic, social and intellectual disparities amongst students. In addition, it promotes the culture of labeling as some students perceive others inferior to them. As such, it is not a sustainable approach to instruction and its utilization is likely to enhance tension amongst students as well as instructors. Notably, this negatively affects the process of learning and teaching.
References
Dweck, C. (2006). Understanding Academic Achievement from a Psychological Viewpoint. USA: Random House.
Oakes, J. (2005). Effective Education. Yale: university Press.
Woolfolk, A. (2007). Educational Psychology. (11th Ed). USA: American Psychological Association
Educational programs present in UTA are very relevant to careers present in Texas after successful completion of the program.
Name
Professor
Course
Date of Submission
Synthesis Essay
Educational programs present in UTA are very relevant to careers present in Texas after successful completion of the program. Political science is a booming program in the recent years, in UTA and successful graduates are participating in government duties. Student under the political science program should be efficient in their articulation and explain prevailing ideas in a simple language that even a non-scholar can understand the situation. To obtain simplicity of the complex data requires integration of many academic fields including English-literature concepts (Mead 1). The challenging career of a political scientist is leading in a new turn for scholars and consultants in the political field. Political Science is diverse and has many fields of study that are essential in the efficient implementation of duties. Mead (2) argues that, integrating English and literature in political science will be helpful in aspects of correct articulation, analysis, summarizing and connecting historical features with the current political situation.
The duties present in political science career include political advisors, political analyst, diplomacy duties, participating in State dues, representing the president or the country in international functions, and being the government spokesperson. In addition, a political scientist has the ability in representing the country or the president in a Court of Law. English and literature courses teach on the semantics, phonology, articulation, syntax and theoretical linguistics. According to Horowitz (1), a political scientist needs the English knowledge background especially in making press briefing statements or clarifying a contentious issue that is affecting the government liabilities. It will be difficult for a political scientist to make an analysis of a government manifesto without prior knowledge on English semantics. In many situations, a political scientist collaborates with a linguistic person in order to assist in making comprehensive statements. UTA administration and students would not like to have a situation of its political science graduates being incompetent in the assigned duties due to poor grammar and presentation of work (Horowitz 2).
The political science program in UTA needs to be admirable and meet the requirements of the available careers. Prestigious scholarships on political sciences should be beneficial in research and career development. Political scientists should remain relevant in the market and create avenues of prosperity on the clients they represent. A good political scientist should save revenue of the country and the employing institution. This is because a political scientist has the necessary qualifications of efficiently representing the institution. In some situations, some companies employ a linguistic, a lawyer, public relations agent, a sociologist and political scientist. Many employees in an institution doing similar job are an indication of incompetent political analyst. English and literature will help in making a competent political analyst since it will eliminate the duties of a linguist, lawyer, and diplomacy department (Hu and Kuh 325).
Personal observation on political science students in UTA is that they are proud of their program and they practice the new concept learnt on a daily basis. For example, political science student observing a fight between two students will stop the fight and solve the differences among the students in a diplomatic manner. This is an indication that an additional course on English and literature will results to students gaining skills in language development in the diplomatic activities (Horowitz 2). The political science students will have a good morphology and phonology of word structure in the daily communication after successful completion of English-literature classes. Language is essential especial for UTA students that come from non-English speaking countries. The students from the non-English speaking countries will have a significant benefit since they will be integrated into the Texas community and also in the Unites States (Horowitz 5).
The advantage of advancing in the literature classes as a political scientist student is gaining skills of relating the historical events with the current events. The UTA students from native English speaking countries have a clear concept of English but minimal literature knowledge and application. Literature plays a significant role in mastering the concepts within the historical events and the current events within the political setting. The political science students have an ease in identifying the similarities and differences on two different scenes after successful completion of literature classes. The literature knowledge is equally efficient for a political scientist in studying law books and interpretation of the law. Political scientists may take the roles of a lawyer and represent an institution. References from the past events and knowledge of past scholars is necessary for political scientists in order to have the winning power (Hu and Kuh 329).
Majority of UTA students get frustrated after consecutive failure of literature classes. Failure of the course does not mean it is difficult but the level of understanding varies among students. It is a challenge on political Science students to consider taking literature lessons and considering the lessons as a boost in the career advancement. In addition, grammar, tenses, and assimilative studies are part of advancement in literature classes. The political science students and professionals will sharpen knowledge on correct grammar, develop insightful thoughts, and above all develop a passionate feeling towards political science careers. Personal thoughts and ideas are necessary for political science career; they enhance growth and development of large concepts within the institution. Some judgments within the political science career do not rely on experience but personal thoughts and ideas. Prior knowledge of literature analysis will be helpful in making appropriate judgment.
Media companies and giant technological companies have positions of political scientist. Proper articulation of words, auditory phonetics, syntax, and semantics are among the requirements for a political scientist in the available vacancies. According to Hu and Kuh (332), the duties of political scientist in the media and technological companies involve giving press briefing on the country’s political situation and current status of the technology in technological companies. The speech should be articulate in that the words are audible and the sound should depict what audience will hear. The English and literature classes will perfect these requirements. The learning process is not easy; it requires dedication and a lot of time in mastering the main concepts of English-literature that are relevant in the political science career. The process of policy making requires presentation of different thoughts, ideas, and integrating them into a comprehensive article. A political scientist should have ease in integrating the essential ideas without further consulting after studying English and literature (Hu and Kuh 333).
In conclusion, intelligent diversity is essential in the current competitive market. The available careers and employers aim at saving costs through creation of positions that combine more than one speciality. A good example is a political science position in media stations. Political scientists with prior knowledge of linguistics, diplomacy and political behaviour have a high chance of getting a job than an individual with knowledge on political behaviour alone. The graduates of political science from UTA have advantage of getting careers abroad and in other States within the United States of America (Mead 4).
Work Cited:
Horowitz, David. “In Defense Of Intellectual Diversity.” Chronicle of Higher Education 50.23
(2004): 1-5. Print.
Hu, Shouping, and George D. Kuh. “Diversity Experiences And College Student Learning And
Personal Development.” Journal of College Student Development 44.3 (2003): 320-334. Print.
Mead, Rebecca. “Learning by Degrees.” New Yorker. New Yorker, 7 June 2010. Web. 11 July
2011.