EDUC 2130

Lesson Discussion Two

 

In this Lesson students were given questions to answer based on their personal educational experiences in the past. In addition, students were instructed to listen to a podcast by Anita Woolfolk. The podcast touched on the differences in effective and ineffective teaching and gave suggestions to provide effective teaching. 

 

Lesson Question 1. Think of a teacher you had who influenced you. What made this person a good teacher?

 

My most influential teacher was my Kindergarten teacher. She influenced my life not only the year she taught me but for many years after that. Every morning and afternoon I would ride with her to and from school for several years. This teacher showed me what compassion really was. She not only had compassion in the classroom but outside of it as well, which I saw first hand. At that young of an age it is extremely important for children to feel wanted and loved no matter where they are. This teacher went above and beyond to ensure her students and others felt that way. I feel that this teachers compassion and dedication to her students is what made her a good teacher.

 

Lesson Question 2. Students often identify teachers who were not very personable or approachable as among their most effective teachers. Is itpossible to be personable, caring and effective? When would it be a liability to be personable or approachable? When would it be an advantage?

 

I feel that it is very important and most definetly possible for teachers to be personable, caring, and effective. If a teacher is not very personable then I do not believe students will be able to as easily identify with them. Personally, if I had a teacher who was not caring or personable then I usually do not take anything out of that class, so I do not feel that there is an advantage to the student if the teacher is not approachable.

 

Lesson Question 3. What does Anita describe as the goal of educational psychology?

 

The goal of educational psycohology is to "go beyond personal experience". It involves the study and research of education both scientifically and mathmatically.

 

Lesson Question 4. Anita mentions some compelling research. What was the research and how did it affect the students?

 

The research involed students grades third thru fifth and implemented effective teaching as well as ineffective teaching in mathematics. The findings showed that when students had an effective teacher for three years in a row they scored in the 96th percentile and when they did not recieve effective teaching they scored as low as the 46th percentile. Percentile can be defined as what percent of students scored at that certain level or below across the country.

 

Lesson Question 5. Anita describes 8-10 methods teachers could employ to help create student success. These methods help to foster what she describes as the single most significant predictor of student success. In your opinion, describe 2 or 3 of the most important methods she mentions in her Podcast.

 

Personally, the three most important methods mentioned are sense of belonging, caring, and trust and respect. A sense of belonging in students leads to higher achievement and a more motivated individual. Feeling like they belong is important to students who have trouble in school and at home. An example could be a new student who cannot speak english or a student who experiences poverty at home. Often making the most difference is being a caring teacher. They ways to show you care are infinetly many. A few mentioned are making classed interesting, make sure everyone understands, and asks individuals what is wrong when they can tell a student is bothered. It is also imporant for a caring teacher to show that they are fair and offer their students choices. Finally, trust and respect can be gained thru all the ways mentioned above and shows students you care about them as learners and people.

 

Summary

 

This podcast was very educational and informative. It focused on effective teaching and how it affects the students. Research showed that students perform much better when they have recieved effective teaching muliplte years in a row. It also states the many ways teachers can be an effective teachers. A few of the ways include being trusting, caring, and respectful to students.

 

Research Question

 

Do parents play a role in effective teaching?

 

References

 

http://news.wustl.edu/news/pages/4588.aspx
 

http://theparentacademy.dadeschools.net/pdfs/Effective_Communication.pdf

 

Research Analysis

 

The role between parents and teachers is crucial in a well rounded, effective educational experience. According to Dade Schools, "parents know their children best, and are in the best position to inform school's about their children's needs." It is also stated, "Parents will be most invested in their children's success." Informing parents on upcoming events and assignments will help to ensure that as a teacher one has done all they can to contrubute to the students education.

 

However, according to Washington University, it is equally as important for the parents to listen to what the teacher has to say. In their article they say, "Listen to the teacher share their perceptions." A teacher sees how the student and child learns and what disabilities or problems they may be experiencing. Teachers and parents both have something to learn from each other. They see children in different environments and if they communicate effectively can maximize the learning experience.

 

Research Summary

 

After researching my topic I have found just how important a relationship is between a teacher and parent. Educations cannot be built at school alone and that is why it is important to have communication with parents. Together teachers and parents are able to come up with an eductational plan that will fit that childs needs. In the future I hope to be able to take what I have learned thru this research and practice it in my future classroom.