Educational Psychology

What? In Chapter 7 the main focus is on knowledge construction. How to help students form that concrete knowledge and basis of many different subjects. We discussed the use of concepts in teaching. In categorizing information based on similarities and differences and making as many connections as possible. Schema is also a large part of a child's knowledge. What they already know and what they remember based off of their experiences. Different ways of helping students have knowledge is through alot of experimentation. Helping students gain their own knowledge and ideas through their personal experiences and observations. In class we also discussed the importance of having authentic activities. Activities which children can relate to the real world. Teaching them things that they can actually apply to situations they may encounter on a day to day basis. This could include helping students scaffold to a higher level of knowledge where they can understand how they can apply their knowledge to help them with life choices. Helping your classroom become this learning environment would create a community of learners, in which the teacher and students work together to help each other learn. They learn from each others previous experiences and ideas. The last part of the chapter talked about diversity and how you can help diverse students feel apart of your community of learners in the classroom.
So What? From learning all of this throughout the chapter the main thing I learned was to give your students things to relate to. Help them feel comfortable in their classroom and in their ability to contribute and learn. This is so important in having a positive classroom learning expereince.
Now What? Now I realize that I will want to make a connection to my students in which I am learning along with them. I am not just a dictionary that spills out information. I want to be in the learning process with them. I want to be just as excited as they are about what we are learning. This would create a community of learners. I want every student in my class to feel respected and valued. I believe this creates the most positive and safe learning environment.