Final learning log!

What? From going over my blogs from throughout the semester, and taking the survey on blackboard about learning theories I have found that my theory on how children best learn aligns with the humanistic perspective. This conclusion was hard to come to because I found that I believe in many of the approaches on learning from the other theories as well. I think children best learn when they can understand how to be self motivated, independent and take responsibility for their own learning. The best way as a teacher to help students feel this way is in helping them feel successful in their accomplishments and work at school. Also, giving students opportunities to be in control of what they are learning and how they are learning it. Students need to have set goals and expectations they can work towards that are established with the help of the teacher. I really like this approach because it focuses on seeing the student as an individual person with individual needs and interests. Recognizing each child for their individual interests and talents can form a positive relationship between student and teacher.
I think a student learns best when they allow themselves to learn. A teacher could stand up and teach and teach all day but the student will only make connections with and learn what they are willing to learn. The teacher can make the lessons more involved and creative to capture the students interests in an effort to help them learn, but the student alone is responsible for what they will remember and apply to their life, from what they have learned. Students need to be able to feel emotional stable before they can apply themselves to learning. They need to feel accepted and respected by those in the class. Students can learn best from their mistakes by self evaluation. Being able to take on personal responsibility for the work they do. A very important aspect of this theory is being able to provide a non-threatening environment for every students. Every child should be valued and feel like their opinion and ideas are appreciated.
So What? This theory will have a huge effect on the way I run my classroom! I will allow children to have choices in their activities and assignments whenever it is possible to do so. I will want to prepare lessons that are more creative and interactive. Including alot of projects that involve group work and student interaction. I will help students learn how to set goals and follow through with them. Helping them feel independently successful by teaching them how to accomplish and learn from goal setting. Trying to be a good example and role model to my students by behaving how I wish them to behave. Having a positive attitude about subjects taught, and the classroom environment. Acting as a facilitator of learning. Having many group projects. Having a positive regard and genuine concern for my students. Trying to relate and connect with them through my teaching. Having many class discussions and using students ideas in my lessons. Being a teacher that students can know is approachable and willing to help. Adapting my instruction to the needs and interests of the students.
Now What? Some areas I could improve on would be working on what I will use for classroom management. I am not sure that I agree with rewards and punishments, but as a form of management it may be the only thing affective in some instances. I would like to have more experience in observing different management techniques in the classroom. Also having more experience with dealing with the different needs that may be apparent in my classroom. Learning how to help students that won't be self motivated at all or won't find anything exciting about school. Also, practicing in preparing lessons and ideas that are more creative and use art to keep student interest. Overall I hope to have more experiences in which I can take this theory and test it in a classroom and see the results. See how successful this theory can be in a real life setting. Learning how students will respond.
I'm glad I had the chance to think of how I want to have my classroom environment. It helped me understand myself better and the teacher I hope to become!