A human brain is an incredible machine. But, just like any machine, it does have its faults and glitches. It is my understanding after reading the first three chapters of the book, between its text and organization, that Woolfolk is trying to stress the need to remember that if you are wanting to enter the professional education field it is important to not hold every student to the same standard. This is evident by author’s emphasis on mentioning “This confident belief [that a teacher can reach even difficult students to help them] appears to be one of the few personal characteristics of teachers that predict student achievement.” (pg. 5). I then feel it is stressed in chapter two when Woolfolk describes the differences between Critical Vs. Sensitive periods during a student’s maturity growth. By stating “Most psychologists today talk about sensitive growth,” (pg. 33) which is the belief that there are specific, varied times is every individual when they are susceptible to learning experiences and growth. I believe with this statement, Woolfolk is expressing the idea that every teacher must constantly be aware of each student individually, and watch for these “sensitive” moments, and engage with each student accordingly. In chapter 3 Woolfolk discusses the concept of Self-Concept, in which I believe her statement “ Self-concept to our perceptions of ourselves…” followed shortly by “This model or scheme is not permanent, unified, or unchanging.” (pg. 100) To me, Woolfolk is trying to express the belief that every student already has a pre-determined belief in themselves when meeting a teacher, good or bad. A teacher can not accept the idea that a students’ self-concept will not be wavered by their actions, and that teachers should always treat each student to the best of the students’ abilities to achieve maximum effort and generate a positive self-concept within that student.
After reading through the first three chapters of Woolfolk’s book I am beginning to feel confident that, with patience and understanding to each individual I can achieve positive outcomes as a professional educator, as long as I stay aware of the psychological changes that can be evolving in the students at that time.
Hi Todd,
ReplyDeleteI hope all is well. I really enjoyed reading your blog post. I believe that you explained the meaning of the chapters very well and even helped me to better understand the readings.
Good evening Todd. I agree with what you wrote about. Every student do meet their teacher with predetermined belief in themselves. This is why as educators we have to know our students individually which will help build a strong relationship with our students. Have a blessed evening. Lisa
ReplyDeleteAwesome post Todd! I enjoyed it very much and took a handle of things away from it. I liked that you talked about building relationships with students, for me growing up I connected with a couple of my teachers who really helped me get where I am. I am thankful for that and hope to do the same for my future students.
ReplyDeleteAwesome post! I totally agree and ended up laughing because it reminded me alot about my Art Ed. Prof. in Wisconsin saying, :as your student is maturing this is the most difficult point in their life, cut them a little slack they are riding the struggle bus just as much as you!"
ReplyDeleteBut yes the brain is definitely a crazy part of our selves and that sense of self is something we need to keep in mind when teaching.
Todd,
ReplyDeleteDarche was right! The way you write really speaks volumes you have such a way of making a story out of whatever you are saying and its truly a gift, you will make one awesome teacher!
Your post got me from the start with talking about the brain as a machine. I like that you describe how like any machine it has its faults and glitches and that each student is different and should not be held to the same standard which I completely agree and as future educators we need to keep this in mind. We have to take each student as an individual and have that be how we approach teaching, it can't be a one size fits all method.