Wednesday, March 30, 2011

Motivation Theories

This chapter discusses the theories of motivation and the drive that fuels us in many different ways. Once we need the basic needs of life, such as food,water, and shelter then we can continue to nourish our mind and body with additional resources.According to Maslow, people want to be held in esteem both by themselves and by others.After we have attained the other traits then we try to reach a higher level of accomplishment.Self actualization is the highest desire we as humans desire and strive for.An example of that is my younger brother, who strives to be the best at his level. He has 2 Bachelors and 2 Masters and is working on his PHD. What motivates him is different than what motivates me because we both have different needs and wants.That can also be said about the classroom environment. What are some motivational techniques you use in the classroom or workplace?

Wednesday, March 23, 2011

Development Theories

The human development starts as soon as a baby is born and ends later on as an elderly person. In the early years child development was seen as another set of hands to help with the chores. No emphasis was placed on the child's cognitive abilities.Development of the mind continues on in an orderly fashion.A topic that has been debated over time is the nature vs nurture debate.On one side we argue that an individual from an earlier age starts maturing and learns as they grow up. The other side argues that learning is major part of growing up and thus needs to be emphasized.So does heredity or environment come into play in either one of this sides? Bruner's theory recommends that students go back and reexamine material studied earlier and study it again thru a process called spiral curriculum.We as technology instructors need to match the correct training and tools to the appropriate student.As a technology instructor we need to apply the right tools and applications so a student can learn correctly.What are some tools that you have used in your classroom?

Wednesday, March 9, 2011

Cognition and instruction

This chapter helped understand the different kinds of learning models being used today. The discovery model uses methods where they learn material better when they have studied it on their own.A group project we did 2 semesters ago for our Biology class help us understand the material because we were our own teachers. We set up a survey of students working full time or part time and the effect on thir GPA. We had to provide a premise and then set up the hypothesis aand show the results to the class.I also liked the article on worked examples. It is true that model did help me to understand my Algebra courses better.By viewing the complete problem step by step I was then able to work the .problem out. Technology has changed how students learn. Teachers need to use the fundamental skills of reading,writing, and math and use them with new methods of teaching within the technology field.New technologies have helped students interact socially with one another.A recent class interacted with the NASA shuttle launch. We need to provide emphasis on critical thinking and have the students process the information slowly so as too understand it better. With the internet everywhere information overload can also be a problem.

Wednesday, March 2, 2011

Constructivism

This chapter helped me to understand how students and adults in general use the power of the mind to progress and build up undererstanding problems.Its the teacher or educator who need to use any available resources to motivate and help feed the creative mind of children.Whether its multimedia or lesson plans designed to assist teachers in showing their material its ultimately falls on how it is presented.If students do not understand the material then the teacher must use any tool or software to help the students understand. For example, a biology teacher can use an skeleton made of plastic so the students can feel and see the material and then give them 3d interactive models of human skeletons. What software or educational tool have you used to help the students interact with their learning?