During Teacher P.E. the students were not allowed outside because they have been acting out and being very disrespectful (in the classroom and cafeteria). During Teacher P.E. the students watched videos on manners and honesty as part of a “health lesson”. This is another example of the impact that teachers have on students academically and socially. I found these two observations to be very interesting, and relevant.
Another thing that I find extremely interesting and relevant, are the psychological theories/concepts and how they relate so explicitly to my experience within the classroom. The transfer of knowledge is extremely important in the field of education because the ultimate goal is for students to apply that knowledge in other course (or grades) and other context. There are multiple different forms of transfer, all extremely important. The Ed Psych: Modules text, chapter thirteen discusses the transfer of skills and knowledge. There are multiple applications discussed of how to facilitate transfer within the classroom, including develop automaticity skills, promote meaningful learning, teach metacognitive strategies, and motivate students to value learning (Bohlin, 2012, pg. 230). I found this section especially interesting because it allows me to better understand how my students transfer (or fail to transfer) knowledge and skills.
“Critical thinking is the process of evaluating the accuracy and worth of information and lines of reasoning” (Bohlin, 2012, pg. 241). The critical thinking process is extremely important for students to comprehend the context being taught or discussed. In order to promote critical thinking in my internship classroom, it is necessary to promote questioning and arguing. Having the knowledge of what critical thinking is, and how to promote it will help all of my students develop academically. I have actually observed some of the students practice critical thinking skills during class discussion without realizing it.
Along with critical thinking, problem solving is an important concept that must be promoted and allowed to flourish within the classroom setting. “Problem solving is the means we use to reach a goal in spite of an obstacle or obstacles” (Bohlin, 2012, pg. 247). Students (in general and in my internship classroom) use the problem solving skills quite frequently. Through teaching problem solving strategies, students can better understand the process, therefore making them more successful.
I plan to use all of the concepts discussed above in my current internship classroom and in my future classroom.
Reflective Questions
1. How can I better promote critical thinking within my internship classroom?
2. What would be a good activity to promote problem solving strategies?
References
Bohlin, L., Durwin, C., & Reese-Weber, M. (2012). EdPsych: Modules (2nd ed.). New York, NY: McGraw-Hill Higher Education.