Module 2

Summary:

In chapter 4, Woolfolk discusses the topic of the value of considering learning styles. On page 139, Woolfolk stated, " First, by helping students think about how they can learn, you can develop thoughtful self-monitoring and self-awareness. Second, looking at individual students' approaches to learning might help teachers appreciate, accept, and accommodate student differences and differentiate instruction". According to Woolfolks' statement, it is important that teachers know how to incorporate different learning styles to help their students reach their full potential. 

Reflection:

This topic is important because not all students learn the same, so teachers need to be ready to incorporate different learning styles to help their students succeed. On page 140, Woolfolk states, " A student might have a preference for learning with pictures, but the low spatial ability can make using pictures for learning less effective. In other words, teachers need to have different teaching approaches to help students get the most out of their educational careers. In addition, through my internship, last semester, I got the chance how important it was to have different methods of teachers. I learned that students need alternative ways of learning. For example, when I was observing a P.E. class they were doing an activity called "circuit training". In each circuit, my cooperating teacher provided two distinct learning styles to help students learn how to do specific exercises. One learning style he provided was a visual style. This particular learning style helped students understand the exercise by providing a picture. The other learning style was a description of how to do the exercise. Some students simply preferred a description. As a future educator, it is important that I consider different learning styles that will help me maximize my students' educational experiences. 

Summary:

In chapter 5, Woolfolk discussed the benefits of bilingualism. On page 188, Woolfolk stated, "There is no cognitive penalty for children who add a second or third language. In fact, there are benefits. Higher degrees of bilingualism are correlated with increased cognitive abilities in such areas as concept formation, creativity, the theory of mind, cognitive flexibility, attention and executive functioning, and understanding that printed words are symbols for language". I personally think being able to speak more than one language comes a long way. I think we have to enforce more classes, so students can be more diverse in the way they speak. 

Reflection:

In this particular chapter, I was intrigued by the benefits of bilingualism. On page 188, Woolfolk stated, " In addition speaking two languages is an asset when graduating when graduates enter the business world". I think enforcing another language in early school can really help students prepare to enter the business world. In the real world, something I have noticed was that you have to be able to communicate well with people from all over the world. We need to be able to provide our students with the tools they need to succeed in the real world and I think providing classes like French, Spanish, Chinese, etc... in our school systems will help our students in the long run, especially in early childhood development. 

Summary:

In chapter 6, Woolfolk discussed the topic of interpreting cultural differences. On page 221, Woolfolk stated, " Just knowing a student is a member of a particular cultural group does not define what the student is like". I believe that this an important topic in today's society because whether people realize it or not, people are always using stereotypes to define others and that is something we can not afford to do anymore. I believe we should get to know all of our students first, before misinterpreting cultural differences. 

Reflection: 

This topic of interpreting cultural differences was really interesting but it is also relevant in today's society. From personal experience, I can see that people often categorize different people based on race, gender, social class, and cultural background. I do not think it's acceptable to stereotype our students. I want to be able to create strong relationships with all my students and get to know them on a personal level. I think we as teachers, have to allow our students to show us who they are, before making presumptions based on their race, social class, gender, and ethnic culture.