Module 5: Cognitivism

Definition: 

The cognitivist paradigm argues that the “black box” of the mind should be opened and understood. The learner is viewed as an information processor (like a computer). To David (Learning Theories), cognitivism uses the metaphor of the mind as computer: information comes in, is being processed, and leads to certain outcomes.

Reflection:

“It’s not what you know but it is about what you do.” – Corbett Barr

I saw an article online and have to agree with what the author said, “Most of us could use more doing and less consuming. If you want to acquire new skills, live an interesting life and do adventurous things, you have to get good at putting in the effort it takes to actually do those things.” We get too comfortable with how much we know of a particular task, that we get to disregard how it is done.  Sometimes, we feel like the amount of knowledge we have is more than enough. It is a realization that ideas are worth nothing unless we act on it.

“I am not good at multi-tasking.”

It’s but timely to write something about the skill that I wish I had. They say, the art of divided attention, allows person to perform two or more tasks seemingly simultaneously. In my line of work, meeting the deadline has been an issue. Every member of the group is presented with tons of tasks and reports. It is only then that I realized that value of multi-tasking. I have to admit, I am not good at it.

Although divided attention is the ability to focus on two or more stimuli or activities at the same time, it is humanly impossible to concentrate on two different tasks simultaneously. Your brain can only process one task at a time. So you are really not “focused” on one task at a time, you are really continuously alternating your attention between tasks.

Source:

David L, “Cognitivism,” in Learning Theories, June 19, 2015, https://www.learning-theories.com/cognitivism.html.

Barr C, “It’s not about what you know but what you do,” in Corbett Barr, http://corbettbarr.com/what-you-do/

 

 

Module 4: SOCIAL LEARNING

Definition: 

People learn from one another through observation (watching others’ behaviors and attitudes), imitation and modeling. All behaviors are learned through conditioning and cognitive theories as it encompasses attention, memory and motivation.

Reflection (Self Efficacy):

I came across a post narrating one of her stories and there she mentioned “Sadly, because of my low self-efficacy I missed the opportunity to challenge myself in becoming a leader than a follower that time.“

I certainly know where she’s coming from. Eversince, I have always loved to work in the background. I have never dreamt of becoming a leader.  I feel more comfortable playing the supporting role. I am at my best as a follower than a leader.

Like her, I missed a lot of opportunities (both school and work) not because I see myself unfit and not ready but because I over think too much. I fear of not meeting the expectations of other people, I have doubts that I can execute the task pretty well, I am afraid I might commit errors, I worry that my performance is not up to par with the others. All these and more, I let them get into my head which soon affected the way I see myself. But that was all in the past, with the help of the people I look up to, I have slowly   gained self confidence. Now I can say ‘If they can do it, you can do it as well.’

As future educator, I now have the power to help my students believe in themselves by  sharing with them how I have struggled in the past but were able to manage it later on in life. The key thing is that when we see people similar to ourselves succeed by their sustained effort, it reinforces our beliefs that we too possess the capabilities to master the activities needed for success in that area.

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Module 3: BEHAVIORISM

Definition: 

Behaviorism is a perspective on learning that focuses on changes in individuals’ observable behaviors – changes in what people say or do. The learners are essentially passive and their behaviors are shaped through positive and negative reinforcements. Both positive and negative reinforcement increase the probability that the antecedent behavior will happen again. In contrast, punishment (both positive and negative) decreases the likelihood that the antecedent behavior will happen again. Positive indicates the application of a stimulus; negative indicates the withholding of a stimulus. Learning is therefore defined as a change in behavior in the learner.

Scenario:

In my line of work, it is critical that the reports and data sent to clients must be timely and error-free. Thus, accuracy and timeliness of reports is a basic expectation amongst the members of the group. But lately, we have received complaints and escalations that there were inconsistencies on the reports being published. And that’s what hurting our group. Our members suddenly became careless and complacent. And if there’s one thing to blame – they spent more time playing online games which affected their performance.

While they’re given the privilege to carry their mobile phones with them, we requested to not use them especially when generating reports. A memo will be issued to anyone who is caught using phones during working hours. Points will be deducted off their score card for every inaccuracy in the report sent (regardless if it’s impacting or not). And they are made aware how these can affect their standing as these would automatically disqualify them from promotion and incentive programs. Conversely, if no opportunity and escalation was received for the month, then the members will get extra credits, and earn additional incentives.

It is said that our quest for love, acceptance and living a comfortable life are probably the most motivating elements in our world (work, school and even at home). Thus, praise and scoldings, pay and poverty, a comforting touch or a slap, impact learning.

Final: REACTION

If I were to describe my experience in one word, I would say “inspiring.” Not only did I enjoy the topics discussed during the 10-week period but I was introduced to a whole new world of  teaching as opposed to what I had a long time ago.

Conventional Approach 

I grew up in a school where only the fittest survives. Being in a pilot class, you cannot afford to be complacent otherwise it would be the end of your career. Excelling in reading, writing and arithmetic was the name of the game. My mind was trained to not settle for mediocrity and should always be on top of everything. As a result, I ended being grade conscious.

Fast forward to the present, I now belong the corporate world and I must say, that same method of teaching has helped bring out the competitive spirit in me. While others were struggling to ace the assessment and get through the hiring process, my scores were nearly perfect. Credit that to my good memorizing skills.

But the first few years at work was a bit of a challenge for me. Yes, I find exams that require memorization or computation easy, but mind you, doing the actual work is the exact opposite. Many times my boss would catch me flat-footed to tasks that demand application. And in one of our feedback sessions, he said “Your thinking skills are way above the rest but the execution is something that you need to work on.”

Modern Approach

As future educator, I get to witness different learning approaches to teaching, mostly new and unconventional. With the advancements in technology, students have a wide variety of learning tools to choose from. Gone are the days when classroom was still dominated by traditional practices such as lecturing and note-copying. Now, students are more involved in the learning process and they are given the freedom to decide for themselves. Gone are the days when teachers were focused on activities, rather than on student mastery of learning objectives. Now, students are active participants while teachers as facilitators of learning.

As a student, I’ve had my fair share of struggles and had difficulty catching up. I almost quit due to the demands of work and studies. But everytime I open the course guide, there it says “Happy Learning.” It reminds me to relax and put on a happy heart, always!

 

Module 2: INTELLIGENCE

Definition:

Generally, intelligence is defined as “...mental quality that consists of the abilities to learn from experience, adapt to new situations, understand and handle abstract concepts, and use knowledge to manipulate one’s environment.” Simply put, it is the combination of the ability to learn, recognize problems and solve problems.

While most researchers believe that the adaptation to the environment is the key to understanding both what intelligence is and what it does, I believe that both genetics and environment play a role in determining intelligence. Second, intelligence is commonly attributed to schools which led to the emergence of intelligence testing. Intelligent quotient or IQ was then introduced to help identify school children who needed extra academic assistance. While IQ tests are intended to measure intelligence, there are limitations to what can be predicted about individual students. Third, each of the four theorists made a valid point in explaining the nature of intelligence. Although, I feel like it’s difficult to generalize intelligence. Say a person who is good at memorizing may have difficulty comprehending, or someone who has got excellent comprehension skills but not so much in memorizing. I also feel like musical, kinesthenic, verbal as somewhat more of individual talents than a form of intelligence.

INTELLIGENCE + TEACHING + LEARNING

“What children learn in school depends not only on their individual abilities but also on teaching practices and on what is actually taught” (Gislason, 2010).

What does this mean exactly? We, as teachers, have the responsibility of assigning each student an educational path based on his skills and abilities and not on intelligence tests alone. While it is true that IQ tests are excellent tools to measure intelligence, they often only measure one type of intelligence, and are therefore biased against certain groups of people. Intelligence goes beyond reading, writing and arithmetic. Students with special abilities in arts, sports, or music must be identified earlier and be endorsed to schools that specialized in those areas. Similarly, students with remarkable aptitudes in math or science should be mentored by equally skilled adults.

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Module 1: LEARNING

Definition:

Learning has been defined in so many ways. Some say it is based on what we see, hear, feel and observe. Many would agree that it is gained through experience, adventure and journey. That it is continuous and never ending. Although to some, it could mean as something new or something different from the ordinary. But what really is learning?

Generally, learning is defined as “…an enduring change in behavior, or in the capacity to behave in a given fashion, which results from practice or other forms of experience” (Schunk, 2012).

Schunk mentioned three basic components of learning namely; change, time and experience. The best way to gain new knowledge, skills and behavior is through experience. Learning comes through practice and observation of others. A change in our behavior is a result of our ability to apply what we have learned. And this change must be ingrained which means it should last for a long period of time.

Example: 

For someone working in a call center who cannot speak American English, eventually learns to speak the way Americans do is a good example of learning. It is through studying, watching American TV shows, practice and exposure that this person has gained new skills. Now, he’s not limited to just the five vowel sounds a, e, i, o, u but he is able to pronounce the 15 English vowels such as æ, ɔ, ʌ, i:, aʊ, ɑ:, u:, oɪ, etc… And surely, he would remember this skill for his entire life and even if he forgets, he would be able to re-learn it through practice.

Personal Statement: What kind of teacher do I want to become?

Please allow me to borrow this line “My philosophy of education is a combination of how I desire to teach and my motivation to be a lifelong learner.” Yes, it is a mixture of how I see myself as an educator and as a person who never stops learning. I believe every child is unique, thus, it is extremely important to adjust well based on their learning curve. Say in a class of 20 students, we would get to experience 20 different personalities and it is up to us how we can make learning effective without sacrificing one over the other.

A teacher wears different hats. First, he sets the tone of the class, building a warm and comfortable environment for his learners. Second, he serves as a surrogate parent performing the roles in the development and education of a child. Third, he plays the role of a trainer, responsible in imparting the basic knowledge to his learners. Here, students are like sponges trying to absorb everything that is taught in class. Fourth, he is a role model and a source of inspiration, a person students look up to in class. And lastly, he plays the role of an instructor, facilitator, coach and mentor – all rolled into one.

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