I think you can prove/disprove anything you want depending on your desired outcome.
On an earlier application for this class I inadvertently read the wrong chapter, and I posted on my blog how Generating and Testing Hypothesis was “obviously behaviorism.”
Now I am going to argue that it is constructionist/constructivist. The basic idea of this theory is that students need to explore an idea and come up with their own conclusions. In a way they teach them selves the material through discovery.
To me, this is the definition of generating and testing hypothesis. Students study the parts of the problem, look at various solutions, experiment with them, and finally make a decision or generalization about their outcome.
The more classes I take, the more I study and read, the more open minded I become. One of the things I like about our profession is the unknown. There are not any distinct right or wrong answers. We all do what works best for us. There are so many theories out there, and they can all be correct, but good educators find their own special blend that works for them.
I think we have to be careful about how we use all these ideas. Pretty much since September we have all learned at least one good idea a week. They cannot all be implemented. We have to pick and choose, tweak here and there, but for the most part our students need consistency. Some of the approaches we learn about take years to develop, prep for, and master.
In short, I believe a blended approach is best.
I really like how you point out that we create our own special blend of theories for teaching. I remember when I was doing my undergrad, it felt as if the professors were shoving particular theories down our throats as if they were do or die. Since we all have different personalities, we all have different teaching styles and theories.
ReplyDeleteIt also doesn't matter how long you've been in the profession, you can always find something new to learn. I too enjoy picking up bits of great information every week.
I am also becoming more open minded with each class that I take. I am discovering new ideas with each new video and reading assignment. At the same time, I too think that we need to be careful about how we are using the new ideas we are learning. I believe that some of the ideas can be easily implemented in some subjects but harder in others. We have to careful when choice which strategies we are going to implement and find the ones that will be most beneficial to the students that we are teaching.
ReplyDeleteBrett and Rick, you guys are right on with my own feelings.
ReplyDeleteEducation is a constant learning process, even for the “gray hairs.”
What works for some, will never work for others. Each person and subject is unique; there is not a catch all way to do things.
That being said, we can still all learn from each other, stealing ideas cross-curricular.
I like how you said that you've become more open minded as you learn more. I think that's exactly the way it's all supposed to work. I think about the novels I teach my 7th graders and the purpose behind each one. I don't pick my novels just to teach literary elements and English jargon; I pick my literature based on themes and connections that can be made for students. Through those themes, I hope to open my own students' minds about different topics, etc. Kind of like we do in our classes!
ReplyDeleteI also have become more open minded. I find that as I bring these theories and ideas back to school (and I'm truly excited about using them!) that many other teachers aren't nearly as thrilled as I am. I guess it's all about the experience!