Reflection on Module 1: Activity 6 (Vygotsky’s Understanding of Cognitive Development)

Based on what I have read on social-cognitive learning theory, it deals with learning based on the idea that knowledge is constructed by the more capable others (individuals who are equipped with the relevant knowledge based on mental activity.) For example, experts, teachers, coaches, etc.

According to Vygotsky’s theory, in order for learning to take place, the child must socialize with the use of instructional tools such as mentors, peers, computers, or anything that applies to learning. Vygotsky also believes in the importance of an appropriate environment in shaping the child, his theory claimed that children must use language to communicate with others before they can focus inward on their own thoughts. He argued that private speech represents an early transition in becoming more socially communicative.

In the teaching and learning process, I use Vygotsky’s theory to integrate the use of ICT in my teaching. I make good use of the ICT tools to help enhance my teaching learning process by involving students in the activities set out for them. Students are using the computer to research information; complete follow up activities online, type documents, demonstrate presentation using PowerPoint  and much more. An audio player is also integrated into my teaching learning process at times to cater for the students who are auditory learners. They listen to sound of characters performing, or stories being played, and sometimes they use it to record performance during class activities. This way the different learners are being included in the activities, thus learning takes place. Students also learn to verbalise with each other through class discussion, group work, peer tutoring, etc.  Dramatization also plays an important part in helping students to move away from dependency to independence. Through dramatization students learn the concept brought out by the different characters played. It also strengthens students’ dialogue with each other whether in a play, scene, or a particular event which help to bring out the main concept of whatever topic was displayed.

 I also learnt from the readings on Vygotsky’s work that the home, the community and a more experienced person help to mentor the child. It is through their assistance that knowledge is constructed by the child because of what the child sees, hears, touches, feels etc. Everything the child socialises with is processed internally and then learning is transferred.

Module 1: Activity 5 (Developmental Psychology)

In this activity I have learnt so much about caring for my learners and their developmental psychology. I have learnt that their physical, social relations, emotional development, personality development, moral development and their cognitive ability play a very significant part of shaping who they become. Knowing the factors that contribute to developmental psychology in our children help us to better identify with them and find solutions, help aid the issues, and address them.

I’ve also learnt that working along with the school, the community and the students, holistically, contributes to the child’s development, not only psychologically, but also mentally and builds self esteem.

The family is the most important key in the development of a child, along with other role models in the community, or the child’s life. They help to shape the child’s morals and values, assists them in decision making and overall development.

Together, with teachers and the community, parents are able to guide their children along the path to proper psychological development.

Module 1: Reflection on Assignment one

I really enjoyed working on assignment one. The readings I did on the different theorists have helped me tremendously to answer each section of the assignment to the best of my ability. The last time I did any major work on the different theorists was at Teachers’ College where I was pressed with lots of work and deadlines to meet.  Reading over the work on the different theorists has helped me to have a better understanding of the different strategies they employed to enhance teaching and learning in the classroom.

                In the classroom today, we are faced with diverse learning styles among our students. These students come from different culture and different background and they challenge us in so many ways. Hence, knowing our students help us to better identify with each one. Learning the methods/approaches used by the different theorists helped me to address my students’ interests and needs because now I know what to look for.

When I now started teaching I would deal with ill- disciplined students by punishing them or sending them to the principal’s office to be dealt with, but now I realized that students can be reached easily with the right approach. While an approach will work for some, others may find it challenging, hence Piaget’s and Skinner’s theories in this assignment have worked well with the diverse learning styles of my students.

On reflection, I can truly state that this assignment has helped me to reflect on my past teaching style and the new approaches I implemented to bring about changes and successes in my teaching, learning process.

Module 1: Reflection on Activity 4 - Behaviourism

In activity four it focused on behaviourism in children’s and how these behaviours are often influenced by what they have observed. In the readings on behaviourism I have learnt that the motivation to repeat behaviour is linked to rewards and punishments. Therefore, I implemented ‘Skinner’ theory to enhance my teaching learning process. In my classroom, I use Skinner’s behavioral theory mainly to maintain discipline among my students. I also use his positive reinforcement strategy such as giving stickers, a smile, free time, and praises etc as rewards for discipline in my classroom.      

Skinner also advocated negative reinforcement. In the negative reinforcement the response or behaviour was strengthened by stopping, removing or avoiding a negative outcome. This strategy also helped because the students were made aware of the consequences that can happen when they tease another student; laugh at someone because he or she may feel more superior than them and by bullying another peer.

Both strategies are useful in the teaching learning process because students are being rewarded for the good behavior they employ and are made aware of the consequences of negative behaviour and the damage they can execute to another peer who is not up to the class standard.

This activity has taught me that behaviourism is part of the learning process and using the right strategies help students’ learning and discipline/ behaviourism to be improved tremendously.