What?
The brain is the most complex part of our body. This small organ is the captain of our movement, senses, intelligence, and behavior. The brain is the source of all the qualities that define our humanity. While in class, we got into groups and studied selected parts of the brain. We were all informed with some common knowledge and some new and interesting facts. I was assigned the brainstem. A brief review is that it carries most of the cranial nerves and is autonomic, which is responsible for the fight or flight response.
For centuries, philosophers and scientists have been fascinated by the brain, but until recently they viewed the brain as nearly inconceivable. Now, however, the brain is beginning to surrender its secrets. Some interesting facts that are not commonly known were shared in the test, “Welcome to your Brain.” The myth, that we only use only 10% of our brain has been found untrue and the fact is we use 100% of the brain. Another fact that stood out was that while using the full amount of the brain, it only uses as much energy as a refrigerator light.
So What?
This presentation was a basic introduction to the human brain. It helped me understand how the brain works, how to keep it healthy, and common diseases or dysfunctions of the brain. By becoming aware of these functions, it will help in my teaching, so that I can look for problems that my students might have. By learning about the functions of the brain, I can see what parts of the students brain will be used. It will help me to know how they will process the ideas that I am trying to present to them. It also shows you what part of the brain process the different learning techniques. It will help me to remember to use attention getters and fun facts while teaching my students. This lesson was good to review things we already knew about the brain and to enlighten us on new facts that will give us more knowledge.
Now What?
I will now be able to use the knowledge I have gained to teach and reach my students. I might want to use colored images in my teaching, or brainstorming sessions with my students. The brain helps us learn in many ways. Each term I will look for new ways of opening it up to better learning. We can all gain future knowledge to understand the human brain.
Wednesday, January 21, 2009
Final Reflection
What?
All four types of research have a proper place and time that they can be used. Each lends to studies of different situations. The descriptive research will allow one to quickly compare, observe and record behavior. Being able to compare two different groups and measuring their progress is one situation in which the correlation research would be helpful. When one needs to study the cause and effect, one could use the experimental research. This allows control over the variables being studied. The researcher will need to be careful and not allow any human errors or bias opinions to influence their study. Action is one that is harder to do, as the researcher will have to spend time identify the problem area. Then planning how to fix it, fallowed by taking action on their plan. Next, they study the consequences of the action and fallow it by identify the general findings.
So What?
By studying these methods it will allow educators to use the best method to study their hypotheses. These four types of research allow freedom to make the best choice for students. The same method of research will not always be used and by learning about each of them, it will cut down on the study time to discover the best way to tract teaching.
Now What?
By being open to the research both teachers and students will benefit. Educators are always learning new ways to complete tasks. It allows educators to experiment different life situations and concerns. Who knows, maybe a teacher or one of their students will invent a new research method.
All four types of research have a proper place and time that they can be used. Each lends to studies of different situations. The descriptive research will allow one to quickly compare, observe and record behavior. Being able to compare two different groups and measuring their progress is one situation in which the correlation research would be helpful. When one needs to study the cause and effect, one could use the experimental research. This allows control over the variables being studied. The researcher will need to be careful and not allow any human errors or bias opinions to influence their study. Action is one that is harder to do, as the researcher will have to spend time identify the problem area. Then planning how to fix it, fallowed by taking action on their plan. Next, they study the consequences of the action and fallow it by identify the general findings.
So What?
By studying these methods it will allow educators to use the best method to study their hypotheses. These four types of research allow freedom to make the best choice for students. The same method of research will not always be used and by learning about each of them, it will cut down on the study time to discover the best way to tract teaching.
Now What?
By being open to the research both teachers and students will benefit. Educators are always learning new ways to complete tasks. It allows educators to experiment different life situations and concerns. Who knows, maybe a teacher or one of their students will invent a new research method.
Tuesday, January 13, 2009
Course Contract
List 2-3 specific goals you have for this course.
1. Learn to make all of my future students successful in school and in life.
2. Be successful, myself, in this class by coming to class, participating, and completing all the work required of me.
Describe your weekly preparation plan. Be specific. What will you do each day of the week to prepare for this course?
I will participate in class activities during class. I will read the material ahead of time along with any assignments. Over the weekend I build a review/outline of the information and right before class I will refresh the information and come to class with any questions that I have so that I can attain all the knowledge I can.
Outline the study strategies that you will use to understand the material.
I. Productive time
a. Read
b. Group discussion
c. hands on work
II. Organize notes
a. Notebook
b. Computer-transfer into my own words
c. Make note cards
III. Each week time to review
a. Notes
b. Assignments
c. Then see how I progress
VI. Reward myself for job well done
Explain the process you will follow if you do not understand a topic.
First I will see if I can answer my own questions through reviewing the book and asking my classmates, and then if I can’t come to an understanding, I will ask for assistance from you, the professor. Then after understanding, summarize in my own words the contents of the topic. This tends to help me improve and help me ensure my understanding.
Complete the following statement:
I will reach my goals in this course by coming and actively participating in class, being prepared for class by reading the material before class, asking questions to clarify any topic that I don’t understand completely, and completing the study strategies that I have previously outlined.
Description
1.Why are you here (in the teacher education program, in this class, at UVU)? I am here because the feelings that come along with helping another person are immeasurable. Also, the job security and the reasonable time to spend with my family are reasons why I chose this profession and this class.
2.What motivates you? I am a very self-motivated person. I like to be dependable for those around me, and it brings me great joy when people feel that they can count on me for help. Another thing that motivates me is when I’m allowed to be creative. Also, I’m always motivated when I’m given a challenge.
3.Why do you succeed? I succeed because of my communication skills. I feel that I can communicate well with people from all different backgrounds. I am an intent listener and take what people say to heart and apply it in my life.
4.Why do you fail? I believe that I fail mostly because I expect too much from myself. I like to do as much as possible for others and sometimes I might spread myself too thin. I also am somewhat indecisive and need input from others before I can make important and difficult decisions.
5.How do you need to change your motivations and mindset for this class in order to become a great teacher? In order to become a great teacher, I need to increase my education and learn to teach more effectively. I need to be more enthusiastic about my course work in this class and have an open mind and apply everything I learn to improve myself and be successful as an educator.
2.What motivates you? I am a very self-motivated person. I like to be dependable for those around me, and it brings me great joy when people feel that they can count on me for help. Another thing that motivates me is when I’m allowed to be creative. Also, I’m always motivated when I’m given a challenge.
3.Why do you succeed? I succeed because of my communication skills. I feel that I can communicate well with people from all different backgrounds. I am an intent listener and take what people say to heart and apply it in my life.
4.Why do you fail? I believe that I fail mostly because I expect too much from myself. I like to do as much as possible for others and sometimes I might spread myself too thin. I also am somewhat indecisive and need input from others before I can make important and difficult decisions.
5.How do you need to change your motivations and mindset for this class in order to become a great teacher? In order to become a great teacher, I need to increase my education and learn to teach more effectively. I need to be more enthusiastic about my course work in this class and have an open mind and apply everything I learn to improve myself and be successful as an educator.
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