Child Psychology: A Bird's Eye View

I would like to share this article about what Child Psychology is. This is just an overview so I hope that you at least learn from this post...

Child Psychology is the study of psychological processes of children, specifically how these processes differ from those adults, how they develop from birth to the end of adolescence, and how the differ from one child to the next.
From the early times, philosophers have speculated and studied about children. According to Plato, children are born with special talents and that their learning should stress those talents. Aristotle on the other hand proposed methods for observing behavior that were forerunners of modern method.
The modern era of studying children has a history that spans only a little more than a century. A number of major theories along with elegant techniques and methods of study help organize the study about children. New knowledge about children based on observation and testing is accumulating at a breathtaking pace.
In the first half of the twentieth century, a number of theories presented influential view about children. Gessel theorized that certain characteristics of children simply "bloom" with the age because of biological blueprint. To systemically observe children's behavior without interrupting them, he created a photographic dome.
Sigmund Freud's psychoanalytic theory believed that children are rarely aware of the motive and reasons of their behavior and that the rules of their mental life are unconscious. Furthermore, John Watson's behaviorism argues that children can be shaped into whatever society wishes by examining and changing their environment. Later in the twentieth century, Jean Piaget they that children pass through a series of cognitive or thought stages from infancy through adolescence. According to Piaget, children think in a qualitative different manner than adults do.
Despite the attempts to unify the various theories, the field remains dynamic, developing as human understanding of physiology and psychology changes.

LET Tips: Behaviorism

Here are some items that would probably come out in the LET or the Licensure Examinations for Teachers. Take note, I don't have any affiliations to the Board of Professional Teachers. What I'm presenting here are just examples of the questions or shall I say the type and style of the questions usually being asked. I hope I made myself clear. Nevertheless, at least you will have an idea that the questions are not just simple memory recall but require you think very well. Please answer as you scroll down. The answers are at the bottom of the post.

1. The principal called for a faculty meeting about how can they improve instruction and enhance the learning of their students. Each teacher was asked to give a suggestion. Teacher Nimfa suggested that the physical classroom arrangement must be improved and must be flexible enough for the different activities prepared for the students. Teacher Nimfa's suggestion is that of a/an __________.
A. Idealist
B. Behaviorist
C. Perennialist
D. Realist

2. Teacher A wants to promote punctuality among her pupils. If she will employ negative reinforcement, how will she do this?
A. Give plus points for punctual pupils.
B. Exempt punctual pupils from cleaning the room.
C. Deduct points for late pupils.
D. Post a Most Punctual Kid Award in the class bulletin board.

3. Programmed Instruction is credited to which psychologist?
A. Jean Piaget
B. Sigmund Freud
C. B. F. Skinner
D. Ivan Pavlov

4. Riya is afraid of exams. Her teacher usually gives an exam every Friday. Now, Riya is afraid of Friday eventhough it is not certain whether or not her teacher will give an exam on that day. Which theory illustrates Riya's behavior?
A. Classical Conditioning
B. Operant Conditioning
C. Constructivist Theory
D. Connectionism Theory

5. Sir Miles always makes sure to give a Joke for the Day before he starts his class. Which is most likely the reason behind Sir Miles habit?
A. Law of Effect
B. Law of Exercise
C. Law of Conditioning
D. Law of Readiness

1. B; 2. B; 3. C; 4. A; 5. D

Teacher Wisdomedicine 4

These days, since it's summer, I would like to take a break on educational psychology topics. To be honest, it's a bit difficult to post about theories since I have to study, think over and read again the topics I will be posting. Of course I would really love to be credible as possible. I may not be a founded psychologist, but I also want that the insights I share are correct and have bases. Now, let me share this poem to you which I read from a book given to me. Hope you find this inspiring especially in nurturing our learners.

"The heart of child is a scroll,

A page that is lovely and white;

And to it as fleeting years roll,

Come hands with a story to write.

Be ever so careful, O hand;

Write thou with a sanctified pen;

Thy story shall live in the land

For years in the doings of men.

It shall echo in circles of light,

Or lead to the death of a soul.

Give here but a message of right,

For the heart of a child is a scroll."

-Anonymous

Applications: Behaviorism

The main application that the behaviorist psychology teaches us is the role of external factors in learning. The factors include the people around the learner, the reinforcements given and the learning environment either physical or psychological environment. The following are just some of the applications. Take note that you as a teacher can actually apply these theories depending on how you understood them as long as this will help in the learning of your pupils/students.
1. Use conditioning especially in establishing routines. Routines are very effective means not only in saving time but also in maintaining order inside the classroom. For example, a teacher will raise his/her hand and sign as if counting 1-3. This signals that papers should be passed at the count of three. (Pavlov's Classical Conditioning)
2. Drills help especially in retention and improvement of learning. Allot a time for drills, practice and exercise especially before giving a test. Remember to give feedbacks and point out the things that need to be improved. (Thorndike's Law of Exercise)
3. Let pupils have proper mind sets before starting a lesson. A pre-activity, mini-game, warm up exercise, songs, energizers, icebreakers and a lot more can be used by the teacher. As much as possible, avoid promising something that will excite the pupils/students and then at the end break it. This might cause frustration among pupils. (Thorndike's Law of Readiness)
4. Rewards can be an effective means to motivate learners. However, use this very wisely especially in giving material rewards. Also remember that inner and non-material rewards like self-fulfillment, self improvement, positive emotions, praises and compliments are more fulfilling than any material rewards. (Skinner's Operant Conditioning)

Behaviorism: Burrhus Frederick Skinner's Operant Conditioning

Burrhus Frederick Skinner or more popularly known as B.F. Skinner is one of behaviorists who believe on the S-R model of behavior. Like the rest of behaviorist psychologists, he concentrated on the observable behavior and external factors in learning. His theory is usually referred to as Operant Conditioning since this focuses on the behavior of an individual operating or instrumental in his/her environment. Sometimes this is also called Instrumental Conditioning. In short, the behavior of an individual is "instrumental" or "operates" that produces consequences. If this is reinforced, then more likely a conditioned response will take place. If punished, then the result will be otherwise. To make this simpler, I will just discuss the 2 major factors about this theory: Reinforcement and Punishment.

Reinforcement is a result that strengthen or increases the chances that a behavior will happen. This can be a positive reinforcer or a negative reinforcer. A positive reinforcer is something that is given or awarded. Examples are when teachers give candies, stars or plus points for very good pupils, or parents bought a new toy or dress for their child who is doing well in school. This can be in any form like toys, food, money and also verbal praises. On the other hand, negative reinforcer is something that is removed. For example, if pupils will be well behaved when the visitors arrived, they will have no test in their good conduct class, or if a child will get a high mark in his exam, he will not wash the dishes anymore. Take note, negative reinforcer is a reward. It is not a punishment.

A punishment is a result that decreases or discourages a certain behavior. For example, a teacher will give extra tasks to accomplish for those who didn't study their lesson, or will not allow the pupils to join in the game if they will be noisy.

Further, there is also the term non-reinforcement or behavior that are not reinforced will probably not be repeated like some pupil minor misconduct extinguished just by ignoring it

My Internship Experience: Off Campus Practice Teaching

I must admit that at first, I was quiet nervous that I will be teaching in a public school. I myself came from a public school so I know that pupils there are naughtier, noisier and more talkative. I have lots of worries in my head. How will I deal with my pupils? Can I hold my temper as long as possible? Will I develop hypertension before my internship ends? These are the questions I asked myself before I entered the portals of the school.
I was right when I thought that public school pupils are naughty, noisy and talkative. During my first few days, they were angels with wings and halos. But soon, as weeks passed by, their wings and halos were turned into horns and tails. Hehehe... Seriously, they were uncontrollable. It was a total chaos most especially if the teacher was not around. Looking on the brighter side, I learned to control my anger. I learned to think of the ways to control my pupils. My classroom management skill was put to test. This gave me the opportunity to pressure myself and explore my capability as a classroom manager, to maintain order and enforce discipline inside the classroom.
As to my efficacy in being a teacher, I learned a lot especially from my critic teacher. Through him, I learned how to be a creative, flexible and innovative teacher. He has lots of bright ideas and variety of ways to present the lesson even without long time planning. What I greatly admire about his teaching was that pupils were having fun while learning.
Lastly, I felt the fulfillment of the teaching profession during my offcampus internship. I really appreciate the politeness and courtesy of the pupils especially when calling me "Sir" or greeting me "Good Morning" and bidding "Goodbye". I also felt that they like and love me as their student teacher because they were saddened that I had to go. They even prepared a farewell party and gave me letters as remembrances. For me, these are the rewards of being a teacher which could never be surpassed by any amount or salary...

Teacher Wisdomedicine 3

I would like to share this beautiful poem about teachers. This is retrieved from  http://www.poemsource.com/teacher-poems.html. Hope you will feel inspired.

A Teacher for All Seasons

A teacher is like Spring,
Who nurtures new green sprouts,
Encourages and leads them,
Whenever they have doubts. A teacher is like Summer,
Whose sunny temperament
Makes studying a pleasure,
Preventing discontent. A teacher is like Fall,
With methods crisp and clear,
Lessons of bright colors
And a happy atmosphere. A teacher is like Winter,
While it’s snowing hard outside,
Keeping students comfortable,
As a warm and helpful guide. 

Teacher, you do all these things,
With a pleasant attitude;
You’re a teacher for all seasons,
And you have my gratitude!By Joanna Fuchs

How To Recharge A Low-Bat Teacher

          It is already a fact that the teaching profession is one of the most or not the most stressful professions of man. He/she has to face a lot of problems everyday especially managing pupils/students with different personalities not to mention of whole-day talking and mountains of paper work. Sometimes, teachers ended up drained and very tired. These are some of the ways how a teacher can refresh and recharge him/herself and maintain a positive attitude toward his/her noble profession.

1. Read a book. Reading your favorite book is not only relaxing but as well as a worthwhile pastime for a teacher like you. It may change your mood for the day and will help you go away from the real world even just for a few moments especially if your reading your favorite novel. Inspirational books, the Bible and other books that energize the spirit can also be of great help that will motivate you more to go forward.

2. Listen to your favorite music. Music will never fail to soothe one's soul. Have a time to relax by listening to your favorite music whether classical, pop, mellow, etc. music. There are lots of choices you can choose from. Also, listening to audio books gives a relaxing getaway for your tired soul.

3. Call a friend. Be energized by being with your friends. Your friends can comfort you, make you laugh and let you feel that you are not alone.

4. Go to church or to your favorite quiet place. Silence will surely rest your heart. It will give you an escape from the noise while inside the school. A time of reflection with God and yourself will definitely make you replenished and filled.

5. Treat yourself. Go to your favorite restaurant, go to mall and buy yourself a dress you've been wanting to buy, give yourself a haircut, etc. Reward yourself sometimes for your hardwork and for a job well done.

          I think there are a lot of things a teacher can do to revitalize him/herself. Just remember not to let be defeated by the stress of the work and maintain optimism and enthusiasm.

Behaviorism: Edward Lee Thorndike's Connectionism Theory

Connectionism Theory or simply S-R or Stimulus-Response Theory by Thorndike is actually one of the most applied theories of learning. It gave us the three laws of learning in which shall I say, most widely used theory in education. This theory states that learning is the outcome of the relationships between stimuli and responses. These relationships become habits and may be strengthened or weakened depending on the nature and the frequency of stimuli and responses themselves. Don't be confused when I say relationship or bonds. What I mean here is learning or a behavior is formed when we find a certain stimulus meaningful to us or have the strong "connection" that we respond to them. These connections become strong and can be further explained by Thorndike's Three Laws of Learning.

1. LAW OF EFFECT. Connections are strengthened if the consequence or the effect is positive. In short, behavior or learning will take place or be repeated if the result of such action is pleasant. For example, students would want to study more if they know that they will be given a reward or a treat when they will get high grades. On the other hand, connection between the stimulus and response weakens when the effect is negative. For example, students will not be noisy because they know that they will be scolded if they do so. However, Thorndike reiterated that negative consequences do not necessarily weaken the connections, same is true that positive consequences do not always guarantee the recurrence of behavior. For example, students already know the good effects of studying hard, but why is it that some students are still too lazy to study? Teachers impose consequences for those disobedient and naughty students but why are still some students who are "hard-headed"? But in general, this law can be really applied especially in the classroom setting though there might be some exceptions due to certain factors.

2. LAW OF EXERCISE. Practice makes perfect. This is the cliche that could best describe this law. This means that the more you do or practice a certain behavior, then it will be strengthened. Connection becomes strong. However, practice or exercise doesn't strengthened a behavior or performance without feedback. Feedback is necessary especially if we aim for an improved performance or behavior. So, practice with feedback makes perfect. Hehe...

3. LAW OF READINESS. Proper mind set is the key word in this law. This law states that the more "ready" an individual to respond to a stimulus, the stronger will be the bond between them. And, if an individual is ready to respond but is not made to respond, it becomes frustrating and annoying to that person. I would like to have my personal experience as an example. Our schedule for our licensure examination was scheduled September 27. We were very nervous, some are excited, the adrenalin is rushing through our bodies, and we are "ready" for "battle". But, because of the typhoon Ondoy, it was announced on the 26th, the day before the examination, that the test was cancelled and it will be held a week after. Some of us are really annoyed, frustrated, angry and even cried. Of course you know what I mean. This is also true if our board examination will be moved earlier in which we are not yet "ready" to take it. Of course, this is also frustrating and disappointing on our part to take the exam knowing the fact the we weren't ready. Now this is the law of readiness. Hehehe...