A Theory in Process

When I began taking the psychology class, I remember thinking to myself that it was going to be extremely difficult and I will probably not learn much in there. But my thought changed after doing the very first assignment. We were asked to talk about what it was that made us want to be teachers. I never really thought about it, but when I did, I began to realize more and more that it is my passion and that I want to do all that I can for the students and those who I will meet, which meant that I needed to change my attitude about succeeding in psychology. And strangely enough,
that would be a concept that we would learn later on, changing what was previously learned and adapting it to what is currently being learned. And so from day one I paid close attention to what was being taught and I tried to implement what I learned in my daily life. (my poor husband must be tired of me stating what form of learning I am in) And now I feel like my theory, which is still in a growing process and probably will be till the day I day, is a basic and understandable theory.

What?

After re-reading all my posts and taking the lovely final, I feel that students really need a greater sense of who they are and what their capabilities are. Everything we learned seemed to me to be based on that theory, which was from chapter 10 our very last chapter that we studied. From Piaget's theories to basic behaviors, it was a demonstration to where the child was inside. Meaning Piaget talked about how students progress from stage to stage. The stages were built on where they were cognitively which was in relation to previous learning and growth. When they became firm in their stage, or when they were able to progress showed a strong sense of how they viewed themselves and what they were able to do. Behaviors were the same. Most students behave better when they are confident with their surroundings and with their strengths. Although they might test the waters, they are still willing to shape up and get focused again. Another example is shown with any learning opportunity. From taking tests, to social environments, to the basic acceptance of others is largely shown in the confidence of the individual.

So What?

After I wrote down the reason as to why I wanted to be a teacher, then I needed to step up to the plate now, rather than waiting until I am a teacher and I'm in the classroom. So, noticing that a lot of the students success is based on efficacy and self-esteem of the individual, then I need to learn all that I can on how I will be able to build this in my class. I can't be a passive teacher, but rather, a teacher that is there for the students and not for herself. It is about the future and about learning and growing for me as well. The students need the experience to learn and to grow, not me. Even though I am sure it will happen.

What now?

Seeing this connection, I want to be able to build an atmosphere where this can be developed and where the students feel the freeness of doing so. Now, I'm not talking about the overly wow we're so amazing type of atmosphere, but rather one built on the principles of honesty, learning, and a lot of the theories that were learned in our Psych class. Where I can use RAD effectively and where I can help out with racism if there is some. A place where learning and understanding can develop and where students can achieve what they can imagine. I need to continue to learn and to grow and to always remember that this is what I wanted to do and that I need to do it my very best so that I will be able to leave my students better than what I found them.