Learning

Assumptions about learning?

1. Actively constructed 
2. Emotional connection
3. Emerges from and builds on experiences (Spryral Curriculum)
4. Influenced by context 
5. Socially mediated and develops within a community
6. Social relationships 
7. School conditions can hinder learning 

To optimise learning? 

1. We MUST want to learn 
2. Make sense of what we are learning 
3. Practice or trial and error 
4. Take ownership 

5 dimensions of learning? 

1. Conscious and unconscious 
2. Different levels of attention 
3. Different sense sequence 
4. By detail or whole picture 
5. By fast track or scenic route 

6 conditions of learning? 

1. New experiences 
2. Rehearsal 
3. Learning foundations
4. Processing new information 
5. Demonstrating learning 
6. Moving to another level of understanding 

Memory

Memory is the retention of information over a period of time. We remember the first and last thing we hear (primary-recency effect), something we have heard more than once and something unusual. There are three processes involved with memory, these include, encoding, storage and retrieval.
Encoding is a process by which information is converted into codes so it is represented mentally through our senses. Storage is the process of retaining information over time. Retrieval involves taking information out of storage from the long term memory.
What we remember depends on our physical factors (Development of the brain), psychological factors  (Emotions and feelings), and behavioural factors  (Strategies to improve memory)
There are three types of memory: Immediate, short term and long term memory.
Immediate memory can only hold information for a few seconds. Short term memory Has a limited capacity (30 seconds) however, with rehearsal information can be kept longer. STM can be assessed through the memory span task. Long term memory has an unlimited capacity and can work for indefinite periods of time. There are two types of LTM, these include episodic/autobiographical memory and flashbulb memory. Episodic memory refers to information about event/episodes in our own life (personal events e.g. riding a bike) Flashbulb memory refers to emotional moments in our lives, memories become are vivid and complete, the individual has an intense emotional connection. (includes knowledge of the world e.g.9/11)
Infant Amnesia is the inability to remember events before the age of three. This is due to the immature pre-frontal lobes of the brain.

How can we improve memory? 

We can improve memory through the following techniques:

Mnemonics-Rhyme
Loci method
Acronyms
Jingles-Rhythm
Rote memorisation

Strategies to improve memory?

Below are eight strategies to improve memory.

1. Elaboration
2. Rote
3. Rehearsal
4. Organisation
5. Making notes
6. Motivation
7. Association
8. Imagery

Lev Semonarich Vygotsky

Lev Semonarich Vygotsky (1896-1934) is a Russian theorist with a socio-cultural perspective approach in mind. A social constructivist is the social interaction combined with the cognitive activity which shapes individual development and learning. Vygotsky stated that our minds are shaped by cultural context and that adults play a vital role in enabling children to learn. He believed an educator takes a facilitating role but creates a situation to allow cognitive conflict to occur. Alfrey stated that "Concepts,language, attention and conflict occur." Vygotsky emphasised that language helps children form ideas and that cognitive growth was largely a social activity. Vygotsky aimed to understand the nature, evolution and transmission of human culture. Vygotsky stated that "What a child can do today with guidance, she can do alone tomorrow."
Vygotsky believed learning took place through a process called the 'Zone of proximal development'
Z.P.D is the gap between what a child can do through independent problem solving and what can be achieved with the help of an expert. An important process is scaffolding, this is the support provided by an adult or a 'm.k.o' more knowledgeable other. Scaffolding provides supports, functions as a tool and extends the range of the learning. Scaffolding is provided by a teacher, a child's past experiences or an object and experience of a culture. There are five processes involved when referring to scaffolding, these include: Recruiting, reducing, direction maintenance, marking critical features and demonstration.
Recruiting is the process of motivating the learner through active engagement. Reducing involves simplifying a task to make it more manageable etc. through stages of progression. Direction maintenance involves sustaining motivation through encouragement. Marking critical features involves identifying relevant parts of the task. Demonstrating involves modelling the complete task.

Vygotsky believed cultural tools are devices used by humans for mastering their thinking and problem solving. Examples of cultural tools include puzzles, jigsaws, songs, symbols and books. Vygotsky referred to four stages that children pass through whilst learning, these include: Primitive stage, Practical intelligence, external symbolic stage and internalisation of symbolic tools.
Primitive stage is the use of vocal activity as a means of emotional expression and social engagement.
Practical Intelligence is when the child's language becomes syntactic (rules of speech) and logical forms. Process that involves practical problem solving. External symbolic stage involves thinking aloud and internalising problem solving. Internalisation of symbolic tools is a process of internalising thought and egocentric speech begins to disappear. Involves cognitive independence, freedom, flexibility.

"I'm a teacher get me outside here!"

I chose to review this blog as I believe learning in the outdoors is an essential context to aid children learn in an additional way from the classroom. Outdoor learning provides motivation to learn, develops skills and independence and learning in the outdoor environment is a first hand experience which can make subjects more vivid and interesting which will in turn enhance understanding. This blog provides numerous ideas regarding outdoor activities to support the learning process. Blog posts including learning outdoors with poor weather conditions, taking children beyond school grounds to develop their skills and problem solving and how to allow children to regenerate school playing grounds into a safer environment.  The blog also provides advice for incorporating numeracy and literacy lessons in the outdoor environment to make learning more engaging and exciting! Julia Robertson is an educational consultant who's aims are to deliver training, provide speeches, lead and support innovative outdoor projects and writing informative documents all which are provided with the sole intention of improving teachers awareness to the endless possibilities of learning outdoors. This blog has value as I think learning in the outdoors is a key component for primary school children as it provides an element of risk, physical and social exploration and the ability to learn for themselves. I advise all educational students to read this blog as it will benefit them greatly with teaching in the future!

http://creativestarlearning.co.uk/ 

Jean Piaget

Jean Piaget 1896–1980 was a Swiss developmental psychologist and a philosopher known for his epistemological studies with children. Piaget was the founder of the study 'cognitive growth' and published his work in 1924. Piaget was a theorist who believed in the constructivist approach. Constructivism is based on experiential learning, constructing and conditionalising knowledge. It is a direct approach with the exploration and physical manipulation of materials. He believed that children are active learners  "lone scientist"  they find meaning regardless of social environment. He said that children are intrinsically motivated and mentally active. Jean Piaget provided a detailed map of children's thought processes from birth to adolescence. He said "We actively construct our own knowledge and that all knowledge is tied to action." He believed teachers are facilitators providing stimulating environments and that children learn through experience. For Piaget, play was vital as it formed the basis of a child's imagination." Piaget used a method called 'clinical observation' to study child thinking. 

Piaget designed four Mental Schema's which include: Assimilation, Accommodation, Equilibrium and Disequilibrium 
Assimilation is the process when new experiences are taken in and added to increase a store of understanding. Accommodation is when a new experience doesn't fit' with existing understanding and some adjustment of understanding has to take place. Equilibrium is a state of mental balance which is the goal of every learner Disequilibrium is the struggle to accommodate  new knowledge with what is already known.(cognitive growth) 
Piaget also created 4 stages of cognitive development, these include: Sensory motor stage, pre-operational stage, Concrete operational stage and Formal operational stage.
Sensory motor stage/ Pre-conceptual stage (0-2): The child comes to know the world in terms of physical action. Stage ends with acquisition and though e.g. grasping and sucking. Pre-operational stage/ Intuitive: (2-7): A child is unable to reason in any logical way. This stage is based on perceptions. Children are egocentric. Egocentrism refers to the inability of a child to see a situation from another point of view. Concrete operational stage (7-12) The ability to structure and sort out their minds in the here and now. Trial and error predominate. Thought becomes reversible. Formal operational stage (+12) Abstract and hypothetical problems can be solved. The child can manipulate understanding of the world. This is the ultimate stage of cognitive growth. These four stages were formulated as a result of experiments. Three very important key words Piaget often refer to are: Conservation, animism and object permanence. Conservation is the process where quantity will remain the same even if the presentation changes. Animism is the process where by children believe inanimate objects have emotions Object permanence is the process of knowing an object still exists even when it is hidden. Piaget referred to the blanket and ball test. 

Criticism of Piaget theory?

• Saw children as lone scientists
• Underestimated the role of the teacher 
• Lack of consideration as to where learning takes place
• Underestimated the influence of culture and the environment 
• Underestimated children and overestimated teenagers 
• Tested his children then generalised results

What are Human Rights?

What are human rights?

The Universal Declaration of Human Rights

Human rights are the basic rights and freedoms that belong to every person in the world simply because they are human.


Human Rights are universal! Meaning every single person on this Earth: Old, young, black, white, Asian, Christian, Muslim, Hindu, single, married, straight, gay, bisexual or transgender? ALL OF US HAVE A RIGHT!

Eleanor Roosevelt

The Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) was adopted by the United Nations General Assembly in 1948, as a result of the aftermath of World War II.







There are 30 Human Rights, some are listen below:

• Right to life
• Freedom from torture or degrading treatment
• Right to liberty and security
• Freedom from slavery
• Right to fair trial
• No punishment without law
• Respect for your private family life, home and correspondence
• Freedom of thought, belief and religion
• Freedom of expression
• Freedom of assembly and association
• Right to marry and start a family
• Protection from discrimination
• Right to peaceful enjoyment of your property
• Right to education
• Right to participate in free elections

The Equality Human Rights Commission (EHRC) is a statutory body set up to protect, reinforce and promote equality across seven areas these include:

• Disability
• Age
• Race
• Gender
• Religion and Beliefs
• Sexual orientation
• Gender Reassignment

The EHRC was based in Great Britain and was established by the Equality Act 2006 and came into being on the 1st of October 2007. The Commission has responsibility for the promotion and enforcement of equality and non-discrimination laws in England, Scotland and Wales.
I believe Human Rights holds such a great importance and needs to be emphasised repeatedly if we are to make a difference and create a more equal world to live in.

This short video clip summerises the story of Human Rights.

What are the benifits of using technology in the classroom?

Here is a short video clip that provides 10 reasons as to why technology in education is essential.

As a student training to become a teacher I believe a challenging question needs to be asked. Should technology be used in the classroom? The answer is yes! After studying this module it has opened my eyes to the importance of using technology as an educational tool. One of the most important benefits of using technology in the classroom is that it can help prepare students to become successful members to the future workforce. Through using technology in the classroom students are more engaged, more motivated, and more excited whilst learning. I believe collaboration can be developed through the use of technology. Collaboration is the process of working with others to complete a task and achieve common goals. Through the use of technology children can work together to solve problems and complete tasks through an alternative method.

Through the use of technology children can interact socially and communicate various ideas through pictures, animations, games and core subject websites. Children can work through worksheets and activities together. Technology allows the child to be in control, rather than the lessons being led by the teacher. The child has the opportunity to independently research and learn for themselves. This approach makes learning far more interesting for children. As a child I never had the opportunity to use technology in lessons. the I.T. equipment was gathering dust at the back of the classroom. However, throughout this module I have learnt how to use blogging as a means of revision and learning, and I believe the same can be done in the classroom environment. We spend so much time trying to prevent children using technology but in today's society technology is a never ending product of opportunity, this is a perfect reason as to why it should be incorporated in the classroom. Using technology in the classroom will support four key components of learning;  Active engagement, participation in groups, frequent interaction and feedback, and connection to real-world experts. Technology plays a crucial role in education nowadays, and it's about time education moves towards bigger and better things.

Time management

As a  student, ever feel like there isn't enough time in the day to fit all of your studies, along with your social life, your job and sleep? Here are some tips to help with your time management!

Usually there are two problems when referring to time management...
Firstly, having too much work to do in such little time.
Secondly, not getting much done in plenty of time.

People believe that there is a direct relationship between study time and success rate, however this is  a myth. Unfortunately, students believe that by sitting with a book open in front of them this counts as revision, this just provides a false sense of learning. Quality overrides quantity in the sense that you could 'work' all day and remember little whereas you could spend two hours doing solid revision and this could improve your knowledge. The first step to improve time management is to identity the cause or causes of your problem. This could be anything from: Lack of focus, procrastination, task hoping, travelling, other demands outside of university life to difficulties with prioritisation.

However, it is YOUR duty to identify the cause and improve your time management. Here are some pointers that can be used to aid your time management:

Set daily goals - However they must be reasonable and practical aims rather that ambitious and vague ones.
Create a routine- STICK TO IT!
Divide tasks up into small, manageable components
Tackle small tasks first then progress to more complicated one later on
Study briefly and regularly- Information is being remembered through repetition.
Give yourself rewards
Give yourself time off
Participate in exercise
Create a timetable - This allows you to organise your time effectively
Negotiate study periods with other house members
Record deadlines for each semester in a planner
Review time spent on different subjects
Create work patterns that match your body clock- If you work better at night, work at night etc..
Set daily study priorities
End your study period by setting a task for the following day- Recap of your work

Remember it takes time and discipline to create a routine and follow it so have patience! Be prepared to try different approaches and REMEMBER to take control of YOUR time!

BBC NEWS WALES! Nativity

Sharmin and I were given a task to create a broadcast based on the Nativity.
BBC WALES NEWS
Latest news tonight *theme music*

The virgin Mary is pregnant?!

Background story:
Mary and the Angel: About two thousand years ago, in the town of Nazareth, there lived a young woman named Mary. She was engaged to be married to Joseph, a carpenter. One day an angel appeared before her and told her she had been chosen to have a special baby. The baby would be God's son and she must call him Jesus.

I need a car!
The Journey to Bethlehem: Soon after the angel's visit, Mary and Joseph were married. Mary was due to have her baby when they were told they had to go on a long journey to Bethlehem, which was where Joseph came from. This was because they had to pay a special tax. Mary had to ride on a donkey for a few days over the hills of Galilee.
Full house?
No Room at the Inn: At last Mary and Joseph arrived in Bethlehem. It was crowded with other people who needed to pay their taxes. Mary was very tired and needed a place to stay. At each inn, the story was the same. There was no room for them. Eventually, one kind innkeeper said he had a stable where he kept his animals. They were welcome to stay there.
Mary threatens to sue condom factory!
Jesus is Born: And so it was that a few hours later, Mary gave birth to her son in that stable. She wrapped Jesus in strips of cloth and laid him in a manger full of hay.

That's all from us at the six o'clock news. I'm Phoebe Lewis and I'm Sharmin. Thank you for listening and join us same time tomorrow, Good Night!

Critical Thinking

What is Critical thinking?

Critical thinking involves paying close attention to detail,exploring, evaluating and comparing ideas and evidence. It involves asking questions like Why? What if? So What? What is next?

Critical thinking is an essential part of university. Lecturers expect students to critically analyse evidence, write critically and think critically for themselves.Critical thinking goes beyond basic recall of information and involves constructing arguments and creating ideas. There are 3 processes involved with critical thinking these include:

Analysing
Judging
Making decisions

Analysing: This is the first step to critical thinking. It involves examining detail to gain understanding. You must look carefully at information from a variety of different points of view.

Judging: The second stage of critical thinking involves forming ideas and opinions on a subject. It involves evaluation, inference and interpretation. Ever heard of the term "Never judge a book by its cover?" This process is involved in judging, we must read the text, re-read the text, form a judgement and find reasons to support our answer.

Making decisions: This is the final stage of critical thinking. Here you must make a choice and take action based on your understanding. It involves looking beyond the obvious, finding similarities and differences within a text.

What's the difference between prejudice, discrimination and stereotyping?

Prejudice 

Prejudice is usually a hostile or negative attitude towards a distinguishing group of people based solely on their membership in that group.

Discrimination 

Discrimination is the unjustified, negative or harmful action towards a member or a group simply because of his or her membership in that group.

Stereotype 

Stereotyping in the generalisation about a group of people in which identical characteristics are assigned to virtually all members of the group, regardless of actual variation amongst other members. 

Prejudice, discrimination and stereotyping are three major flaws within society, they segregate individuals based on their nationality, ethnicity, gender, disability, gender preference,religion and even occupation. Why do we feel the need to make others feel different, unwanted and worthless? We are all human, and we are all equal, therefore we should all be respected. I believe people should try and work towards reducing the amount of prejudice thoughts, discriminative acts and stereotyping others and hopefully society will become a safer, more pleasant community for all.

What is SEN?

SEN is when a child has a learning difficulty which calls for special educational provision to be made for them.

For example: Behavioural or social disability
                      Reading and writing
                      Understanding things 
                      Concentration
                      Physical needs or impairment

Children have a learning difficulty if they:
(a) Have a significantly greater difficulty in learning than the majority of children the same age
(b) Have a disability which prevents or hinders them from making use of educational facilities of a kind, generally provided for children of the same school age within the area of the local education authority.

Special educational provision means:
(a) For children of two or over, educational provision which is additional to, or otherwise different from, the educational provision made generally for children of their age in schools maintained by the LEA, other than special schools, in the area
(b) For children under two, educational provision of any kind.

Fundamental Principles to consider with SEN

A child with special educational needs should have their needs met. The special educational needs of children will normally be met in mainstream schools or settings. The views of the child should be  taken into account. Parents have a vital role to play in supporting their child’s education. Children with special educational needs should be offered full access to a broad, balanced and relevant education, including an appropriate curriculum for the foundation stage and the National Curriculum.

With regards to SEN a term known as Inclusion is put in place. Inclusion is the process of identifying, understanding and breaking down barriers to participation and belonging. Here are some words associated with Inclusion:

1. Equality
2. Involvement
3. No discrimination/prejudice/racism
4. Acceptance
5. Conformity
6. Values
7. Human rights
8. Morals
9. Attitudes
10. Freedom
11. Participation

Multiple Intelligence

Dr Howard Gardener founded the multiple intelligence theory that was published in his book 'Frames of Mind' in 1983. Howard Gardener stated the reason for creating the list of intelligences was because it allows us to "make the case for plurality and intellect" (1993). There are two key elements to the theory: (1) Intelligence is NOT fixed and (2) there are many different forms of intelligence. Howard Gardener suggested we have several separate intellectual capacities, each of which deserves to be called and intelligence. The seven intelligences are:
Linguistic
Logical-Mathematical
Spatial
Musical
Bodily-kinaesthetic
Interpersonal
Intrapersonal

Linguistic intelligence: The individual expresses themselves through words both written and orally.  They learn best through listening, reading or discussion.  An example of this type of intelligence is a poet or an author.
Logical-mathematical intelligence: Based on reasoning and possess the ability to detect patterns and relationships. People with this intelligence like data which allows them to collect, organise, analyse, interpret, conclude and predict. An example of this type of intelligence is a scientist or mathematician.
Spatial intelligence:The individual can visualise easy, creating mental images and learn best through visual presentation such as pictures, videos, demonstrations and models. Through drawing, painting or sculpting their ideas are portrayed and often represent moods and emotions through art. An example of this type of intelligence is an architect.
Musical intelligence: The individual is sensitive to sound and associated with a well-developed sense of rhythm. They often sing, whistle or hum while participating in an activity.  An example of this type of intelligence is a musician.
Bodily- kinaesthetic intelligence: The individual processes information through the sensations of the body, they enjoy moving around, acting things out and touching people they are conversing with. They enjoy sporting activities of all kinds and can express emotion through dance. An example of this type of intelligence is an athlete.
Interpersonal intelligence: The individual enjoys working in groups, learn while interacting and co-operating with others and also can build and maintain relationships. An example of this type of intelligence is a teacher.
Intrapersonal intelligence:  The individual has an understanding of self, their abilities, beliefs and emotions.  These people are often highly self- motivated. An example of this type of intelligence is a philosopher.

What are the benefits of providing these intelligences?

•        Improvement of self-esteem and attitude towards learning 
•        Help students to recognise and value their strengths and talents
•         Increase motivation to learn 
•        Offers an alternative perspective of intelligence
•        Allows schools the opportunity to redefine intelligence and success 
•         Helps teachers understand and value various talents each individual child

Internet Detective

It is no lie that students use the Internet on a daily basis to help with their college or university work,  majority of the time completely irrelevant information is posted on the Internet daily providing incorrect and miss leading information to students.

Internet detective is a free Internet tutorial that helps students learn to discern the good, the bad and the ugly for online research.The tutorial looks at the critical thinking required when using the Internet for research and offers practical advice on evaluating the quality of web sites.

The tutorial covers 5 aspects:

• What's the Story? – Understanding the advanced Internet skills required for university and college work.
• The Good the Bad and the Ugly – To see why information quality is an issue on the web, especially for academic research. Learn how to avoid time wasting on Internet searching, scams and hoaxes.
• Detective Work – Get hints and tips that help to critically evaluate the information you find on the Internet.
• Get On the Case – Try out your Internet Detective skills with these practical exercises.
• Keep the Right Side of the Law – Be warned about plagiarism, copyright and citation.

University staff strongly disagree with the use of Wikipedia sites as information can be edited by anonymous people and most information is worthless and at best very poor quality. The aim of this tutorial is to provide a guide to aid students in their discovery to find meaningful and appropriate information that can be used in essays, assignments and dissertations.

Animation

Throughout this module I have discovered various ways in which technology can help encourage learning. One aspect I found very interesting was animation. Animation is the creation of images that alter through movement and shape change. Animation is a visual representation of a product that appeals to younger children as it is colourful, engaging and creative. Not only can animation help children express themselves, but it is also a perfect way to allow children the freedom to explore and re-create what they have learnt during lessons (a reflection sort of speak). Here is my animation that I created using 2animate, it is a dustbin baby. 2animate is a perfect app that can be used by children from the age of 6-11, it is also available for specialist schools.

If I was to provide an overview of the application I would say that 2animate is appropriate for children between the ages of 5-10 as it is most suitable for this age range. Its objectives are simple as it has the sole intention of making learning more enjoyable and enabling children to learn through visual means. 2animate is simple to navigate and I believe there is no need for guide lines as it is an app that can be "played about with" to discover how to use the device. There is a need for registration however,  but you can have a free trial before buying the app permanently.

During this module I also experimented with another animation programme called GO animate.com.

OVERVIEW:

Go Animate is an app for creating and publishing animated videos. Go Animate allows individuals to develop narrative videos, where characters speak with lip-sync, the use of props and the moving around of characters on screen. All videos have backgrounds, music and effects.
GO animate is a more advanced form of animation therefore I would recommend its use by older primary school children from 9 years of age and above. It has various background settings and real life cartoons which will appeal more to older children as they have more awareness of these people e.g Obama, Batman and Cupid. GO animate has six objectives these include: Representing diversity, giving contexts to ideas, bend the laws of nature, exploring different ways to create, changing thoughts into visuals and to strike the right tone. GO animate is very simple to access, simply search the hyperlink and it will take you straight to the home page where you will click 'make a video' then the variety of different themes will appear and your animation will be created from there.

http://goanimate.com/

There is a full tutorial guide provided on the website simply just follow the link http://goanimate.com/videomaker/full/tutorial There is a free trial, however to buy this app it is very costly! For example, for the use of one teacher and 30 students it would cost $100 for one academic year. You need to create an account by registering and this is where all of your animations will be saved to, however this is free of charge. It is a simple tool to use BUT it could be seen as complicated for the use of younger children.

Photostory

This is my final draft of my 'say it in seven' video. Christmas is a very special time of year for me as it is the time of year where all of the family come together to celebrate life, happiness and good health. For me, Christmas is a time for forgiveness and to cherish those close to us. I thoroughly enjoy the festivities and the build up to Christmas day! So here are my seven reasons why I love Christmas...