Chapters 6 & 7

1. How does this information tie in with what we have already learned?
These two chapters seemed to connect completely with our previous readings. One thing that really stood out to me was the different environments. Each of these environments promoted learning in various settings. The knowledge-centered environment was one that I could relate to the problem-solving aspects we learned earlier. These would include how we learn and retain information. This part of the chapter discusses how children use their knowledge to from this environment for later activities. I began to think about the use of transfer with this environment. The learner-centered environment seems to focus more on the students than their specific knowledge. This environment relies heavily on the differences of each child. This section of the chapter was easily connected to the examples from our text about students with special needs, the mentally ill, and others who don't exactly fit the norms. The learner-centered environment makes sure that individual needs are met before moving on to other activities. My personal favorite, the community-centered environment is easily linked to the Polyanna Principal. This environment stresses safety in numbers, and that each child is important to the group. Having said this, the group, itself, is the main focus of this environment. We have read several times that positive, safe environments provide better learning experiences. We also can connect this to some of the motivation readings. We know that intrinsic motivation is more effective than extrinsic motivation. Quite often, children will want learn and participate because they are part of a group where their membership is critical.

2. What part of this am I still not clear on?
Actually, knock on wood, but I still am understanding the readings for this week. I would like to learn more about the various environments and how they coincide with the different learning styles. I think that it would be interesting to see if people who are more mathematical or linguistic do better in a specific environment. I also think that it would be interesting to learn if people who have strengths in the inter and intra personal areas function better in a community-centered environment.

3. How will I apply this to my own teaching?
I feel that I use a great deal of community-centered environment in my classroom management. I encourage the children to be a part of a cohesive group where each member is critical for success. My teaching centers around making sure that our community works well together in both academic and social settings. I also use the knowledge-centered environment more for math and science centers. Here, my students are given a specific skill to learn or master. My language centers offer more freedom. My students may write often write or read what they wish based on their academic level. I would like to find a way to mesh both the learner-centered and the knowledge-centered environments in my class. I am leaning toward more differentiated learning to accomplish this, but I wish there was a formula guide me through this.