Reflective Essay

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Reflective Essay

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ruedann allen

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Reflective Essay

Understanding the Self

I will explore my learning experiences in the Foundations of Education course.
Throughout this course, I have gained a deeper understanding of the fundamental principles
and theories that underpin education (Locke, 2016). I have learned that education is a
multifaceted field that encompasses various perspectives, including psychological,
sociological, and philosophical aspects. These perspectives have provided me with a
comprehensive understanding of the complexities involved in education (Daga, 2020). One of
the key areas that I explored in this course was the concept of self and its components
(Tsangaridou & Siedentop, 1995).
It was fascinating to learn about how these concepts shape individuals and contribute to their
overall well-being. Personally, I found the topic of self-identity particularly resonating as it
made me think deeply about who I am as a person and how my experiences have shaped me.
The unit was helpful in providing a comprehensive understanding of the Self, but
there were also challenging aspects. Understanding the different developmental theories and
their complexities required careful study and analysis. However, these challenges allowed me
to delve deeper into the subject matter, enhancing my overall comprehension. When
analysing the different theories of the Self, I noticed that they all connect and build upon each
other. For example, self-identity and self-esteem are closely intertwined, and one's
experiences and interactions with others greatly impact these aspects.
Additionally, I could relate these theories to my own learning experiences and how
they have influenced my teaching practices. It made me realize the significance of addressing
the individual needs and identities of my students in order to create an inclusive and effective
learning environment. Through this unit, I have learned that understanding the Self is crucial
in the field of education. It has made me more aware of the diverse backgrounds, experiences,
and perspectives that each student brings to the classroom. By recognizing and
acknowledging their unique identities, I can better support their learning and growth. In
terms of an action plan, I intend to apply this understanding by incorporating activities and
discussions that promote self-reflection and self-awareness in my teaching. By providing
opportunities for students to explore their own identities, set goals, and reflect on their
learning, I hope to foster a sense of empowerment and self-confidence in the classroom.

Brain Sensitive Learning

This unit focused on brain-sensitive learning and theories of intelligence. It provided

valuable insights into how the brain functions and how it impacts learning. While studying
this topic, I experienced a range of emotions, from fascination to excitement. The content
truly changed my thinking and made me realize the potential of brain-based strategies in
teaching and learning. When evaluating the effectiveness of traditional learning practices
versus brain-sensitive strategies, it became clear that the latter offer significant advantages.
Brain-sensitive strategies take into account the unique needs of the brain and
optimize learning experiences. Traditional practices often neglect the importance of factors
such as diet, rest, exercise, and stimulation, which play a vital role in brain-sensitive learning.
Analysing the connection between brain function and learning, I could relate it to my own
experiences as a learner and an educator. I realized that when students' physical and mental
well-being is taken care of, their ability to learn and retain information increases.
By incorporating brain-based strategies into my teaching practices, I can create an
environment that supports optimal learning outcomes. In conclusion, this unit has taught me
the importance of considering the role of the brain in learning. It has highlighted the
significance of factors such as diet, rest, exercise, and stimulation in creating brain-sensitive
learning environments. By prioritizing these elements, educators can enhance the learning
experience for their students.

Moving forward, my action plan involves developing a comprehensive plan for

incorporating brain-based strategies into my educational practices. This plan will include
strategies for providing appropriate nutrition, promoting physical activity, ensuring sufficient
rest, and incorporating stimulating learning materials. By implementing these strategies, I
hope to maximize the learning potential of my students and create an engaging and effective
educational environment.

Exceptionalities in the Classroom

The unit on exceptionalities in the classroom delved into the challenges faced by
individuals with learning disabilities and other exceptionalities. Learning about these
challenges elicited various emotions within me, ranging from empathy to a sense of urgency
to improve inclusivity in education. It was eye-opening to understand the unique struggles
that these individuals face and the impact it has on their learning.
When evaluating the pros and cons of labelling, I realized that while it can provide
valuable support and accommodations for students with exceptionalities, it can also carry
stigmatization and potential limitations. It is essential for educators to strike a balance
between recognizing and addressing the specific needs of these students while ensuring they
are not defined solely by their labels.
Early intervention emerged as a critical factor in supporting students with
exceptionalities. The value of identifying and addressing these challenges early on cannot be
understated. It empowers educators to implement appropriate strategies and interventions,
ensuring that every student has the opportunity to thrive in their learning journey.
My understanding of accommodating and valuing diversity in the classroom has
significantly deepened. I now recognize the importance of creating an inclusive and
supportive environment that honours and respects the unique abilities and challenges of each
student. By adjusting my teaching methods to accommodate diverse learning styles and
providing appropriate support, I can foster a classroom environment where every student
feels valued and capable.

Class Dynamics, Learning Outcomes, and Application of Psychological Factors

Throughout the course, the class dynamics played a significant role in deepening my
understanding of the course content and graded assignments. The diverse perspectives shared
during class discussions enriched my learning experience, expanding my horizons and
challenging my preconceived notions.

Regarding my learning outcomes, three crucial takeaways stand out. Firstly, I developed a
comprehensive understanding of the psychological factors that influence human learning,
including theories of development, brain-sensitive strategies, and the impact of
exceptionalities. This knowledge equips me to design effective instructional approaches
tailored to meet the diverse learning needs of students.
The first way in which I will apply my understanding of psychological factors is by tailoring
instructional strategies to meet the diverse needs of my students. I recognize that each learner
has unique characteristics, abilities, and learning styles that can profoundly influence their
engagement and achievement in the classroom. By using the theory of Multiple Intelligences,
proposed by Howard Gardner, I can design lessons that cater to different types of intelligence,
such as linguistic, logical-mathematical, musical, spatial, bodily-kinesthetic, interpersonal,
intrapersonal, and naturalistic. By incorporating a variety of activities and assessment
methods in my teaching, I can address the strengths and preferences of individual learners,
thereby enhancing their learning outcomes.

Secondly, I gained insights into the importance of cognitive and emotional well-being in the
learning process. Recognizing the significance of mental literacy, I now prioritize creating a
conducive learning environment that supports students' overall well-being. The second way in
which I will apply my understanding of psychological factors is by creating a positive
learning environment that fosters intrinsic motivation. According to Self-Determination
Theory, individuals' innate psychological needs for autonomy, competence, and relatedness
are essential for promoting optimal motivation and engagement. To fulfill these needs, I will
provide students with opportunities to make choices, develop their skills, and connect with
others. Through meaningful and challenging tasks, I will encourage students to take
ownership of their learning and cultivate a growth mindset. By emphasizing effort and
improvement, rather than solely focusing on grades, I aim to foster a love for learning that
extends beyond the classroom.
Lastly, I honed my reflective and introspective skills, understanding the value of self-
reflection in professional growth. Regular introspection allows me to evaluate my teaching
practices, identify areas for improvement, and adapt my strategies accordingly.

In practice, my understanding of psychological factors influencing human learning will be

applied across various areas. For instance, I will incorporate brain-sensitive strategies in my
lesson planning, ensuring that content is presented in a manner that optimizes students'
cognitive engagement. I will also integrate inclusive teaching practices, making
accommodations for students with exceptionalities and creating an environment that values
diversity.