Chapters 9, 10, 11
With Common Core and technology knocking on the door in every classroom their are the basics that some seem to disregard. With in chapters 9,10,11 of "Educational Psychology", WoolFolk, the basics are talked about greatly. Things such as Learning strategies and their application, problem solving, critical thinking, brainstorming, and my personal favorite creativity.
Though they are touched upon in all of the chapters, chapter nine focuses on the list above. What about the other two chapters you say? I do not want to take away their importance, but today in education, and like I stated above some feel the basics are being left behind.
Starting with learning strategies such as READS or CAPS are so incredibly important especially in special education. Most of the lower functioning special education students struggle with reading and comprehension of whatever they are reading or attempting to read. Using strategies like READS or CAPS can allow the students to break apart a story or text to allow for better understanding at a slower pace and a piece at a time.
Problem solving and critical thinking go hand in hand. Everyday we use problem solving skills and they usually include some critical thinking to resolve them. In my experience in special education I have noticed the early stages are where most confusion sets in. Identifying the problem and the cause of that problem is where most of my students can not get passed. Most of the time once explained and broken down, like using READS or CAPS, they will come up with at least the problem itself. Once the students have even a small understanding of what the problem is they can brainstorm and verbalize what possible solutions could be.
Working everyday with situations of this kind, I have come to realize that the students I work with may never solve their problems. Using some of the strategies to recognize what the students are struggling with is a great tool for educators to assist them with coping with the struggles they endure. Also, though having a disability can not be cure we sure can show students how to work with it instead of just giving up.
Matthew, you talked about your special ed student using reading strategies and problem solving strategies. Can you describe some of your experiences where your students were using these? What are some of the learning strategies that your students use? How are they taught these strategies?
ReplyDeleteMatthew, you talked about your special ed student using reading strategies and problem solving strategies. Can you describe some of your experiences where your students were using these? What are some of the learning strategies that your students use? How are they taught these strategies?
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