Personal Learning Theory

      As a teacher it is important to know the different ways in which students learn as well as looking at our own ways of learning. I have found that I learn better by a combination of different methods. I enjoy reading and have found that by doing so, I am able to absorb information on various subjects that interest me. Additionally, I really enjoy discussing a subject with people who have more knowledge about it and I have found that the combination of the two really helps me learn new material. An example of this that I remember can be found when I was learning about the circulatory system in elementary school. I read about it in our textbook and then our teacher discussed it with us. To reinforce it however, my father who loves biology explained it to me in a different way that made the information solidify and stay with me. Another way in, which I learn, is by having a hands-on approach. In music as well as in dance the teacher will demonstrate how to do a particular thing and then the class will repeat it afterwards. By having our teacher model it and then us trying to repeat it, the new learned skill becomes our own and through a series of trial and error the students are able to master it. During a choral rehearsal, our conductor will ask us to sing a particular passage in a particular way, after he or she demonstrates it, the choir will then try it and tweak it until it is perfect.

I     I grew up in an environment that valued knowledge for its own sake. Children and adults alike are constantly encouraged and expected to be cultured, well rounded individuals. As part of this foreign languages, music, history, literature, etc are regarded as valuable and integral parts of personal growth and development. I believe that being brought up in this type of environment helped me be intrinsically motivated. I have also adopted the love for knowledge that permeated my environment.

For me grades and other extrinsic motivators are more of a byproduct of what is actually important. I do not want to learn in order to do well on a test, but rather for the joy that learning and its process bring me.

After analyzing the way in which I learn, I believe that both social cognitive theory and the constructivist theory are both crucial to the ways in which I acquire knowledge and grow.

Intervention Continuum

In dealing with behavior issues in the classroom there are several different ways in which teachers can approach them. I believe in teaching students to be responsible for their actions and to take charge of their own decision, not just in the classroom, but also in life as they grow as individuals. Addressing behavior problems in the classroom will therefore follow a three-step intervention continuum. First, the teacher will set up the expectations for the class and for classroom behavior. By having a set of clear expectations, as well as rules and boundaries, the students will know what the standards for behavior are and whether or not they want to abide by them. If they do not abide by them, we come to the second tier, which is having consequences as a result of their behavioral choice. Some of the consequences could be lower participation grades, students not being invited to participate in a musical activity, etc. If the behavior issues continue, the teacher will talk to the particular student to explain again that there are consequences to the decisions that they make and that if they make irresponsible choices they will have to deal with the consequences. It is crucial for students to understand that there are set expectations and boundaries that they must abide by in society, not just in school, and that it is up to them to take charge of their behavior and be responsible for their actions.

One of the motivation theories that I believe would be very helpful to include in my teaching is the theory of humanism. One of the things that motivates me as a student is knowing that my teacher genuinely cares about the subject he or she is teaching, and also cares about the students. To me the idea of unconditional positive regard is very encouraging, and I believe that it is crucial to developing a classroom where students can feel safe and at the same time motivated to perform well. By creating an environment in which students can be themselves and not be afraid of showing their interests, the teacher can create activities that will tap into those interests and keep students motivated and interested. Furthermore, when students can see that a teacher is excited about the subject and activities the students will be encouraged and willing to perform better for that teacher. In music this is very important, because singing in a choir goes beyond the technical aspects of music-making. It is important for the students to be connected to each other, to the conductor and to find at least a moment in every piece that is special and that they can connect to. If there is no unconditional positive regard the music will suffer, for when students and conductor in a choir care about each other we can go beyond reading notes on a page and creating something magical that goes beyond any of us individually. By creating this community in which every one is responsible for his or her own voice yet at the same time being a part of a team we can grow as musicians and individuals.