1. What? – This chapter discusses social cognitive theory which is a theoretical perspective that focuses on how people learn by observing others and how they eventually assume control over their own behavior. It is not the only way people learn it is just one of the most common ways that people learn. We also talked about modeling, self regulation and self-efficacy. Modeling is when a person demonstrates a behavior for someone else. Self regulation is a process of setting goals for oneself and engaging in behaviors and cognitive processes that lead to goal attainment. Self efficacy is a belief that one is capable of executing certain behaviors or reaching certain goals. Three general ideas about social cognitive theory are: The power of observation, the role of control, and the importance of motivation. The power of observation is that people learn what behaviors are more likely to lead to reinforcement and punishment by watching what happens to others. The role of control is that people can often choose the activities in which they participate, thereby controlling the particular experiences they have. The importance of motivation is that people will consciously choose certain activities and work hard in them and persist in the face of failure. 

2. So What? – This topic will help us to become better teacher by allowing us to know how our student’s learn better. In turn we can adapt our lessons to fit our student’s needs

3. Now What? – This is how I learn best so I believe that other students learn this way as well. It is not the only way to learn but I feel it is one of the best and easiest ways too. Other students may learn better differently but they can still learn by observing others. This being true for me I will demonstrate as much as I can to help the students learn better. 

Sorry I was not very explicit; I just can do it today my brain is not with me today.  

1. What? – This Week talks about behaviorism and the difference between classical conditioning and operant conditioning. It helps you understand some of the different ideas behind behaviors and why people act the way they do. It discusses the unconditioned stimulus and the unconditioned response when dealing with classical conditioning. It also talks about operant conditioning which is a form of learning that has to do with a response increasing as a result of being followed by reinforcement. Classical Conditioning is a form of learning in which a new, involuntary response is acquired as a result of two stimuli being presented at the same time. Operant Conditioning is a form of learning in which a response increases in frequency as a result of being followed by reinforcement.
We also talked about some definition of learning and the positives and the negatives of each definition. Along with this, we discussed positive and negative reinforcement and positive and negative punishment. Positive Reinforcement is a consequence that brings about the increase of a behavior though the presentation (rather than the removal) of a stimulus. Negative Reinforcement is a consequence that brings about the increase of a behavior though the removal (rather than the presentation) of a stimulus. As for punishment, it is to decrease behavior instead of increase behavior. 

2. So What? –Behaviorism is important to learn about because it gives us teachers one way to see how our students learn and how we can manage our classes with positive and negative reinforcement. The better we manage our classroom the more our student will learn; at least that is what I believe.

3. Now What? – I believe I will use this everyday in my classroom but I think it will be more of an unconscious use then a conscious use. Like rewarding my student for good behavior so the will continue to act in a like manner or something like that. I find this knowledge very useful and now that I have it in the front of my brain rather than the back I will most likely use it more frequently. 

1. What? – Though out chapter 7, it discusses how students are continually trying to add and modify their understandings of their physical and social environment. This is due to the fact that students must create their own views of the physical and social world. Students work together with pears family and teachers to help make better sense of things that are puzzling in their environment. No matter how students gather their information weather it be on their own with the help of others, they develop unique interpretations of the environment around them. Constructivism and Misconceptions were main points of class today. Constructivism is learning as an active process in which learner construct their own meaning based on prior knowledge and experiences.  

2. So What? – Misconceptions I through was a very good topic to talk about because we will deal with a lot over the years as teacher. I have plenty and I am sure I will spend them in my teaching unless some one corrects me. This goes back to my point that knowledge never hurt if it true knowledge. So that is why I love to learn about new things and listen to people talk because it gives me something new to think about. Although I may disagree with what they are saying I like to know other people views on things. 

3. Now What? – I hope to clear any misconceptions my student may have and if I by chance pass some on then I apologize in advance even though misconceptions can be good. I will try to use the 5 E’s in my class because I feel it would be an effective way to teach some topics in my classes. I know that inside of me there is a great teacher but to get the best out of me I will need to fail sometimes so I can find what works and what does not. I need to keep an opened mind and take some suggestions of my peers.