Vocational Training Development Institute

Diploma Programme in Education and Training

Psychology of Teaching and Learning

Question

You are a new teacher, and a parent of someone in your class wants to know your beliefs about teaching. What would you tell this person?

Module 1 Assignment

Lecturer: Ms. Mauva McCarthy

Name: Dwayne McIntosh-McKay

Course Code: Ed 504

Due Date: October 2, 2010

You are a new teacher, and a parent of someone in your class wants to know your beliefs about teaching. What would you tell this person?

Introduction
I believe that every student who enters my classroom can succeed. Teaching should be student centered and students should be accountable for their learning and
(2010), “There are three main categories into which teaching theories fall. They are the behaviorist theories, the cognitivist theories and the constructivist theories.”
Behaviorist Theories: Behavioral theories define learning as a "semi-permanent change in behavior." In other words, learning has only taken place if a change in behavior is evident. Pure behaviorists are not concerned with internal process, but with external exhibitions. There are two main theories involved: Classical conditioning and operant conditioning.
Classical conditioning hearkens back to Pavlov's experiment with his salivating dogs. It's basic premise is that behaviors can be conditioned by pairing stimuli with responses. Educational examples may include test anxiety or a general dislike or enjoyment of a subject. In classical conditioning, responses are involuntary.
Another type of behaviorism is operant conditioning, which involves the use of reinforcement to encourage behaviors. There are several kinds of rein forcers, and rein forcers may vary from student to student. Responses are voluntary in operant conditioning.
However, this theory is related to my beliefs when I said that; “My students should experience learning that is fun, exciting and interactive. Teaching should be student centered and students should be accountable for their learning and behavior. To help nurture a desire for learning in students, I feel that education should be relevant and