"I went to the woods because I wanted to live deliberately, I wanted to live deep and suck out all the marrow of life, to put to rout all that was not life and when I had come to die - discover that I had not lived." - Henry David Thoreau, Walden

Monday, January 15, 2024

Module I - Week 1: Students as Learners

  "Education opens the door to the future. It gives us options. It helps us reason. It is always in motion."

 - Julie Payette  (Canadian Astronaut, Contemporary) 


Module 1: Week 1: 

(Please be sure that you have read the previous post below before you start. Also, be sure to check the "Announcement" section of Canvas - our PC home base - for important course information.)

Welcome to Educational Psychology! This week we begin our quest to bridge theoretical and practical elements of education. Our first module, Students as Learners, asks us to consider the multiple theoretical  foundations of teaching methodology. While learning about theorists doesn't seem like an exciting topic, it is! It provides us with a valuable framework that we will build upon throughout the semester to become effective educators. Through reflection and conversation, you will realize just how many Ed Psychology concepts you use and will use on a daily basis in your classroom. So, for the next week, continue to ask yourself the following essential questions:
  • What would this educational theory look like in practice?
  • What strategies can I use in the classroom to implement the idea behind this theory?
  • How do these theories of education assist both the teacher and the student?
  • When would I use one theory of teaching over another theory in my classroom?
  • How can an understanding of educational theory lead to a more student-centered classroom experience?
Learning Objectives: Learner-centered goals this week.

Analyze (Depth Of Knowledge level 4) the purpose and role of theory in education.

Evaluate (DOK level 3) multiple scholarly sources to better understand the connection between psychology and approaches to effective teaching.

Compare (DOK level 3) your experience in education with modern education practices.

Assess (DOK level 3) the validity of a education theory or concept as it relates to students as learners.

Create (DOK level 4) a concise summary of a notable theorist of education (their theory as well as applicable teaching strategies that are support by his/her theory).

Differentiate (DOK level 3) between multiple instructional strategies to determine how each reflects education theory.

Wondering what a DOK level is? Check out this link: DOK for Teaching Explained
Link to a DOK chart for your own personal teaching use: DOK wheel

Standards Addressed:
RIPTS: 1.3, 3.1, 4.1, 11.1

Learning Plan: A step-by-step action plan for your asynchronous learning.

I encourage you to reach out at any time for support, clarification, or 1:1 work time. I am ready to support you in any way I can this semester. Please don't hesitate to reach out.


1. Start of Semester Survey - Please take a moment to complete the following course survey. Your responses will be used to gain a better understanding of your knowledge and background as an educator/future educator. Please click HERE to take the survey I look forward to learning more about you and your needs for this semester.

2. Video - Please view the following:
 Sir Ken Robinson - TED talk video - Click HERE



3. Online Discussion
 - Comment on the questions posed on the Canvas discussion after watching the video in #2. Go to the "Discussions" tab in Canvas and click on the forum titled "Module 1 - Week 1." Read the prompt provided. Please remember to provide one quality response on or before this Thursday evening at 11:55 pm and then post again (responding to the post labeled "Part II of Discussion") on or before Sunday at 11:55 pm when the discussion board closes.  Please use the discussion supports in the "Discussion" section of Canvas under "Start Here" to guide your responses. 

4. Book - Read chapters 1, 2, and 3 in your textbook, Educational Psychology: Theory and Practice. The information you will gain by reading these chapters will form the cornerstone of class discussions, activities, and assessments. It is your responsibility to keep up with the reading assignments every week. Please keep in mind that these first three chapters will require a significant amount of time to read/review. The weight of this reading assignment is heavier than most as it is our foundation for the course. Therefore, please get started as soon as possible. 

5. Educational Theorists and Concepts "Jigsaw" Assignment - Click HERE to view the assignment  Due 1/28 to Canvas (Assignments section) by 11:59 pm.

6. Ed Psych Concept of the Week: Constructivism (one of many approaches to teaching and learning)
Please use the following link to learn about the educational concept: Constructivism - An Ed Psych Overview 

Consider the multiple perspectives of constructivism noted below.

Other Support Articles and Videos (please read two):

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