Does development precede learning, or does learning precede development?

This question is in a bit of the chicken or the egg style—which comes first—learning or development? Both sides could be argued. I tend to think development precedes learning—at least in the following situation. You can be exposed to things but not yet fully understand them. Think of a baby. Adults often talk to babies like the baby is going to know what they’re talking about—often giving commentaries on what is going on around them. Usually babies don’t understand most of what’s being said. But as the baby grows and develops he starts to catch onto some words that are repeated often or attached to objects or people. Frank Smith argues that we have to learn every bit of the language we are going to speak—there is no device in our brain that allows this to occur automatically. Often you’ll hear parents talk about how the baby’s first word is mama or dada or something of the like. As the baby grows his babbling starts to sound more like real words. It will take time before the baby can fully understand what is being said and fully express himself. There is no set age when babies begin to talk—it varies with each child and is also based on environment. However, no matter how great and enriching an environment is, you are not going to hear a baby talking before they are developmentally ready. Babies often start verbalizing words around 12-18 months—because of development you are not going to hear a 3 month old speaking no matter how much language they have been exposed to. So in this situation, development would precede learning.

Skinner’s Theory

As I was looking for articles to read for my literature review, I came across some information about B.F. Skinner. He is a theorist who says we learn through rewards and punishments. Changes in behavior are the result of a persons’ response to events that occur in the environment. When a stimulus-response pattern is reinforced thru punishment or reward, he says the individual then becomes accustomed to that response.

As a teacher, I rely on Skinner’s theory to work especially in the area of discipline. I believe in positive reinforcement and negative consequences for inappropriate behaviors and actions. When a student misbehaves or does not follow my expectations there is a consequence (often owing recess). I find that after a kid owes recess, I can warn them about their behavior and the possible consequences if they do not improve. Usually the kid straightens up.

 

Physics Builds Character

Looking back at my educational experiences, one in high school really stuck out as being different and having an impact on me. I was in a little over my head taking AP Physics as a junior in high school (usually students took this class when they were seniors). I was also a year behind on my math than I should have been to take the class. My teacher was aware of this and from the beginning said he’d be happy to have me stay in the class if I put forth the effort.  I took him up on the challenge!  It was HARD! I’ve found that I do much better in English or social studies than science and math. (I do find it interesting that I now work in the field of technology (and love it), which is usually grouped with science and math as a field. I think my lure to technology was that it is very hands on—I also don’t do the heavy programming/coding –math-heavy stuff.

The teacher I had worked closely with another physics teacher and were the physics department at my high school.  The two were complete opposites but somehow it worked.  They offered tutoring/study sessions after school for anyone in either of the classes.  I found that seeing the same information presented in different ways was helpful. Their slogan was, “Physics builds character.” (Reminds me of it’s the process…)

This was one of my few high school classes that led me to collaboration—not just because we had group lab projects—but because you had to do extra credit (well I did anyway) if you wanted a decent grade. I don’t remember all that was offered for extra credit, but it was more than just writing a paper.  I attended several Physics Olympics competitions and even partook in one.

I remember getting an 8^th place award in the Physics Olympics egg drop competition!  As nerdy as it was, I was stoked my hot glued toothpick contraption held up on the 8 foot drop.

We also had take home tests. For each test we were given 10 sheets of paper—1 problem on each paper. We had to do five in class independently.  Then we could take home the remaining 5 and needed to complete and turn them in over the weekend.  My friends and I had a lot of study sessions and sometimes I picked up new ways to solve problems or we figured out a tough one together. Sometimes I just copied a friend’s work and we did more socializing.  Either way it was fun.

Even though this class was tough and I only left with a semi-decent understanding of physics, I don’t regret my experience.  I learned how to work with others. I had to really make an effort to make sure I was learning- and I learned how to do that.  There’s more to it than just paying attention in class.

The model of the class was also set up so that there were many opportunities not to fail.  Had I been graded simply on my physics knowledge and had to work independently, I never would have made it.  But, I was given opportunities to work with others, try new things (like physics Olympics), and encouraged that I could do it.  A couple of years later, I did have to take a physics course in college. I didn’t ace the class, but it was easier the second time around.  I think I had a bit more character the second time around as well.

Was cool to find that 10 years later they’re still at it! http://www.rtmsd.org/Page/3370

No More Tests, Just Portfolios!

I have heard this numerous times. Instead of so much testing we should ask students to create a portfolio or work samples or have a portfolio that showcases all of the student’s work. They can be evaluated on a whole variety of work, rather than just a single test.

I don’t disagree with this idea, but I have seen how this does NOT work well.  In Virginia, students who are English language learners are able to opt-out (schools made this decision) of the state test and complete a portfolio instead.  The portfolio was required to show a plethora of grade level standards and what was the easiest way to get that done?  Worksheets!!  So this portfolio became a binder filled with worksheets—less pressure than testing, but not necessarily a better solution… 

Is the “System” Really that Bad??

We had one of our first classes for Cog Tools earlier this month.  During this class I was getting really annoyed by the negativity expressed by classmates about the educational system in the U.S.  We were discussing Frank Smith’s view (as in Learning and Forgetting). Smith talks about two views of education – Classic view versus Official view.

Learning Is….

Classic: continual, effortless, boundless, never forgotten, inhibited by testing, a social activity, and growth

Official: Occasional, hard work, obvious, limited, intentional, dependent on rewards and punishment, based of effort, individualistic, assured by testing, easily forgotten, memorization

All right so our education system as a whole (especially since No Child Left Behind) seems to stress a lot more features from the Official view than the Classic view (which is where my view and many educator’s view stands).  I’ve always been a positive person—looking at the glass half full as opposed to half empty.  In education if I dwell on all that is wrong, I’m never going to get anywhere.  Yea the system has some major flaws, but there’s only so much I can do to bring about change.

There are two leaders that stick in my mind about how to work within a system that may not promote learners as it should. First, when I was student teaching my principal clearly announced that no matter how hard we work, all students will not be proficient. Nice idea, but not realistic. She jokingly wished us luck for when 2013 arrived and all students were expected to be proficient—she’d be retiring that year.  The superintendent when I worked in Virginia addressed our staff at our staff meeting (always thought it was cool he stopped by to meetings). He pointed out that as educators we were under a lot of stress to have our students meeting the standards. Even so, he emphasize that within our school district teachers should focus on the child and that teachers should not teach to the test and instead use best practice methods to present materials. Teacher across our district received training in a variety of best practice methods. (Such as math programs that promoted investigation; social studies programs which encouraged acting and interaction among students.) In this school district, I felt very supported and respected.

I hold a lot of admiration for the administrators. They know as teachers we are stuck in a hard place—we want to teach what is best for the kids along with working to help them meet the standards—it can be hard to get away from teaching to the test. Both of these administrators valued teachers and knew that what actually went on in the classroom, not just a test score, was very valuable. While faced with opposition they worked to promote hope and de-emphasize the negative. 

How Do I Learn Best?

How Do I Learn Best? September

This was one of the first questions posed to us. Here are my initial reactions. 

Learn better with others than alone. With others I can get my immediate questions answered.  Alone I can sometimes find answers but it can take trial an error (which can be frustration) or time to locate a source that will give me the answer.  I guess if I have to contact someone to find an answer (email, phone call etc.) that would be working with someone, but I really like the idea of having someone by my side whether face-to-face or in real time.  In learning how to play World of Warcraft, Danna, my cadre-mate) has been a great tutor for me!  We played together one Saturday afternoon for about two hours.  I could observe what she did (she’s at about level 20 and I’m at level 6).  I was able to ask her questions and follow her around when I didn’t know how to go to certain places.  I also challenge Danna when I ask her questions.  There were times we had to look things up together.  When this happened we both learned.

I think this idea of Danna tutoring me as we play World of Warcraft can I learn best when I am active rather than passive.  If I had just watched her for two hours it would not have been that exciting.  I would probably be writing pages of notes (I have a hard time just sitting and watching) but then would have to refer to these notes later on.  Later in time they might not mean the same to me as they meant when I was first observing her.

Repetition also helps me.  Along with working with Danna I played with other cadre-mates in WoW.  In these different situations I was the noob learning how to play.  In other cases I got to act as the master and teach others.  In all of these situations I was seeing and doing things I had done before while learning new things along the way.  If I just played Wow for one time, I would not have learned the game as well as I did playing over time and reviewing what I learned as I learned new things.

Here’s Another Real World Example—Attending Trainings/Workshops

I attend a handful of trainings a year for my job as a technology teacher/coordinator.  When attending these trainings I am usually learning something that I want to take back and use with students and teachers or it is something that I am expected to be knowledgeable about so I really need to get as much as I can out of these trainings.

During the training I always take notes (being active)—usually on paper.  Then later I can go back and type them up—this gives me a chance to review them.

I usually hand write notes then type them up later (typing them up later allows me to review the notes and remember important items from the training.)  I am the person that asks annoying questions.  (Why does this…Why doesn’t this….What if…)  Depending on the set up of the training, I’ll seek the presenters for help or even people seated near me.  I keep track of their contact information for questions after I leave the session.

Advancing in WoW

I’m still at level 5 as a warlock. I’ve been accepting more challenges and been looting the corpses. I got a warning that my backpack is full (but I can still put stuff in it). I took a challenge from Brother Paxton to heal some soldiers. It was a really easy challenge for me at this point, but figured it couldn’t hurt. I also now know what it means when these soldiers say, “I could use a heal.” I remember seeing that a lot when I first started playing and I wondered if I was supposed to do something. Now I know.

One of the challenges I’m doing right now is collecting gold dust from the Kaboid Tunnelers. They’re not to hard to beat–but I have found that only some of them have gold dust. Hmm…I think the game is getting harder. I also see a lot more real players especially around the Goldshire area. One of them killed something for me–I thanked him then we both danced a little. Kinda fun. Then another player came along and both challenged me to a duel. A Duel? I declined, but then after being asked a third time I agreed to try it. I knew I was a lower level than these guys but figured I’d see what duels were all about. I wound up accepting and then the girl who challenged me just there. Hmmm… A few minutes later I started walking around and found that I was immobilized and had lost all my spells. I was frozen for a minute–then I started walking. Then I was out of the duel area–didn’t really care so I kept walking. Some animal attacked me and I wound up dead–still didn’t have any spells. I stopped the game there. Hope when I go back I can just resurrect and get back to playing.

Duel!

Meeting other players

WoW and Skype

Today we set up a Skype and WoW session with about 8 cadremates. We all met up and the Inn–then headed outside as it was getting crowded. After “checking” in we split up into smaller groups. I hung out with Danna and Jackie who were also warlocks. Danna–at level 17 had some great tips! Jackie was still learning–she’s just a beginner. But I’m only on level 5 so it was cool that I could teach her some things. I did find out that if you press M you can see the whole map–how had I not figured this out before!??!?! While playing the game I have gone to google to try to find maps of WoW. Ahhhhh….

Collaboration = Success!

I did learn that you need to loot corpses. I always just left them once they were dead. So easy to do, but I had no idea. Danna told me how to do this. Now I know why things sparkle when they’re dead. It was really helpful for my next challenge which was collecting weapons from orcs. I just put them in my backpack! Also got some hair form worgs and copper from something else I killed. Easy money!

This game does a good job of easing you into things. Now at level 5, I have had some things start to attack me when I don’t provoke them. I’m better at handling it now than I was before. There are always new things to learn, Danna mentioned a few things we’d need to know once we get to a higher level–but didn’t go into much detail. I’d say thing game promotes life-long learning (guess it depends on how long you play the game). I think that’s why people get hooked–there’s so much to learn even when you get to higher levels.

 

New Baby!

I have been playing more WoW recently. When I started the Sims I found the music to be soothing and comforting.

New Addition to the Family

Sometimes the music in WoW really works on my nerves. Pauline had her baby today when I played. I got the notice that it was time. I was told to make sure she was at home or in the hospital. At the time she was in the pool. A big black schoolbus came and picked her and Hank up then then returned with a baby in hand. Interesting… I got to pick a name for the baby: Wendy. Also got to select two traits for her because she had an easy birth. I guess if there is a bad birth you can’t choose as many traits. Once they had the baby a pop up screen asked if I wanted to learn more about babies. Um, yeah! This is my first sim baby! I was told to buy a crib and other furniture for her. I was also told that she should be held, fed, and bathed. Good to know! I decided to have my sims throw a party in honor of the baby. It’s always fun to see what happens when you get the sims together. They all seemed to have a good time. No major drama. Hank perfected his guitar skills at the party. Pauline even made a new friend.

Class in WoW

I successfully met everyone for class tonight with my new character-Helainnaa (just added an extra a so that other MALTers could find me and I didn’t have to update the wiki.)  Was cool to see everyone at the Lion’s Pride Inn. After some partying and a few directions from Bill, we split up because everyone was at different quests.

Class in WoW

Shawn and I hung out for a little bit together. She wanted to go explore some new lands, but I declined because last time I explored I went too far away from home! After Shawn left I continued to work on some quests—killed a bunch of things and am moving up! I did see Danna later on-she ran by quickly and I was unable to find her again. I got up to level 5!

Redoing the beginning stages has helped me to learn a few new things and has built my confidence.  I’ve gotten a better feel for the area around me. Normally I’d say I’m pretty good at map-reading navigating, but this game is throwing me off! I have learned how to track my quest in the map. The big yellow arrow pointing where I need to go is quite helpful. In about an hour I got from level 1 up to level 5. So I think replaying was a smart idea for now.