Jackie Lawrence
EDF 2085
Reflection Paper #12
According to Sigmund Freud, there are two major contributors that constitute the entire human thought process, including emotions and behavior, both of which are motivated by his Pleasure Principle. These concepts, Eros and Thanatos, or sex and aggression, are the primary driving forces of human nature and procreation. To Freud, it’s pretty simple; our entire personality is based on the primitive, basic instinct of survival. The ego, an idea introduced in 1923, is a part of conscious thought which emerges in early childhood to control feelings of instant gratification that the id seeks out. The ego also satisfies the superego’s need to behave in moral and ethical ways. This model on psychosexual development also included the Oedipus and Electra complex, in which children lust for their parent of the opposite sex during early childhood. Each stage of growth represented a shift of sexual energy in various erogenous zones. For example, during the phallic stage from ages 3 to 5, Freud believed little girls felt inferior to boys, and little boys feared losing their sexual reproductive systems. Hence, the concepts of penis envy and castration anxiety were developed.
Many professionals believe Freud’s Psychoanalytic Theory had an unhealthy and unnecessary overemphasis on sex. Other critics scrutinize the absence of adult developmental stages in his research, and even attribute his “creative” thinking process to a cocaine problem. Regardless, Freud’s efforts did supply significant groundwork in understanding the developmental stages of humans, which psychologists have examined and analyzed throughout the years. In all actuality, the study of psychology escalated with an extraordinary intensity after Freud’s theories became notorious. Many contemporary psychologists still have confidence in the idea that we are only aware of a minute fraction of our total thought processes at any given time, which Freud identified in his iceberg model of the conscious, preconscious, and unconscious. Defense mechanisms are also acknowledged today, which were originally a Freudian view. Sigmund Freud definitely had some interesting beliefs concerning how the human psyche functions, but I truly respect and admire just how tremendous his contributions were to today’s modern psychological views.
Wednesday, October 7, 2009
Tuesday, October 6, 2009
EDF 2085 Reflection #11
Jackie Lawrence
EDF 2085
Reflection Paper #11
It takes time and experience to cultivate a common culture, and culture is often the underlying reason people think and behave as they do. A group of closely related people will ultimately form a universal system of beliefs, convictions, values, attitudes, and behaviors. Once certain aspects of culture are formed and learned, change can be difficult. Even more so, tolerating and accepting someone else’s cultural attitudes may seem impossible. However, culture is learned, and anything learned can always be unlearned.
The article “Beliefs, Values, and Attitudes” taught me that in order to progress towards multicultural awareness, beliefs, values, and attitudes must sometimes change. And in order to change, one must be exposed to new information that seems reasonable and realistic. Paradigm shifts can occur, even when it comes to prejudice and discriminatory outlooks. All people have an innate need for affiliation, because stress is decreased if interpersonal relationships are present and healthy. Hence, various clusters of people form, and prejudicial attitudes may materialize towards those outside of the in-group. These views are rooted in fear, ignorance, and isolation. Therefore, as a school psychologist, it is imperative I am aware of the various cultural backgrounds of the children I deal with on a day to day basis. Additionally, I need to research the general beliefs and attitudes of each so I can be prepared and knowledgeable of what’s in store. According to the article, because my students will be interacting with me in their environment, I will have some type of influence on their belief system. I think the most significant concept I obtained from reading the article is that it will be primarily my responsibility to strive for an understanding and respect between my students that are different from each other. When counseling, I need to focus on creating a multicultural understanding between kids of all ethnic groups, religions, and social classes. If I can do my part in decreasing prejudice and discrimination just a little in our very diverse world, then I have done my job.
EDF 2085
Reflection Paper #11
It takes time and experience to cultivate a common culture, and culture is often the underlying reason people think and behave as they do. A group of closely related people will ultimately form a universal system of beliefs, convictions, values, attitudes, and behaviors. Once certain aspects of culture are formed and learned, change can be difficult. Even more so, tolerating and accepting someone else’s cultural attitudes may seem impossible. However, culture is learned, and anything learned can always be unlearned.
The article “Beliefs, Values, and Attitudes” taught me that in order to progress towards multicultural awareness, beliefs, values, and attitudes must sometimes change. And in order to change, one must be exposed to new information that seems reasonable and realistic. Paradigm shifts can occur, even when it comes to prejudice and discriminatory outlooks. All people have an innate need for affiliation, because stress is decreased if interpersonal relationships are present and healthy. Hence, various clusters of people form, and prejudicial attitudes may materialize towards those outside of the in-group. These views are rooted in fear, ignorance, and isolation. Therefore, as a school psychologist, it is imperative I am aware of the various cultural backgrounds of the children I deal with on a day to day basis. Additionally, I need to research the general beliefs and attitudes of each so I can be prepared and knowledgeable of what’s in store. According to the article, because my students will be interacting with me in their environment, I will have some type of influence on their belief system. I think the most significant concept I obtained from reading the article is that it will be primarily my responsibility to strive for an understanding and respect between my students that are different from each other. When counseling, I need to focus on creating a multicultural understanding between kids of all ethnic groups, religions, and social classes. If I can do my part in decreasing prejudice and discrimination just a little in our very diverse world, then I have done my job.
Friday, October 2, 2009
EDF 1005 Reflection Paper #14
Jackie Lawrence
EDF 1005
Reflection Paper #14
Aristotle acquired much of his knowledge from his teacher Plato in the Grove of Academus, a school that adjoined Plato’s home. Plato and Aristotle became close, even though they often disagreed in their thoughts. Aristotle took an interest in studying the facts and laws of the physical world, while Plato believed the Platonic Forms mattered more so in achieving enlightenment. Aristotle studied in Athens from the age of eighteen to thirty-seven, and then departed to Stagira, where he would tutor Alexander, the son of the King of Macedon. Because of Alexander’s riches, Aristotle now had an abundant amount of access to books on scientific knowledge. He formulated questions to ask when contemplating biological matter, which later became known as “Aristotle’s Four Causes.” These inquiries included the following: What is it made from? What is its form or essence? What produced it? For what purpose? This model resembles the beginnings of the Scientific Method, which is studied in schools today. Later, Aristotle returned to Athens and opened the Peripatetic school, where he dedicated much time to his writings, and is now accredited with the establishment of the first library. He believed that philosophy is actual science which is based on the fundamental nature of what is actual and real. In his book Metaphysics, Aristotle used philosophy to describe the nature of the universe in motion, which he called the unmoved mover. His philosophical “Great Chain of Being” classified the world by ranking living things from the least to most complex. His model probably influenced Darwin’s Theory of Evolution, as well as formed a basis for our classification of species today.
As you can see, the studies and beliefs of Socrates, Plato, and Aristotle have played a key role in founding modern western education. They all thought it was imperative to establish their own fact base; never just blindly believe the opinions of others. In America’s contemporary society, this model of critical thinking is continually being considered more and more essential. Analyzing these great philosophers and their beliefs in contemporary education will help fabricate the great thinkers of tomorrow.
EDF 1005
Reflection Paper #14
Aristotle acquired much of his knowledge from his teacher Plato in the Grove of Academus, a school that adjoined Plato’s home. Plato and Aristotle became close, even though they often disagreed in their thoughts. Aristotle took an interest in studying the facts and laws of the physical world, while Plato believed the Platonic Forms mattered more so in achieving enlightenment. Aristotle studied in Athens from the age of eighteen to thirty-seven, and then departed to Stagira, where he would tutor Alexander, the son of the King of Macedon. Because of Alexander’s riches, Aristotle now had an abundant amount of access to books on scientific knowledge. He formulated questions to ask when contemplating biological matter, which later became known as “Aristotle’s Four Causes.” These inquiries included the following: What is it made from? What is its form or essence? What produced it? For what purpose? This model resembles the beginnings of the Scientific Method, which is studied in schools today. Later, Aristotle returned to Athens and opened the Peripatetic school, where he dedicated much time to his writings, and is now accredited with the establishment of the first library. He believed that philosophy is actual science which is based on the fundamental nature of what is actual and real. In his book Metaphysics, Aristotle used philosophy to describe the nature of the universe in motion, which he called the unmoved mover. His philosophical “Great Chain of Being” classified the world by ranking living things from the least to most complex. His model probably influenced Darwin’s Theory of Evolution, as well as formed a basis for our classification of species today.
As you can see, the studies and beliefs of Socrates, Plato, and Aristotle have played a key role in founding modern western education. They all thought it was imperative to establish their own fact base; never just blindly believe the opinions of others. In America’s contemporary society, this model of critical thinking is continually being considered more and more essential. Analyzing these great philosophers and their beliefs in contemporary education will help fabricate the great thinkers of tomorrow.
EDF 1005 Reflection Paper #13
Jackie Lawrence
EDF 1005
Reflection Paper #13
Plato, a student and follower of the philosopher Socrates, believed that the world is only meaningful because of the ideas, or forms, created in our minds. According to him, the soul and the body are separate beings, and the needs of the body impede on the expansion of the soul. All people are born ignorant once they receive a human body, but have the ability to become enlightened if they so choose. “This is the doctrine of recollection, Plato’s conviction that our most basic knowledge comes when we bring back to mind our acquaintance with eternal realities during a previous existence of the soul.” To me, this belief parallels our education system enormously. There have been innumerable times I have been sitting in a classroom and experienced déjà vu, simply because I’ve heard the same information before and actually retained it. To Plato, those fortunate few who have discovered the truth have a duty to educate others. Because of this outlook, Plato founded a school called the Academy in the fourth century, in which his students attempted to discover reality through concentration on metaphysics and epistemology Ordinary objects of this world are changeable and unreliable, only through an understanding of the Platonic Forms can we achieve enlightenment. Furthermore, Plato was also responsible for the development of idealism, which has also had a pretty enormous impact on modern western education. Platonic idealism holds that truth is eternal and perfect, and should be sought out using critical thinking skills. His writings formed a basis of true philosophical thought by examining various issues from alternative perspectives, a process known today as dialectic, still common in classrooms today. Another example of Plato’s teachings is that through utilization of the elenchus, people should question their beliefs, achieve clarity through open-mindedness, and progress towards the Good. In essence, true virtue could be taught through utilizing appropriate educational methods. Isn’t this the basic conception of how children should become knowledgeable today?
EDF 1005
Reflection Paper #13
Plato, a student and follower of the philosopher Socrates, believed that the world is only meaningful because of the ideas, or forms, created in our minds. According to him, the soul and the body are separate beings, and the needs of the body impede on the expansion of the soul. All people are born ignorant once they receive a human body, but have the ability to become enlightened if they so choose. “This is the doctrine of recollection, Plato’s conviction that our most basic knowledge comes when we bring back to mind our acquaintance with eternal realities during a previous existence of the soul.” To me, this belief parallels our education system enormously. There have been innumerable times I have been sitting in a classroom and experienced déjà vu, simply because I’ve heard the same information before and actually retained it. To Plato, those fortunate few who have discovered the truth have a duty to educate others. Because of this outlook, Plato founded a school called the Academy in the fourth century, in which his students attempted to discover reality through concentration on metaphysics and epistemology Ordinary objects of this world are changeable and unreliable, only through an understanding of the Platonic Forms can we achieve enlightenment. Furthermore, Plato was also responsible for the development of idealism, which has also had a pretty enormous impact on modern western education. Platonic idealism holds that truth is eternal and perfect, and should be sought out using critical thinking skills. His writings formed a basis of true philosophical thought by examining various issues from alternative perspectives, a process known today as dialectic, still common in classrooms today. Another example of Plato’s teachings is that through utilization of the elenchus, people should question their beliefs, achieve clarity through open-mindedness, and progress towards the Good. In essence, true virtue could be taught through utilizing appropriate educational methods. Isn’t this the basic conception of how children should become knowledgeable today?
Thursday, October 1, 2009
EDF 2085 Reflection Paper #10
Jackie Lawrence
EDF 2085
Reflection Paper #10
This morning I went to North Miami Senior High School, where I plan on conducting my service learning hours to gain a broader perspective of what my career aspirations truly consist of. The school psychologist gave me a walk-through and showed me a little bit of where and how the special education students are taught. Boy, was I in for a wake-up call!! I left there today feeling anxious, nervous, and incredibly overwhelmed. Thank goodness for the article “Strategies for Inclusive Teaching!” After reflecting, I feel slightly more confident that I just may be able to handle what’s in store.
Teachers must focus on individual student needs, even though classrooms will be filled with obstacles to overcome. It’s important to get to know each student on a personal level; showing an interest in understanding their backgrounds and belief systems will encourage them to trust you. As a teacher, you must be comfortable addressing issues of race, gender, culture, and social class in an appropriate and respectable way. This will influence your students to do the same. Making students feel important and included facilitates learning and academic success, along with success outside of the classroom. Group involvement may assist in addressing many issues that will inevitably arise, such as religion, spirituality, prejudice, and stereotyping. It also might help to give students questionnaires concerning such topics throughout the semester. This will aid in measuring where your students are at in their heads; maybe they have even experienced a paradigm shift or two. Additionally, encourage your students to ask questions and promote classroom discussions. Children who feel free to actively engage will enjoy class time more and most likely receive higher grades as a result. Setting ground rules and a trusting atmosphere early on is important so students can feel comfortable to openly express their opinions and learn from others. When initiating the pedagogical cycle, use anecdotes that students can easily relate to. Role playing, visual aids, an organized syllabus, and fair grading scales are also important. Most of all, make learning fun. I can’t imagine a better feeling then knowing that my students are looking forward to what I have to offer them.
EDF 2085
Reflection Paper #10
This morning I went to North Miami Senior High School, where I plan on conducting my service learning hours to gain a broader perspective of what my career aspirations truly consist of. The school psychologist gave me a walk-through and showed me a little bit of where and how the special education students are taught. Boy, was I in for a wake-up call!! I left there today feeling anxious, nervous, and incredibly overwhelmed. Thank goodness for the article “Strategies for Inclusive Teaching!” After reflecting, I feel slightly more confident that I just may be able to handle what’s in store.
Teachers must focus on individual student needs, even though classrooms will be filled with obstacles to overcome. It’s important to get to know each student on a personal level; showing an interest in understanding their backgrounds and belief systems will encourage them to trust you. As a teacher, you must be comfortable addressing issues of race, gender, culture, and social class in an appropriate and respectable way. This will influence your students to do the same. Making students feel important and included facilitates learning and academic success, along with success outside of the classroom. Group involvement may assist in addressing many issues that will inevitably arise, such as religion, spirituality, prejudice, and stereotyping. It also might help to give students questionnaires concerning such topics throughout the semester. This will aid in measuring where your students are at in their heads; maybe they have even experienced a paradigm shift or two. Additionally, encourage your students to ask questions and promote classroom discussions. Children who feel free to actively engage will enjoy class time more and most likely receive higher grades as a result. Setting ground rules and a trusting atmosphere early on is important so students can feel comfortable to openly express their opinions and learn from others. When initiating the pedagogical cycle, use anecdotes that students can easily relate to. Role playing, visual aids, an organized syllabus, and fair grading scales are also important. Most of all, make learning fun. I can’t imagine a better feeling then knowing that my students are looking forward to what I have to offer them.
EDF 1005 Reflection Paper #12
Jackie Lawrence
EDF 1005
Reflection Paper #12
As far back as 1896, John Dewey established a laboratory school at the University of Chicago, which featured his concept of progressive education. This new concept incorporated more respect for a diversified classroom, more emphasis on social sciences and vocational education, and more concern for family and community issues. Dewey believed that children would receive an enhanced education if they pursued their own personal interests. During the 1930’s, the Progressive Education Association conducted a study which examined the benefits of progressive education. In general, students taught at progressive schools had higher grades, were more objective thinkers, and exhibited more intellectual curiosity then students from traditional schools. Unfortunately, the concept of progressive education was pushed to the side at the time, as the space race and World War II were viewed as significantly more important.
During the Cold War, in 1957, the Soviet Union launched an aircraft called Sputnik into space, beating United States attempts. The space race resulted in impacting the education system in America in a variety of ways. Because US politicians blamed the education system for letting the Soviets beat us into space, science, math, and foreign language classes suddenly became more rigorous and viewed as vital parts of the curriculum. Additionally, the National Defense Education Act was passed by Congress in 1958, which aimed to train our children in national defense to provide better security for our nation.
The launching of Sputnik also had an influence on the organization of essentialism, which was generated in the 1930’s by educator William Bagley. According to our textbook, essentialism “strives to teach students the accumulated knowledge of our civilization through core courses in the traditional academic disciplines.” After World War II, the back-to-basics approach, patriotism, training the mind, and character development became prevailing principles in the education system.
In essence, the history of our country, along with politics, has manipulated our methods of education. I suppose different times call for different measures, but in my own personal opinion, the concept of progressive education may have been a constructive system and beneficial to the American education system. I believe a mixture of progressivism, essentialism, and multicultural education may be the models we should attempt to base education on today.
EDF 1005
Reflection Paper #12
As far back as 1896, John Dewey established a laboratory school at the University of Chicago, which featured his concept of progressive education. This new concept incorporated more respect for a diversified classroom, more emphasis on social sciences and vocational education, and more concern for family and community issues. Dewey believed that children would receive an enhanced education if they pursued their own personal interests. During the 1930’s, the Progressive Education Association conducted a study which examined the benefits of progressive education. In general, students taught at progressive schools had higher grades, were more objective thinkers, and exhibited more intellectual curiosity then students from traditional schools. Unfortunately, the concept of progressive education was pushed to the side at the time, as the space race and World War II were viewed as significantly more important.
During the Cold War, in 1957, the Soviet Union launched an aircraft called Sputnik into space, beating United States attempts. The space race resulted in impacting the education system in America in a variety of ways. Because US politicians blamed the education system for letting the Soviets beat us into space, science, math, and foreign language classes suddenly became more rigorous and viewed as vital parts of the curriculum. Additionally, the National Defense Education Act was passed by Congress in 1958, which aimed to train our children in national defense to provide better security for our nation.
The launching of Sputnik also had an influence on the organization of essentialism, which was generated in the 1930’s by educator William Bagley. According to our textbook, essentialism “strives to teach students the accumulated knowledge of our civilization through core courses in the traditional academic disciplines.” After World War II, the back-to-basics approach, patriotism, training the mind, and character development became prevailing principles in the education system.
In essence, the history of our country, along with politics, has manipulated our methods of education. I suppose different times call for different measures, but in my own personal opinion, the concept of progressive education may have been a constructive system and beneficial to the American education system. I believe a mixture of progressivism, essentialism, and multicultural education may be the models we should attempt to base education on today.
EDF 1005 Reflection Paper #11
Jackie Lawrence
EDF 1005
Reflection Paper #11
Ancient Greek philosopher Socrates believed that people should focus on who they truly are at the core and what type of habits and behaviors they should focus on and develop. He spent much of his life speaking to whoever would listen, whether it be the people in the marketplace or in homes of the wealthy. He thought moral actions could occur only after one examined their own character, that challenging ignorance would ultimately formulate wisdom. Pursuing a good, moral soul was much more honorable then acquiring money or success. Being wicked and evil means you have a rotting soul and this is even worse than death. Socrates’ elenthus leads to moral knowledge and an understanding that behaving righteously will lead to enlightenment. He urged his followers to question their beliefs, challenge them, and ultimately sharpen their morality. Many influential figures from Athens believed that the elenthus had little to no validity for discovering truth, mainly because he questioned their wisdom. Because of his teachings and “corrupting” the Greek youths, Socrates was ordered to drink hemlock by the Athenian Senate, condemning him to death. Despite this, Socrates believed that he was enlightened, and no human being could ruin his state, even through death, and impose evil on him.
Regardless of his fate, Socrates’ beliefs have influenced Western education in a variety of ways. The method of elenchus, or inquiry, is still used today, and we also hold his five cardinal virtues in high regard. Today, we encourage students to question what they are taught, using critical thinking on an everyday basis. We value those who are educated and knowledgeable in America, although I sometimes think we sometimes neglect to challenge their decisions enough. Socrates taught that wisdom is based on practical, everyday thinking. In order for our future generations to become successful, educators and influencers must cultivate this type of thinking in our children. Daily life experience will eventually generate wisdom, and may even answer those seemingly impossible questions we all ponder. Education brings us expertise in specific subject areas, but the process of education helps to expand our mind and bring true awareness into play. I think this is what Socrates was ultimately trying to teach his followers.
EDF 1005
Reflection Paper #11
Ancient Greek philosopher Socrates believed that people should focus on who they truly are at the core and what type of habits and behaviors they should focus on and develop. He spent much of his life speaking to whoever would listen, whether it be the people in the marketplace or in homes of the wealthy. He thought moral actions could occur only after one examined their own character, that challenging ignorance would ultimately formulate wisdom. Pursuing a good, moral soul was much more honorable then acquiring money or success. Being wicked and evil means you have a rotting soul and this is even worse than death. Socrates’ elenthus leads to moral knowledge and an understanding that behaving righteously will lead to enlightenment. He urged his followers to question their beliefs, challenge them, and ultimately sharpen their morality. Many influential figures from Athens believed that the elenthus had little to no validity for discovering truth, mainly because he questioned their wisdom. Because of his teachings and “corrupting” the Greek youths, Socrates was ordered to drink hemlock by the Athenian Senate, condemning him to death. Despite this, Socrates believed that he was enlightened, and no human being could ruin his state, even through death, and impose evil on him.
Regardless of his fate, Socrates’ beliefs have influenced Western education in a variety of ways. The method of elenchus, or inquiry, is still used today, and we also hold his five cardinal virtues in high regard. Today, we encourage students to question what they are taught, using critical thinking on an everyday basis. We value those who are educated and knowledgeable in America, although I sometimes think we sometimes neglect to challenge their decisions enough. Socrates taught that wisdom is based on practical, everyday thinking. In order for our future generations to become successful, educators and influencers must cultivate this type of thinking in our children. Daily life experience will eventually generate wisdom, and may even answer those seemingly impossible questions we all ponder. Education brings us expertise in specific subject areas, but the process of education helps to expand our mind and bring true awareness into play. I think this is what Socrates was ultimately trying to teach his followers.
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