Chapter 1: A Foundation for Teaching

• What is Educational Psychology?– The study of learners, learning and teaching.– Helps you discover your knowledge of how to

solve daily problems when teaching.– Gives you the principles to make good decisions.– Let’s you discover the language needed to discuss

your experiences and thinking. – Gives you the information needed to think

critically about your craft.

What Makes a Good Teacher?

• An Effective/Intentional Teacher should:– Have a sense of warmth toward others– Have a sense of humor– Is hardworking and knows how to plan– Is a leader, has a love for learning and has the

ability to communicate effectively• Knowing the Subject Matters• Mastering Teaching Skills

Pedagogy

• Instruction = Pedagogy (Talk the Talk)

• The link between what a teacher wants a student to learn and the students’ actual learning is called instruction, or Pedagogy.

• To instruct is to evaluate students’ level of performance, engage them in the process of learning and help them recall information in a systematic manner.

Good Teaching

• Can Good Teaching Be Taught? • To be an intentional teacher one must:– Be a decision maker, critical thinker and problem

solver.– Have the ability to reflect on their own teaching

experiences.– Understand students, their learning and

communicate with them socially and intellectually.– Be able to apply their knowledge.

The Intentional Teacher

• The outstanding teacher intentionally means doing things for a reason, on purpose. They are constantly thinking about the outcomes they want for their students and about how each decision they make moves children toward those outcomes.

• Teachers need to be purposeful, thoughtful and flexible without losing sight or their goals for every student.

Teacher’s Impact on Students?

• Teacher Efficacy: The degree to which teachers feel that their own efforts determine the success of their students.– Planning ahead, thinking

of ways to get to each learner, engaging the student and outcomes of lesson.

• Critical Thinking: A logical and systematic conclusion through examination of the problem, the evidence and the solution.– Realistic classroom

procedures, expectations, consequences and rewards!

Who are the Jetsons?• http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lhF4gu87rn0Jetson Theme Song.

• My generation saw the future in space-like fashion…much like the Jetsons. Here is what the future holds for us now!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_A-ZVCjfWf8

21st Century Learners.

• What will your classrooms look like?

• Can we teach students the same way generation after generation?

• Differences?

Student Success

• Economic security for both individuals and for nations depends more than ever on:– Innovation– Creativity– Ability to work cooperatively– See more than one solution to every problem– Flexibility in work environments– Responsive to rapid change

– “Strong Back” VS. “Strong Mind” mentality

Educational Psychology Research

• Principle: Explanation of the relationship between factors, such as the effects of alternative grading systems on student motivation. Laws are simply principles that have been tested and found to apply in a wide variety of situations.

• Theory: A set of related principles and laws that explains a broad aspect of learning, behavior, or another area of interest. Without theories the facts and principles would be disorganized. Theories tie together facts and principles.

Teaching is…

• Teaching is ----------- (Intentional)

• Teaching involves ------ --------- (Making Decisions)

• Teaching is -------- ----- (Research Based)

• Teaching involves ------- (Science)

• Teaching is -- --- (An Art)

• Research + Common Sense= Effective Teaching

How to Become an Intentional Teacher

• First become a certified teacher. – Take 4 core introductory courses (EDUC 201, 210, 230 & 270) 260 is

also highly recommended!– Pass the MoGEA exam with a passing score in each area:

Science/Social Studies, Math, Reading and Writing.– Enter a 4 year Teacher Education Program. – Have a satisfactory Student Teacher experience.– Pass the Teacher Certification Test (MOCA). Look for Certification

Pointers throughout the text like on pages 22-23.– Become familiar with the 10 Quality Indicators for effective teaching

like shown in figure 1.4, page 21.

–But this isn’t all..there’s more……..

Beyond Certification

• Create and/or take advantage of opportunities to develop your skills as an intentional teacher in a variety of ways:– Seek Mentors– Seek Professional Development– Talk Teaching– Subscribe to Professional Publications or join

Professional AssociationsMost of all: Enjoy your career, have fun and never

stop learning!