Blog 8

1. What are the differences between overt and covert learning strategies. (Understanding)

2. After you have read chapter 8 what do you believe an example of "metacognition" would be in your classroom? [Synthesizing]

Constructivism

Ormrod defines constructivism as a "mental process in which a learner takes many separate pieces of information and uses them to build an overall understanding or interpretation" (218). Constructivism is a frequently used method in music. In music education there are so many elements that effect how a student will perform a piece of music; such as dynamics, characters, articulation, and knowledge of music history are just a few. I think it would be difficult to use any of the applications in a music classroom, but I think it would be interesting to try to use service learning if it is possible. Service learning is defined by Ormrod as an "activity that promotes learning and development through contributing to the betterment of other and the outside community" (232).

In my classroom I would try to use service learning through performing for those less fortunate. For example I think that it would be really cool to try to get a group together and perform for the Joy of Music school. By playing for them we could help to inspire them to continue to work hard in the practice room. We could also perform a concert at a nursing home. This would provide great joy to our community, and it would give my students more chances to perform. I believe that students would enjoy giving back to the community especially if the local community helped to provide them with an instrument. The obstacles would be to get students to come outside of school to volunteer to do a concert, because this concert would not be considered to be required since it is not on school grounds. Also the paper work would be very difficult to pull through with the retirement agency because of scheduling and getting others to participate would also be a challenge.       

Behaviorism and Social Cognitive views on learning

Behaviorism

According to Ormod Behaviorism involves the following ideas: "environmental events or stimuli, and people's behaviors, or responses"(286). Examples of these assumptions are listed below.

• "People's behaviors are largely the result of their experiences with environmental stimuli."
• "Learning involves a behavior change."
• "Learning involves forming associations amoung stimuli and responses." (286)
• "Learning is most likely to take place when stimuli and responses occur close together in time."
• "...human beings learn in similiar ways." (287)

To be able to successfully master my lesson objectives from a Behaviorist point of view I must complete the following. I must teach so that every student may respond to phrasing music in their own personal way. When I teach in my orchestra classroom I must be able to see if students are responding to directions that is out of the ordinary. So that I may respond in a responsible manner. If one of my students is acting out in class than others may follow his lead. I will make sure that the problem is handled quickly so that others do not copy his behavior. I want to make sure that every student understands the objectives of the class and feels open to respond in the classroom. Finally human beings learn in similar ways, I would want to make sure that when teaching that my lesson comes across clearly to all students.

                                                                   Social Cognitive
Now Ormrod gives us some assumptions on social cognitive theory listed below.

• "People can learn by observing others."
• "Learning is an internal process that may or may not lead to a behavior change."
• "Cognitive processes influence motivation as well as learning."
• "People and their enviornments mutually influence each other." (324)
• "Behavior becomes increasingly self-regulated." (325)

From a social cognitive view of learning I would want to complete the following tasks. I must give the students a chance to work in small ensembles with their section leader so that students will begin to listen to how they sound and make decisions on any errors that they have made. I may student's passion thriving for learning in class and I want to help enable them to go beyond what they have learned while they have this new change in attitude. I want students to set their own goals for themselves at the beginning of the year so that they can observe their progress at the end of the year. This can become competitive between students so that students can learn more quickly through positive peer pressure. I want to create a positive learning environment for my students this will help enable students to learn better. If I am organized than students will be able to complete tasks more efficiently. I believe using motivation for self-regulated behavior can be very positive. If students help portray a good attitude in class I will reward that behavior through positive comments and maybe even some candy or stickers.