11th Week - Bates - Festinger

Week 11 * Festinger p. 81 * Festinger's theory of cognitive dissonance connects to an individual's strong beliefs, which are hard to sway even when presented with factual information and debate. When an individual believes strongly in a topic, it may be hard to change their opinion on the matter, especially if it is associated with sensitive and firsthand experiences. School staff need to be open to hearing student's opinions and beliefs, even if they do not correlate with the educator's teaching. Allow students to share their thoughts however; continue instructing students about topics even if they may arise in debates or arguments. Never pressure individuals to change their opinions but continue to provide them with information so they can choose what or what not to believe. Through research activities, students can read and learn about topics to help them justify or change their thoughts. Overall, everyone has a right to their own opinion and beliefs.

10th week - Bates - Hebb

Week 10 * Hebb p. 73 * Hebb quoted, "cells that wire together, fire together" (Bates, 2023, p. 73) explains the neural connection of nerve cells in the brain. Hebb's theory explains how connections in the brain are created by the effects of learning. Therefore, learning is associated with how new links are created or how existing ones are rearranged in the brain. The brain allows new data to be retained, if it is useful. As an educator, it is ideal to teach content to which students find useful and essential to learning. Being proactive in learning each student's style of learning, abilities, and interests can create powerful content to meet their needs. With the implementation of various learning materials and real life experiences the students can use a wide range of senses and techniques to learn.

9th Week - Spring Break

8th Week- Bates - Rogers

Week 8 * Rogers p. 65 * Rogers believes educators should be facilitating students to produce "their own solutions rather than providing answers to problems" (Bates, 2023, p. 65). This humanist approach involves students clarifying their own strategies to produce results. As students practice various techniques and strategies, they can identify what methods make learning easier for them. This theory emphasizes the importance of the educator being the "class facilitator" (Bates, 2023, p. 64) instead of believing to be in control of the class. Become an involved educator as you participate in learning right along with your students.

7th Week - Bates - Ausubel

Week 7 * Ausubel p. 55 * The approach Ausubel considers is the "teacher-centered approach" (Bates, 2023, p.54) through three teaching steps. The first step educators should implement in their practice is the explaining "what you are going to teach" (Bates, 2023, p. 54). The first step allows students to know what to expect before the educator starts the lesson. The next step involves teaching the content within the chosen subject which is also linked to prior teachings. The last step in Ausubel's approach is recapping what was just taught, giving students a lasting image in their mind at the closing. This can also allow the students to ask questions to clarify misunderstandings or verify information related to their prior experiences. Educators can assess the student's knowledge through whole class or one to one peer discussions.