Week 3 Journal
Dr. Byers,
Each week I learn something new! I have to say, I was pleasantly surprised with my first article from this week, “Learning/Teaching Styles: Applying the Principles” by Peggy Friedman and Robert Alley. What I found to be most interesting were the case studies, and seeing how the Student Learning Style instrument was used. Each case was a different kind of approach, but they all had measured success.
The first case was my favorite where the teacher involved the students by taking a self-survey and identifying with their own unique learning styles. I also really like the fact that he used the results to change the classroom environment to accommodate various learning styles. This is yet another example of not thinking about the layout of the classroom until taking this program. I have been in several dozen different uniquely designed classrooms and not once did I consciously think that it may be effecting how I am learning.
Most teachers, specifically at the elementary schools, pour their own unique personalities into their classrooms. I get the feeling like they think every square inch of the walls has to be covered in some kind of poster or artwork. They use really bright bold colors that they like. They are constantly changing the furniture around to make different layouts. How many of them actually stop and think if that is going to help or hinder their learners? Now I am not a psychologist or doctor of any sort but wouldn’t you think that at this age especially, teachers need to be extremely sensitive to the learning styles of their students.
Elementary age learners are not the type to speak up and tell their teacher that the paint color is really distracting them. Or maybe they would be the first ones to say it, but they if they were aware of it. Think back to kindergarten, what do you see? I see a boarder of the alphabet and numbers going around the entire room, outlining the sky blue paint on the walls. I see a bold rug in the center that we did activities on, and over against the wall is a mountain of cubbies with our names on it. Way up high on the top self of a cabinet was our special storage space for the sleeping bags we used at nap time. My sleeping blanket had a rainbow unicorn on it.
My favorite teacher in the whole world was my first grade teacher, Mrs. Maydew. She had bouffant hair and wore horn rimmed glasses. She used to squeeze all of our cheeks and tap us with a ruler to get our attention, but I still adored her. My most favorite thing in her room was her dress up box. My friends and I loved to play dress up during recess. Then we would pretend we would either play school or house, those were our favorite makes-believe games. She had a pair of bright red high heeled shoes with gold buckles. I would put them on and feel just like Dorothy in the Wizard of Oz. We were in Kansas after all.
Mrs. Maydew inspired creativity. She let our imaginations go wild. At 4’11”, she was petite, and had the patience of a saint. She was like going to school and having your grandma right there in class with you. I remember going back and visiting her when I got big, and feeling like a giant hugging her. I wonder what ever happened to Mrs. Maydew.
Isn’t it funny the things that we remember. I attended pre-school in the basement of the public library. I remember running down there every day and going straight for this game. I don’t even remember what it was called, but if I seen it I might now. Whatever it was, I am certain that it was the greatest little game in the whole world. The teacher would have to practically pry that away from me when it was time to learn.
When I was four years old, I started dance classes. They were held downtown in an old building. This building had the largest open room with a stage on one end. I couldn’t tell you what it was before that but I can tell you that it isn’t there anymore. Every day when I got to dance class, I had to run up on stage and put a record on. It was always a toss-up between Locomotion and Labamba. One of my first performances was to Elvis’s Teddy Bear song and yes I had my favorite stuffed animal accompany me, my dog Boo Woo. I wore a trash bag stuffed full of balloons with black tights and black gloves because I was a California Raisin.
In kindergarten, I wowed my teacher by singing Labamba word for word including the Spanish words. They were so impressed that I was supposed to sing it at my kindergarten graduation. A rather large case of stage fright silenced me.
I find that so fascinating that I can still remember all of those things in great detail. Children’s minds are like sponges and they are so eager to absorb knowledge. I think it would be interesting to visit a grade school and interview the teachers to see how much influence their learners had on the development of their classrooms. Maybe in my free time! Until then I will relive my own childhood memories!
What is one of your favorites?
Have a great week,
Anne
