Final Learning Log

What -
After taking the theory exam by Edmund Sass, I had basically half my questions that were agree a little, and the other half disagree a little. I tended to agree with most questions that were about being social with others. When thinking of Piagets theories, I tend to think of my little sister Bailey who is 11 years old so that would put her in the formal operational stage. I can see her still starting to figure things out. She is a smart girl for her age, but it has only been recent when she starting to think outside the box. With Vygotsky's theory, my sister is starting to love the social part of life, and tries to always have something going on with friends, where as only a few years ago, she really didn't want anything to do with friends, and was strictly a home body. In Eriksons theory, my sister is mainly in the industry-inferiority stage, because she is learning new things, but is still is shy in some areas. I do see a little bit of identity confusion also, because of the fact she doesn't have a thing she does (ex. mine was baseball, and my other sister Whitney was dance). My sister Bailey is in the Level1/stage1, because she only follows rules in the house because she's scared of what my dad would do (he wouldn't beat her of course, but he will yell and ground her probably). With the thought Goleman (emotional intelligence), it is important to know that our emotional intelligence are abilities that must be learned. The key part in the information process is not losing the information in the lost section of the model. I think that complex thinking that goes beyond basic remembrance of facts, such as evaluation and invention, enabling students to retain information and to apply problem-solving solutions to real-world problems. When thinking of behaviorism, I think about reward or punishment for the behavior we display. The term Social Cognitivism relays in my mind that observation is the most effective way to learn. Group and indiviual differences reminds me of the fact that every single person is not the same, and that goes with the way we learn as well. When thinking of Motivation, I think of the fact that positive motivation can be the best way to achieve a goal.

So What-
I personally think that every single person learns differently, and I think with positive motivation, a person can strive to achieve their best. I think that discovery learning is a very effective way to find what interests you and lets you have the opportunity to find things yourself, which can be very effective.

Now What-
When I start teaching P.E. classes, I try and switch up my methods of teaching so that everyone can have a turn learning the best way they can. I do realize the importance of doing so. A couple of suggestions could include the reward system for good behavior, token system, applying athletic siuations, and information video's (showing skills). My goal is master the theories I feel are the most positive in my classroom. I feel I need to get a better more in depth understand of all theories as well, because it has become kind of difficult to stay on top of some.

Course Contract Review #4

1. I felt that I have gone a long ways in gaining knowledge about the teaching world. I am starting to understand all theories and concepts learned in my classes on teaching. I believe that it will be of great benefit to me to have these theories with me at all times, so I can dabble in each of them and use them in my class.

2. I felt I could have done a much better job of staying on top of the assignments outside of class. I felt myself rushing to get most things done, instead of taking it step by step and giving myself time to complete each assignment thoroughly.

3. I am definitely making progress towards my goals. The main goals I set at the beginning are to become the best teacher I can possibly be, and I feel with the instruction I have recieved I have definitely taken a step in that direction.

4. I think this goes back to question number 2. My hope is, that I can use my time more wisely and turn in assignments. I feel tat this can carry over into teaching, where I need to make sure I stay on top of each lesson/unit plan for the semester so I can cover every area needed for class.

5. I honestly feel that my motivation to become a teacher is as high as anyone in my class. From my time being a baseball coach this year, I have really gained a love for being around and helping Lehi's student athletes. It is something I look forward to everyday and I am so thankful I have found something I love so early in life. As of right now I feel that I am on the right path of reaching each of my goals. And as I have said before, I plan on mastering each goal I have, but I feel experience in the classroom is a neccesity in order to do achieve that.

Course Contract #2

1. I feel that I am gradually getting more and more engrained in my brain about philosophies and different ways of teaching that will fit what I want to do as a teacher. I had done some observations and had a grasp of what the students preferred, and what the students worked best with. obviously not all students are the same, but I feel that from what I have learned, I can break every class up so that every type of learner will have a good experience in my classroom.

2. Again, I have not done a good job of staying on task with my assignments. Try outs were just occuring for baseball, and we as a coaching staff were spending long nights picking the teams at every level. I definitely need to do a better job of getting assignments in on time.

3. I have definitely made progress on most goals, but at the same time I feel that there is still so much to learn from the classes I am taking. I felt coming in that I had a good idea of how I wanted to do this and wanted to do that, but after some of these classes, I now know much more effective ways of doing things better.

4. Honestly I don't know if there is anything I can change. I am learning tons, while at the same time, understanding that there is still so much more to learn. I had mentioned my time management, which is still a problem, but when I do become a teacher, I think I will it will be easier to have good time management.

5. I am definitely in a position where I am working on performance goals. There are so many things going on that mastering a goal would be very very difficult at this time, although my ultimate goal is to master every goal I have set for myself. I don't believe change is needed at this time though.

Course Contract Review #1

1.At this time I feel like there had been a ton of different things thrown at me, and I felt it was starting to get tough already by keeping track of all the classes that were going on. I did feel at the time that I was grasping different concepts of teaching, and starting to get a grasp of what it takes to become a quality teacher.

2. I felt at the time that I was starting to slack in the homework department already. It had become very difficult because of the 6 classes I was taking, the coaching, and the part time job to stay on task with all of my assignments. I know it is an excuse, but man it became tough to stay on top of all things.

3. At the time, I was stable. It was too early in the semester to really grade on how I was doing as far as staying on top of goals. Obviously I was slacking a little bit, but I probably felt I could make it up and get everything back to normal, and keep my goals intact.

4. My time management. I sometimes got in the habit of when I did have free time, to spend it with the family and not do any homework. I feel that family time is very important, but my goal is to be a teacher, and I need to do everything I can to become one.

5. At the time I have to imagine that it was probably a mixture of both mastery and performance goals. I have felt the entire time that mastery goals come from experience, and I will eventually become the master of my own teaching world, but that comes when I am in the classroom every day.

Behaviorism and Social Cognitivism Case Study

BEHAVIORISM

1. I feel that Mr. Kessinger is no doubt a D-Bag!... Sorry had to get that off my chest. I feel that his class is no where near a community of learners classroom. He doesn't allow the students to express their own thoughts or idea, and he is very strict in the way he teaches. I think that Ms. Yamashita does allow her class to grow and learn as a class just based on the fact she is wanting to use Robins map for the class.

2. Mr. Kessinger uses presentation punishment by punishing Robin in front of the whole class. This is very humiliating for a high school girl and can damage the learning of that student and could end up scarring a student for life just like how Robin thought she was going to get in trouble when Ms. Yamashita saw the concept map. According to the teacher the student was displaying an almost illegal action in the classroom by bringing the notes. But having those notes is a great way for a student to learn in my opinion.

3. Because Robin had previously been given a verbal lashing for having the concept notes out on her desk she was afraid that Ms. Yamashita would get upset for having the notes out on her desk during that class as well. Robin held all the emotion in as Mr. Kessinger had it out on her during his class. Robin did not expect Mr. Kessinger to get mad for her having the concept map. So in Ms. Yamashita's class, Robin had her notes and tried to hide them thinking that she would get in trouble. Robin had learned that she would get into trouble for having her notes on her desk in Mr. Kessingers class, so it was an automatic response to hide them in any other class. Then when Ms. Yamashita took the notes, Robin let her emotions even though Ms. Yamashita thought that the notes were a great idea.

4. Ms. Yamashita didn't know the story of what had happened in her other class, so she was probably unaware of why Robin ran out of the classroom crying. It was a good idea that Ms. Yamashita asked if the rest of the class could use her notes to use. That gives positive encouragement for Robin to continue to do her concept notes. I feel that Mr. Kessinger's actions were out of line, and he deserves a slap across the face from Robins mother, especially since Robin didn't have a clue that it was wrong. Ms. Yamashita could comment on Robin's notes often and say how nice they are and tell her that it was a great idea (also known as positive reinforcement). It is important to continue to reinforce to the class and to Robin, that she was using good study habits by taking notes and enhancing her learning by using the concept notes.

SOCIAL COGNITIVISM

1. Ms. Yamashita was definitely the most vicarious teacher. She was trying to observe the behavior of taking great notes as a good behavior and in her class she was hoping that it would lead to a positive outcome, but the teacher was unaware of what happened in Mr. Kessinger's class. Mr. Kessinger's showed the opposite of vicarious reinforcement because his actions lead Robin to a negative behavior and never took notes in his class again. Because of the situation that Robin had in Mr. Kessinger's class, other students may stop taking notes as to not get yelled at in a similar way Robin did.

2. Because of Mr. Kessinger's actions, the students are at a point where they are unhappy with him, the class, and environment he teaches in. The class flat out doesn't like him, and the students overall reflection is negative toward him. Robin is now scarred for life from him and his actions.

3. Robin is using the self recording method. Self-recording refers to keeping a journal or something to record your own thoughts and ideas on. Robin is keeping her journal but doing it in a creative way. She is making a concept map to remember and map out what she was taught in the class last time. As she creates her concept map she is able to reflect and monitor what is being taught in the class.

4. Robin's self-efficacy has been affected in a negative way because of her experience with Mr. Kessinger. She doesn't feel comfortable in Mr. Kessinger's class anymore. Because the environment has been affected and with her peers telling her that they don't like Mr. Kessinger either it leads to her personally feeling that she doesn't want to take notes in his class anymore. In the end, Robin will not be learning much from the class, because she fears the teacher, and so her focus now becomes, "How do I not get in trouble again?"

Constructivism Case Study

1. Both case studies use measurement and math. Both case studies used forms of individual contructivism to help solve problems using the discovery learning method.The difference between the two is in one case the teacher used the guided discovery method in which the teacher gave the students directions to find the solution to the problem. Yet this form of style was unable to get the students' mind moving, and may not have accomplished the concept of this form. The other case the teacher allowed the students to come up with their own ideas and form their own hypotheses to solve the problem. This style got the students' brains turning and they were able to come to a conclusion of why it was important to have a standard form for measurement.

2. Having a constructivist approach can have its positives and negatives. Some students may learn better by just lecturing and having the students read straight from the book. Some students may learn more effectively by having thought provoking activities for the student to think and come up with solutions to the problem. As the student is involved in discovery learning it engages the student to come up with a solution by him or herself. The student would take in the different hypotheses from all the different students to form their own solution to the problem. The inquiry-based model might come with problems as the case showed at first because the students were not able to start their thinking at first. but then as the first idea was presented, it got the ball moving and others were able to feed off of that first idea. This form of teaching may take more time than your traditional lecture and power point form of teaching. But this form of teaching gets the students thinking and solving the problems on their own and were able to work through the problem.

3. In the constructivist lesson the students are engaged in thinking critically to solve the problem. The students have to use logic and reasoning to discovery how to solve this problem. They come up with a hypotheses and test their idea. In one case the students decide to measure the boat by how tall the student is. They test their hypotheses and come to the conclusion that all people are not the same size and could get different answers based upon how tall someone is. Then by using the information that they created about an individuals height, they come up with a different hypotheses to test. The students have to critically think and come up with ideas to solve the problem.

4. I would argue that a constructivist activity is an authentic activity. In definition, authentic activity is based upon real world experiences and concepts. The students had to come up with how big the ship was to tell the King. This was a real world experience in that they had to solve the problem with their own ideas.

Cognitive Psychological/Information Processing Case Study

1. Most individuals remember experiences from years ago. I remember doing activites in classes when I was in junior high that allowed me to get out of my seat, and be somebody who isn't Matt Bezzant. I remember in Geography class, we each had to do a project about a european country and explain what was good and bad about the country. We were to dress up and try and speak the countries language. I was France and I remember vividly me trying to talk romance, and acting like a fool, but I remember it. I couldn't tell you another thing we did in that class, because it was out of the book. but an experience that allows a student to learn and be a part of will allow for more remembrance later in life or even for tests. There are just too many words in a book to really grasp everything you need to know as a student.

2. I can imagine it could have been fired up. If the students really took to their parts, they probably would have had a great time doing everything, as well as get the feeling of actually being a part of the Union or Confederate sides. Each student had the opportunity to be a soldier, and though some students may just go with the flow, there are going to be other students who become engaged in the situation, which ultimately allows for the best kind of learning.

3. I think allowing the students to keep a journal would be great. I think that if the students were to write down the feelings they have of what they are learning, and the feelings they have of what they think a soldier would be feeling would be beneficial. I think if the student writes in the journal until the end of the unit or re-enactment with thoughts on what they felt about it, then the student would be given the opportunity to go over their feelings and revisit the whole experience. After revisiting it, the student will be able to keep that information longer.

4. I find it hard in a classroom setting when I have teachers like Mr. Dunkin and find it hard to pay attention in that setting. I am a student that needs to be involved and engaged in the learning process. As stated already, I feel it is much more beneficial to have engaging classrooms that mix it up. Class re-enactments and activites that change allow my brain to wrok in different fashions. Any other way can be found boring at times. I feel that there are times where Mr. Dunkins way can be appropriate, but definitely not all the time. I personally think that is why I have enjoyed both Dr. Cooks and Dr. Cox's classrooms. They both differ from day to day. I don't know what to expect sometimes, but that makes it more enticing to come to class to get a better understanding. In other words, I feel that Mr. Richards class would be much more fun to be in and to learn in.

5. I would think that people in Mr. Dunkins class would become more book smart, and have a much better idea of what to study for and look for in in the book when it comes to tests and assignments. They may also have more facts. Where as Mr. Richards students will gain more of a connection and feeling toward a subject. The class will also have a longer lasting memory of the subject. In all, each student will learn the basics, but each class will differ on what is felt as important.

Development Case Study

COGNITIVE DEVELOPMENT

1. I think she needs to be appropriately categorized in the propositional logic stage of formal operational. She stated a problem which was pollution, and that the contributor is gas. She then states that if we get rid of gas, then we solve the problem of pollution.

2. She hasnt thought about the possibilities of what contributes to pollution, but she has come out with the conclusion gas is the problem. The more she learns about pollution, the better her own logic stage will be in reasoning.

3. I think the teacher is trying to push her to allow for more thought. I think she is using propositional logic. Mr Marculescu is testing her to see if she uses different solutions to problems.

4. I think Laura uses the term "play" to get the attention and try and look good in front of others. Being in highschool, she is the type to love attention and look good to classmates, because she is trying to find out what kind of person she wants to be (her identity).

SOCIAL AND MORAL DEVELOPMENT

1. It is important for high school students to be important and feel noticed by their peers. I think her conclusion of what she looks like comes from what others percieve as good. The most important thing in the world to her is looking good to her peers.

2. For me, athletics was a great way to gain friendships and an identity. an athlete is a part of something important... known as a team. A friend of mine mentioned drama club being a great spot for someone like Laura. most of the time, there is a spotlight on one individual, allowing for attention.

3. She is definitely in the individualism and exchange stage of Kohlberg's theory. The importance of things in her life are based on what she see's as important. I think her teacher could allow for some spotlight questions, to allow her to feel positive about herself. It will also allow for a more positive class in her eyes.

4. If a student is drivin by what the debate class brings, then it could be very positive. There can also be a situation where a high school student could become annoyed by a teacher pressuring them, and then that would allow for negative social development

Special Needs Case Study

1. I think that Nathan exhibits signs of ADD or ADHD. He becomes easily distracted, and needs help on his homework from his mother, but forgets to turn it in.

2. Nathan was put in resource classes, and also recieved help while in elementary school. He has also recieved medication, but is off it at the moment.

3. I think an idea for Nathan can be to allow him to use a private room to take tests and in class assignments so he wouldn't be distracted and it would allow him to concentrate. Another idea is to give Nathan a break from assignments every 15 minutes to let his hyperactivity get out.

4. The Learning Disabilities Association says that 4-6% of students have specific learning disabilities. 3-5% have ADHD. In a PE class, there is a chance I have 1 student every class of every day.

Course Contract Review (Exam 3)

1. I feel that I am definitely getting to know more and more of what it takes to become a good teacher. I remember back when one of my classes this semester started talking about lesson plans, and I really had no idea what a teacher would use one for. But after this whole semester I have gained a knowledge for knowing what they are for and being able to have measurable objectives every class. Although the classes have become tougher and tougher throughout the semester, I feel that my knowledge in becoming a good teacher has taken giant steps toward my goal of being a great teacher.

2. I feel I have done a poor job staying on task with all my classes. I am in 6 education classes this semester, plus Coaching varsity baseball, and working part time. It has been tought ot stay on top of every class, and I feel that Ed psych has been the toughest. I really enjoy the class, and have learned a ton from it, but keeping up with the homework assignments in the class has been the toughest, because there is a lot to do, and it seems so little time.

3. I feel that I have been gaining a ton of knowledge and have been doing a good job with my goals. I wouldn't say my goals have been kept perfectly, but I feel I have done a good job for the most part sticking to them.

4. I think one thing I could do is create a daily sheet stating everything due in all the classes for the week, so I can stay on top of everything and can just check mark it off when completed. I usually seem to procrastinate on assignments until the night before they are due.

5. I feel that my motivation is the same as it was when I started the education program. I am very excited for the day I officially become a teacher. I feel that right now my motivation is more of performance because I am trying to pass all these classes right now without really getting to know everything about each subject. I think that what I am doing is good though, because I feel mastery comes with time and experience. I think that is one of the great things about teaching. When you go in, you have knowledge, but actual teaching allows for the masstery of the subject as well as mastery of how to handle students...Experience is key!

Brain Awareness Project

So for my BAP (Brain Awareness Project) I think I am going to make a poster of the brain and have labeled the different sections and their functions. Hope that works Dr. Cox.... I was thinking of singing a song with my beautiful voice, but sadly I will be in St. George during the dayfor baseball, and will not be able to attend.

I am sorry
Matt Bezzant

Final Reflection of Assessment Inventory

So it has been a few weeks since I have written on here, but I feel it is time to reflect on the huge Key assignment I tuned in last Friday. Me and my fellow PE teacher Cory Cater worked on this assignment that very long, but eye opening. I mean eye opening in a sense that it takes a lot of work to put together a good (or so I think) unit plan to use for a class. I honestly felt like I got a bunch of great ideas and gained good experience from doing it, but felt it was so very time consuming. It seemed to take forever, but when it was all done I felt very good about it.

Neuroscience Blog on Dr. John Ratey

I am doing my Neuroscience blog on Dr. John Ratey M.D.. He is a professor of psychiatry at Harvard Medical School. He has for many years been researching and developing physical activity and it's toll on the brain. He calls it "excernomics" stating that when we are phyically fit and happy, that cognitively and emotionally we are feeling happy as well. He believes that during the hard times (the economic situation we are in now) we need to be at our peak physically. When you are there, your body and mind don't stress as much.

He talks about education in schools and how students most likely go home and play video games and surf the web than exercise. He believes that games like Wii Fit and Dance Dance Revolution are a step in the right direction. He feels that Physical Education in schools needs to change. He feels there should be more P.E. but the concept should change from a sports-coaching model to a fitness-wellness everyday athlete model. I personally believe in this method. Although in high school I loved my P.E. classes, I believe I would have benefitted much more from a fitness-wellness stand point in the long run than just playing sports everyday.

Being a baseball coach has allowed me to try some things that kind of fall into what Dr. Ratey's philosophy. I love the idea of my players getting better through time, with everything we do. If they don't get better, then I haven't done my job. One idea I have is doing a physical fitness day at the beginning of the term/semester that consists of physical strength activities and endurance activities. Their homework and final test will be the same thing, but will be graded on improvement. I would also want to see a goal for each student. If they don't reach their goal it doesn't matter, my main grade would be on effort.

Motivation Blog #1

- I am at UVU to better my life, and the lives of my family with a good education. I am in the teaching program because it is where I feel I need to be. I have tried many things, but teaching is the one thing that has made me happy doing. I have a firm belief that an individual should love what they are doing, and I feel that I will love being a teacher. I am in this class because it is a necessary class for any individual who wants to teach and become a great teacher. Understanding the students is a huge role in being a great teacher.

- When I coach, and I help a player become a better player, you can see on their faces and in their body language that they are excited, that they feel they can't be stopped. As a coach, what motivates me is having the player come to me and thanking me for helping them. Not only do I feel like I made them better, but I also feel that a bond can be made where we trust each other, and that individual can come to me with anything. It makes me feel like I am an important person to them. That feeling is one of the best I have ever felt. Another motivation I have is I love challenges. I love the idea of taking an individual who may not have a good background and helping them try and become something better than they could have imagined.

- The reason I will succeed is because I will work hard everyday to be the best teacher I can be. At the beginning I am sure there will be some days I fail as a teacher, but I believe that failure is a lesson, and it is good to fail sometimes because it humbles an individual and makes them a better person (if handled the right way of course). Every time I lose or fail, I will try to improve on what I felt I did wrong the next time I teach or coach. I believe people fail, because of lack of experience, lack of motivation, lack of confidence, poor planning, and so on. People succeed because of great planning, strong confidence, and they have the motivation to succeed.


- The course contract is definitely performance based. This is because if you don't do something, you won't get credit for it. I feel this matches with me well, because I am a student who does all the homework, and works hard in the classroom.

- To become a great teacher for me is learning to become not only the students teacher, but also a student to their needs. I feel I must be a good listener, and also be a knowledgeable instructor, who can help the students with their needs. I believe my motivation is there, now it is just learning and training in the steps it takes to be a great teacher. I also am excited because in order to be a great teacher, I have to learn from great teachers, and I feel I have that with my teachers this semester.

My First Assignment

1.
- One goal I have is better understanding of how my students will think, and react to certain situations.
- Another goal I have is getting a better understanding of what it takes to be a successful teacher.

2.
- I am going to start using google calender or a weekly planner to help me set a schedule for myself throughout the week of times, when I will be able to do school work, coach baseball, and set activities for myself. I think having a nice balance will help me keep a level head and on top of everything. To be honest I haven't gotten in a rythm with my classes, homework, and baseball yet, but I think next week I will have a game plan for each day. my first priority is making sure my work in the class is completed and in on time.

3.
-One strategy I will use is (and how I have gotten through school so far) going to all classes, doing all the homework, and making sure it is right. I plan on accomplishing these things by going to every class possible, and if I don't understand a question, then I'll ask.
- Another is making sure I get enough sleep and rest. I have struggled with this in the past, but I definitely notice how much more aware and attentive I am when I feel rested.

4.
-My process is simple... If I don't understand something, I should just ask. I feel that there is no bad question, only clarifications. If it is a question I have outside of class, then I will refer to my book, or email/text dr. Cox.

5.
- I will reach my goals in this course by going to class everyday, staying on top of my work, and taking in everything I hear and try to apply it to my teaching future teaching style.

About Me

My name is Matt Bezzant. I am currently working on getting certified to become a teacher at the high school level. I finished by B.A. last semester in Phys. Ed. through SUU. I enjoy baseball and football and the Jazz when they don't stink it up! I am a huge fan of the Baltimore Ravens and Atlanta Braves. I am also a fan of the Texas Longhorns (who just choked in the National Championship last night). I am the head JV coach baseball coach at Lehi High School, and hope to help tranform that program into a winner.

I have a beautiful wife named Brittany who works full time and goes to esthetician school full time. Luckily she only has 5 more weeks till she graduates with a masters in esthetics.

I am very excited about this upcoming year in school and with coaching.