EDU 6132 Reflection 1

Because of my history in sociology, I learned more on the systems that affect young people than their development. Despite my lack of information, I learned some ideas about child development through professional development opportunities to help me navigate working with young people. For example, this year I learned about meta-cognitive factors. Learning about these factors helped put a theory to practices that I was using and helped me understand why it is so effective. Along with the ideas of meta-cognition, I learned about growth mindset. I previously learned the idea of a self fulfilling prophecy with my work in sociology; learning about growth mindset and people's expectations of a student really connected to this previously learned idea for me. 

Having words to describe these ideas of development for youth impacted the way that I worked with students. I have always worked hard to teach with equity and fairness for all students, including the students that do not participate. Yet, once I learned about high expectations involved with growth mindset, I have acted differently towards my students. Even when students test my patience, I continue to speak encouragingly to students and provide them with the reality that someone believes in them. Also, after learning about growth mindset, I focus less on student grades and more on praising student's work ethic. When students get discouraged, I focus on why they are learning and setting long term goals to motivate them in the short term. 

The ideas given in Medina's book were surprising, as most of them were new. I was not surprised that the offices and schools that we call home are not what would best support our cognitive functions. It was interesting to learn about the biological development of our body and even the severity of sleep deprivation. I believe that my understanding of meta-cognitive functions is supported by Medina's concept that people who cannot solve problems or learn from mistakes could not survive in humanity's humble beginnings (Medina 9). Even millions of years ago, humans needed these basic meta-cognitive skills which focus on outsmarting the enemy rather than being stronger than the enemy. In reality, this is always what I try to help my students to understand. When I help students understand the reason for their learning and set long term goals, it helps them become smarter.