Memorandum

 

To: Donna Shea, Instructor
From: David Wiget
Date: January 25, 2006
Subject: WR2 Problem Solving

 

 

·         Take the "Keirsey Temperament Sorter" test provided by Keirsey.com (2 point)

 

After taking the “Keirsey Temperament Sorter” test and coming up with the temperament of Guardian I tend to agree with most of it but not all. I agree with wanting things to rub smoothly in families, communities, schools, businesses ect. I like to have fun with my friends and co-workers but am serious about my duties and responsibilities. The part I disagree with is following rules. I was once told by a previous boss that I am a maverick.

 

·         Draw conclusions about the theories described as they apply to adult vocational courses (2 points)

·         Discuss how the articles apply to the class you teach (2 points)

·         Discuss how your class could be improved by these concepts (2 points)

·         Write and submit a report in memo format to the class-at-large via e-mail by the due date (2 point)

 

Constructivism:

 

This theory would be useful in the subject matter that I teach (recovery from alcoholism and drug addiction) in that it allows one to draw from past experience and use it in a positive manner in helping oneself and in turn helping others. Thus strengthening ones own recovery and foundation for a productive life.

 

Behaviorism:

 

Behaviorism is another theory that is very effective in the subject matter that I teach. The Classic conditioning and behavioral or operant conditioning is important in teaching addicts that sobriety or abstinence requires one to change their behavior first and then the destructive thinking patterns will change. In other words I heard it best described by a popular saying “it is easier for an addict to live there way into right thinking then it is to think there way into right living.” 

 

Piaget:

 

In my experience of teaching/counseling children from 5yrs old-12yrs old and teens from 13yrs old -17 yrs old I believe Piaget’s theory is fairly accurate. These age groups seem to work best with consistency and reliability. If there is too much inconsistency they seem to lose interest and learn less.

I think it is important to mention that the population of kids and adults I currently work with all have minor to severe cognitive, behavioral and emotional problems.

 

Neuroscience:

 

Neuroscience sounds like a fascinating theory however the populations I work with are not at a place where I would get into complex topics. I find it best to use simple topics that that can grasp and go from there, although I may be able to apply this theory in my future career.

 

Brain-based Learning:

 

I agree with this theory one hundred percent. In the area that I teach it is imperative that my students remain free from all mind and mood altering substances to free the brain and not prohibit the learning process. As I am sure it would be in any teaching setting. This theory also mentions the usefulness of working in teams as I have found this very effective in the students learning process. A lot of times I will offer feedback from my own life experience to help students see me an equal and in a realistic way.

 

 

Learning Styles:

 

This is yet another theory that, I believe, needs to be taken into account by all teachers. I have noticed in my 8 years of counseling and 2 years of teaching that everyone has there own style of learning. I use a verity of teaching tools in my approach i.e. videos, handouts, white boards, games, pictures, discussions and humor. This ensures that I am focusing on the development of the “whole brain” capacity.

 

Multiple Intelligences:

 

I see this theory as practical in teaching adults. The 7 ways people use to perceive and understand the world make a lot of sense. The Verbal-Linguistic, Logical-Mathematical, Visual-Spatial, Body-Kinesthetic, Musical-Rhythmic, Interpersonal, and Intrapersonal are all methods I have used without even knowing it.

 

Right Brain vs. Left Brain:

 

I have heard that women are left brain dominant and men are right brain dominant. I had put it to much thought in a holistic point of view until know. This would ensure that all students have an equal or fair opportunity to learn. I can see how this method would improve my ability to teach. By understanding that different people use different parts of their brain to learn will motivate me to be more flexible.

 

Communities of Practice:

Communities of practice are groups of people who share a concern or a passion for something they do and learn how to do it better as they interact regularly. This theory has been in use for many years by 12-step support groups. It has shown to be very effective and useful in my experience when students link up with one another to complete an assignment or task.

 

Control Theory:

 

This probably the most excited theory so far. I have read one of Glasser’s books “Choice Theory” and have a copy of it on my desk at work. I strive to be more of a “Lead Teacher” then a “Boss Teacher.” In his book there is reference to “Boss Management” and “Lead Management” that I have shared with my colleagues and boss’s. My boss thanked me for the article and stated that it was appreciated throughout administration but unfortunately not put into practice. I, however continue to teach and promote this theory to my co-workers and the patients I teach with satisfactory results.

 

Observational Learning:

 

I feel that I am already familiar with this theory with the respect of being a drug and alcohol counselor for about 8 years. It is expected of me to set an example of being one who makes healthy choices and models a positive outlook. It is one of the fundamentals of recovery and or education to do what recovering sober people do if one wants to have what recovering sober people have i.e. a life that is happy, joyous, and free.

 

Vygotsky and Social Cognition:

 

I think I am fortunate to have 41 years of life experience with the past 8 years married to a beautiful, charming, intelligent and determined Thai lady. The things mentioned in Vygotsky theory are evident with my wife. Coming from an entirely different culture confirms this theory. My wife as with most Asian cultures was raised with high values and expectations. This has enabled her to achieve her goals in life with dignity and respect. I am aware and conscience of the importance of this theory to carry out through my teaching career as I have already had the opportunity to teach an array of people from different cultures. This has helped me to be cultural sensitive thus respecting all who have a desire to learn.