In my Development and Learning: Psycho-social Perspectives in Education class at Lesley University I was required to observe teacher-child interactions in a school or after-school setting. After observing these interactions I had to write a paper applying the different psychosocial theories through comparing and contrasting, analyzing and discussing these encounters.

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For about a week in a half (15 hours) I observed and documented teacher-child interactions during various activities throughout the school day. In documenting, I tried to be non-bias and record both parties viewpoints to help me understand all perspectives of the situation especially when time came to review my notes.

Naturally, I like to observe people. It always helps me to understand their character and helps me get to know them as an individual. Doing this assignment and taking this class helped me process and understand peoples interactions and to evaluate what motivates and drives them as a person. Learning about the different theories really allowed me to almost step out of myself and to become that person to feel what they felt during times of confrontation, academic challenge, and peer pressure.

There are so many theories, but many are intertwined. This paper allowed me to become the psychologist in a way and not just put a band-aid on the problem, but to actually find out what is driving the students and/or teacher to act in the way they act. This paper allowed me to familiarize myself with the different theories and to implement my knowledge of those theories, as well as understand those individuals underlying struggles. It helped me to assist other teachers with the students from different perspectives that were less confrontational and accusatory as situations are usually handled in some circumstances. This paper helped me see situations on how to problem solve disputes in a peaceful manner and to teach teachers and children alike to respect one another.

Because I'm not an expert in the field, but only a novice, I can continue learning how to handle behavior management situations by taking further courses, studying and familiarizing myself with the different theories. I can help bring light to situations by addressing the root cause and not placing a band-aid on the wound as I see in many cases.