This module focused on the brain and how it works in
learning. The brain consists of many different parts, each having a specific
purpose and function. For example, the hippocampus helps regulate emotion and
memory, while the cerebellum controls motor functions like walking and balance.
Along with the different parts of the brain, this module also discussed brain
development. The brain contains many many cells called neurons, which make
connections to other neurons and parts of the brain, sending messages to the
different parts. Even as a fetus, the human brain has billions of neurons. Many
factors contribute to brain development, such as genetics, environmental
stimulation, critical and sensitive periods, plasticity, nutrition teratogens,
and gender differences. All of these factors are important when it comes to
learning, and teachers should do their best to remember these factors while
teaching. While teachers may not have control on a student’s genetics or
nutrition, they can control certain factors such as environmental stimulation,
in which the teacher can decorate their classroom to make it stimulating.
One question that came up during this module is, what is the best way for teachers to take gender differences into account while teaching?
One question that came up during this module is, what is the best way for teachers to take gender differences into account while teaching?
According to brain research, repetition is beneficial to
remembering something. Repetition helps strengthen, or myleinate, the axon and
connection between the neurons. Repetition also makes the information travel
faster and more efficiently from neuron to neuron. This is different from what
the Information Processing Theory says about repetition. They claim repetition
does not allow for encoding of the information into long-term memory. Also, repetition
does not connect the information with any previous knowledge.
I think a teacher can take gender differences into account by making connections to things both boys and girls would like. They learn differently and make connections to different things. It would be important for the teacher to stay on top of current events and pop culture in order to make these connections. She can bring up certain TV shows that relate to her lessons and make sure that both genders are being addressed. Also, doing simple things as giving students the option to choose their own preferences is something that can help. Instead of handing out blue paper to all the boys and pink paper to all the girls, give them the option to choose which of the two they want OR if they want a different color altogether.
ReplyDeleteI agree with Zahra and her ideas! I think there was also a great example brought up in class where when you start a project, instead of splitting up boys and girls because of their differences in their approach to projects/learning, just give both boys and girls the option to take their time before starting, to ask questions (typically girls) or if they want to just jump into the project they can (typically boys)and ask questions later if need be.
ReplyDeleteI do not think that taking gender differences into account is that important while teaching because all students no matter their gender learn differently and have different interests. All students are wired in their own way and process information differently as well. Splitting up boys and girls because of gender differences is not an effective way to teach. I think that making groups with both boys and girls in them is more effective because the students can bounce ideas off of each other and learn from each other because of their different interests. Also, getting a choice in school is important to for students because they may have an idea of who they work best with anyways.
ReplyDeleteRemember that gender differences aren't necessarily based on what students prefer--but how they think differently from one another. It's true that girls TEND to have different patterns of interaction and thought--based more on collaboration and thinking about function and purpose. Boys are often more concrete and prefer to build without prior planning. HOWEVER, because these are just trends, and often girls display the 'male' pattern of thought, it's just a good strategy (as said above) to provide opportunities that value both kinds of activity. I wouldn't separate the genders for any sort of activity, because I guarantee there will be boys who display the 'girl' patterns of thinking and vice versa, and that's fine. Just make sure your teachign doesn't preference one over the other.
ReplyDelete