SIGNATURE ASSIGNMENT

Exploring the Dynamics of Educational Psychology

Maria de Jesus Rocha
Arizona State University

EDP 310: Ed Psychology for Non-Teachers

Dr. Linda Newsome
Signature Assignment
October, 17, 2016

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Part A: The Role of the Educational Psychologist in your Educational Setting

Becoming a teacher has been my aspiration since high school. After dedicating my time
and effort in my education, I am two semesters away from completing my Bachelors in
Educational Studies. With my degree, I hope to become an Elementary School Teacher here in
my hometown. I reside in a small town called Castroville in beautiful California, which is not too
far away from the bay area. I consider myself a patient and caring person with so much love to
give to my future students. To me, teaching means contributing to the minds of the leaders and
innovators of our future. I want nothing more than to make a positive difference in a childs life.
My goal is to watch children learn and succeed in simple and complicated tasks because it is
their learning experience and I want nothing more than to be a part of their success. I believe that
every student has the opportunity to succeed, no matter their background or how big or small
their goal is. I want to help my students understand their full potential.
Educational psychology is a crucial part in a childs education. It has helped teachers
improve their teaching methods to help their students thrive in class. According to Guy
Lefrancois, author of Psychology for Teaching (2011), Educational Psychology is the branch of
psychology that studies the human behavior in educational settings. As a future educator, I need
I need to find the best ways to teach my students and educational psychology will help me do
just that. Our educational system has become very complex and we now have a better
understanding in not every child learns the same way. Educators must find different approaches
or style methods to help a child learn. Educational psychology in education looks at the childs
social, emotional and cognitive process involved in their learning. Educational psychologists and
teachers can then use the information they found to help improve the childs learning.

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Part B: The Whos Who of Educational Psychology

In Italy, Maria Montessori was a teacher, physician and philosopher. She was known for
her methods of education because she understood that every child had their own unique potential
that would reveal itself by the type of experiences the child has growing up and their education.
What I found most interesting about her was that she was an ambitious person and never gave up
on her medical degree. She was the first women to receive her medical degree in Italy. She
developed an interest in education and dedicated herself in immersing herself in educational
theory (Biography, 2016). She started lecturing
Part C: Learners Rights
I have chosen to enter the teaching profession to make a difference in a childs life. I wish
and plan to motivate them to succeed in not only their education, but also in life. Once I become
an elementary school teacher, I will engage effectively with my students, their parents and the
community. According to the article Recommendation of the European Parliament and of the
Council of the European Union on Key Competences for Lifelong Learning, it states that by
demonstrating a sense of responsibility, as well as showing understanding of and respect for the
shared values will help me ensure community cohesion (2006). This way we can all positively
work together and help our children succeed in their education and life. Working with parents
will ensure child success. Learning how to teach and work with young students is what I am
ecstatic to learn. To be successful in my career, I will have the motivation to learn new
material/skills to be able and make a positive difference in a childs life. Learning to learn is
directed to my career goal and it states that the individual should have knowledge of the
competences, knowledge, skills and qualifications required (2006). It requires me to know and
understand my own preferred learning strategies, the strengths and weaknesses of skills and

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qualifications, and to be able to search for the education and training opportunities and guidance
and/or support available. This will in return guide me to find creative ways to help my future
students learn and stay motivated to learn in class.

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References

[Victoria Schultz]. (2014, May 4). What is Educational Psychology? [Video File]. Retrieved
from: https://docs.google.com/file/d/0B6mwdG1EPlTTUTM2RTZqWkl2eUk/view
[EDP 310 Lesson]. (2016). Educational Psychology for Non-Teachers. [PowerPoint]. Retrieved
from: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BjLK9FJ5ZN0
Holliman, A. J. (Ed.). (2014). The Routledge International Companion to
Educational Psychology. Oxon: Routledge. ISBN: 9780415675604 or
9780203809402 (e-text)
(2016). Maria Montessori Biography. American Montessori Society. Retrieved
from: http://amshq.org/Montessori-Education/History-of-MontessoriEducation/Biography-of-Maria-Montessori
[Lifelong Learning]. (2011, January 18). Maria Montessori. [Video File]. Retrieved from:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kS3zFQMQiBQ
(2006). Recommendation of the European Parliament and of the Council of
the European Union on Key Competences for Lifelong Learning,
L394/10 C.F.R. (2006, December 12). Retrieved from
http://www.britishcouncil.org/sites/britishcouncil.uk2/files/youth-inaction-keycomp-en.pdf