Mara VanDeBerg

Dr. Patrick Keller

EPSY 302

Self-Reflection - 12/13/17

Learning Theory

In this course, I acquired an abundance of knowledge about learning theories. This

understanding included comprehending the concepts and vocabulary in both the Ormrod and

Jensen textbooks. Several of the lessons that I plan to include in my classroom are applying

research, the theories of Vygotsky and Piaget, ways to foster resilience in students, and working

with the students long-term and working memories.

One of the first lessons that I plan to implement in my classroom is applying research. It

is essential to use evidence-based practices in the classroom because research has consistently

shown these methods to be successful in helping students to succeed (Ormrod, p. 6). Teachers

must operate under high ethical standards keeping the best interest of their students in mind

when conducting their own research.

I also plan to apply the theories of both Vygotsky and Piaget in my classroom someday.

One important Vygotsky theory that I will use is encouraging, students to talk themselves

through difficult tasks, (Ormrod, p. 44). This theory would be helpful to students in assisting

them with recall and retaining knowledge. I also intend to incorporate Vygotskys theory of

having the students play to experience roles of older people and behaviors (Ormrod, p. 44). For

example, in my own kindergarten class my teacher had a toy kitchen set and similar things for

the students to play with during free time. Additionally, Piagets theory will be incorporated in

my classroom. For example, as a teacher I will, ask students to explain their reasoning about
physical phenomena, and challenge illogical explanations, (Ormrod, p. 37). I believe in this

theory because it will make students cognitively think things through while learning more from

the curriculum. One more of Piagets theories that I wish to incorporate is using the students

idealism to help them be inspired to be a part of charity and service projects (Ormrod, p. 37).

Another important lesson I learned this semester was how to foster resilience in children

who are living in poverty and how to support at risk students at being prosperous in the

classroom. In my role as the teacher, I will be a dependable person in my students lives that they

can trust and continually count on. To do this, I will support the students in their academics and

with their emotions, I will build on their individual skill sets, and I will also help to give them the

resources and experiences that are crucial to their schooling (Ormrod, p. 121-122). I also hope to

emulate Miss A from the text on page 121, she showed obvious affection for them (students),

insisted on appropriate behavior without ever losing her temper, and shared her lunch with those

who hadnt brought one, (Ormrod). These actions by Miss A prove to her students that she truly

cares for them and that will inspire them to excel in her classroom.

One of my favorite chapters in Educational Psychology was about the long-term and

working memory of students. One mistake that I made a few times in my own education that was

touched on in the text included rehearsing facts or lists over and over to memorize them moving

them from my working memory to my long-term memory. Doing this is not an effective way to

commit facts or knowledge to your memory (Ormrod, p. 202). A superior way to remember

theories, vocabulary words, and other facts long-term is to review them periodically. To do these

reviews, I would incorporate games, so that it isnt repetitive and the students would be more

likely to enjoy going over the topic again.

 In conclusion, I will be applying many of the theories I learned throughout the semester

in my classroom throughout my career.

 Works Cited

Ormrod, Jeanne Ellis, et al. Educational Psychology: Developing Learners. Pearson Education,

Inc., 2017.