Pedagogical Reflection Answers

I’ve taken numerous courses since my start at Chesapeake college that dive into

pedagogical knowledge. These classes include EDU 101, EDU 210, PSC, 220, and EDU 214.

Each one of these classes helped me grow and learn more about pedagogical knowledge. I’m

aware that this knowledge will continue to grow, not only as I take more courses as I obtain my

bachelor’s degree but also through real-life scenarios. I look forward to looking back on this

reflection in a few years with even more knowledge and being proud of how far I’ve come. One

thing is for sure, I’ve made progress since high school and it has only created a desire to deepen

my understanding of pedagogical strategies, theories, and practices.

I’ve learned a lot about how children learn through all of these courses. One thing that

has stood out to me is that every child learns differently. There’s no one way to teach a child,

there are hundreds, maybe even more. Now, a few things that help children learn easier include

cooperative learning, visual aids, technology in the classroom, and so much more. All these

things create the “how” children learn. Children learn by interactive experiences that build upon

concepts they have learned prior. They make connections from school or their life outside of

school that help them understand and digest material better. I think all in all I’ve learned that

children are intelligent and have so much potential- we just have to help them develop that

potential. Their minds are different than ours as adults and that’s something to keep in mind

when teaching. Most importantly, holding kids to the same high standard so they feel like they

are capable of succeeding.

Educational theory and practice seem to be everchanging and developing as we learn

more over the years. Something huge that I’ve started to remember from each course is to teach

across subjects and integrate learning from other classes into each class. I’ve also seen how
technology can change the overall structure of a classroom. For example, self-paced lessons can

happen due to technology like computers and tablets. Resources like technology are extremely

helpful when used to their full potential and become necessary as the technological world

continues to flourish. From each psychology class, I’ve been able to learn more about what

shapes children into who they are, which helps me become more empathetic in the classroom.

Kids develop at different paces and stages, some may be far ahead, or others left behind, it’s

mainly important to cater to each development period. Diversity is another huge component of

education that’s sometimes overlooked. I’ve discovered that as a teacher, role model, and leader,

it’s my job to create a diverse and inclusive classroom. This can be something as small as

discussing or celebrating other cultures or stocking the shelves with diverse books for students to

be able to relate to and learn about. If we can facilitate diversity in the classroom children will

feel safe and become more educated about the beautiful differences around them. Diversity

should be encouraged, not looked down upon.

Continuing with education theory and practice, this semester helped me learn more about

components like classroom management and parent involvement. Before taking these courses, I

had no idea how much there was to classroom management. With managing a classroom, things

like routines can be long-term and helpful with keeping children under control. Another aspect of

classroom management is consistency, you can’t punish one child for something and not another-

it sends mixed signals. As far as parent involvement goes, parents are at the heart of a child’s

education. They are there for support and to communicate with educators to figure out what

works best for each child. When parents aren’t involved, kids are more likely to act out in class

and get in trouble. Parental involvement is essential to student success! I’ve also learned a lot

about students with special needs and how to make adaptations and accommodations. The goal is
to make sure a student with special needs is safe, happy, and right along with their peers to the

best of our ability. Doing things like calling ahead on field trips and checking out the area can

make or break whether that student can participate. If I’ve learned anything, it’s to go the extra

mile for students with disabilities to make sure they’re not separated from their peers and that

they’re able to be involved in every activity in some way!

Reflecting on when I first started at Chesapeake college, I’ve begun to find myself a

future teacher. I know the basis of my philosophy and what I believe in. I believe in equity and

fair opportunity, making the best of a bad situation, and learning through different places like the

outdoors (because kids are still kids!) Why have a lesson about trees inside when we can go right

outside and learn about them in nature! I have learned that as a future teacher I may get too many

ideas and will have to calm my excitement to make sure they’re executed properly. However, I

have passion. I have the desire to teach the next generation the normal school subjects, but also

aspects like character, culture, conflict resolution, and anything else that pertains to the real

world. In the end, I’ve learned that I’m still learning and as teachers, we always should be.