Heidmann (Roster #6) 1

Grant Heidmann

Prof. Shkroupa

Edu 202

9-20-21

Roster #6

Personal Definitions

#1 Research Source: Webster’s Dictionary (Learning): the activity or process of gaining

knowledge or skill by studying, practicing, being taught, or experiencing something : the activity of
someone who learns.

Personal Reflective Definition (Learning): The definition of learning to someone who aspires

to be a future educator, is one of growth, whether that be physically, mentally, emotionally, or in

maturity. When we learn, we are taking in lessons and truth that generations before us devoted their entire

lives to obtaining, and in doing so, we become part of them. Learning means to let go of your biases and

prejudices, and to be made aware of differing points of view, even in subjects like mathematics. Learning

must become a lifelong passion for all, so we do not become stagnant, and we keep on improving. The

simple definition of learning, in my opinion, is to become aware of a new concept or idea, via interacting

with a stimuli, whether that be yourself, a teacher, a book, etc.. As an educator, we must be cognizant of

the various ways in which children learn, whether it be visual, auditory, musically, etc.. By tailoring our

lessons to a specific way that a child learns, we can greatly increase the amount of knowledge that a child

receives, as opposed to a singular form of teaching, which may reach some, but not others. For example, I

always learn better outside, for whatever reason. A history teacher of mine had us reenact the Battle of

Bunker Hill on our school’s field (In San Diego) and personally, it brought history to life in a far greater

way than a textbook ever could have. This event has pushed me to recognize the diversity of needs that

students will have, and how the learning process works in reality.

#2 Research Source: Webster’s Dictionary (Behavior): the way in which someone conducts
oneself or behaves.
 Heidmann (Roster #6) 2

Personal Reflective Definition (Behavior): In the context of children, behavior simply refers to

the classroom rules that a student follows, as well as the discipline (meaning ability to stay on task, not

punishment) that they themselves and the teacher/s employ. While a teacher can certainly change a

student’s behavior, a large portion of it must come from a desire to want to learn and do well in school.

Behavior must be a focal point of the modern educator, as it can be the difference between an amazing

lecture and one that does not resonate with the students. In regards to a teacher’s behavior, an educator

must remain professional, focusing on the communication between themselves and the students. Behavior

to me also includes being aware of the needs of various students, and handling them accordingly, as every

student is different. There is a big difference, as is highlighted in the textbook, between educators who

punish students when they act up, as opposed to those who talk to the student one on one to find out why

they are acting a certain way. Additionally, part of attending school is to learn how to fit into society, and

teachers can aid students in the process of identifying rules and how to follow them.

#3 Research Source: Webster’s Definition: Discipline: control gained by enforcing

obedience or order.

Personal Reflective Definition: Discipline includes having a set of rules which must be followed

in the classroom. These rules must be clearly laid out, and communicated to the students. From texting to

swearing in class, discipline problems have many forms, and an educator must take charge of the class by

not allowing specific behaviors. Especially in the modern class, discipline is becoming a sidelined

practice, as the rise of cell phone usage increases, and educators feel they cannot do anything against the

technological takeover. Nonetheless, the modern educator must always be aware that the students are in

fact, children, and that they respond better to love and support, rather than traditional ‘discipline’ like

yelling, principal-office-visits, etc.. As stated in the behavior definition, many students respond better to

having someone to talk to about their problems, rather than someone to yell at them. As a teacher, I will

focus on that, and realize that many times when a student is acting up, they are hurting in some way. A
 Heidmann (Roster #6) 3

wise educator identifies this, and thus can implement rules much more effectively than an irate educator

who has a strict adherence to traditional forms of discipline. Having a caring form of discipline will create

a sense of respect for a teacher, as the students become aware that the teacher does not want to yell or get

them in trouble, but rather wants to identify why they feel a certain way, and help them through it,

creating a far more welcoming classroom.

#4 Research Source: Webster’s Definition: Management: the act or skill of controlling and
making decisions about a business, department, sports team, etc.

Research Source: EDGlossary.org Definition: Classroom management refers to the wide

variety of skills and techniques that teachers use to keep students organized, orderly, focused,
attentive, on task, and academically productive during a class.

Personal Reflective Definition (Classroom Management): In order to keep the class running

successfully, an educator must implement classroom management. When I was attending school, I always

found it easy to focus on a teacher who had an interesting personality, or came up with creative ways to

learn, rather than traditional ways. I also was more attentive towards teachers that seemed to recognize

me as an individual and keep a positive attitude. Therefore, classroom management to me combines all

three previous definitions, learning, behavior, and discipline, and adds leadership and fun to the mix. By

being a leader, which coincides with adding fun (being positive, being a role model, being encouraging)

students become far more tuned into the classroom, and are less likely to zone out. Also, classroom

management involves taking charge of the lessons, as well as being aware of where your students are at

academically, and how they can improve. As stated above, classroom management involves all three

previous definitions, especially in regards to discipline. While you don’t need to yell or scream, a teacher

must show that their rules will not be broken, an important aspect of keeping civility in the classroom.

Therefore, to employ effective classroom management, I will take on the wisdom of my previous

teachers, who created a warm and inviting atmosphere where students feel as though they are heard, and

do the same for my students, while still employing a strict adherence to the classroom rules.