Mr Zain Syed

How are educational theories on learning applied in the classroom?  
As a reflective undergraduate writer, I am able to utilise these skills, whilst, training to teach. During the plenary, teachers ask pupils to reflect on what they have learnt and where they have struggled. Therefore it is only right for me as a student teacher to reflect on my learning in both contexts, as a student learning from tutors and peers, and as a teacher learning from colleagues and pupils. I feel this is the best method for me to be able to develop the foundation of effective teaching practices for what will be a lifelong career in teaching.
Cognitive theories have had a big impact on my learning at university and at school. I have seen the ideas of ‘child centred’ learning posited by Jean Piaget, Jerome Bruner and Lev Vygotsky being used by teachers at school to support the learning of pupils. Its rejection of the transmissive model is one of the main reasons why I have chosen to consider this theory. When reflecting on the teaching that I have done previous to beginning the PGCE I have realised I have been in favour of constructivism. In particular, the ideas that children need to actively build on their knowledge by having links made to their experiences rather than passively receiving information from teachers. My subject tutor has also taught the class by building on prior knowledge.   Alongside this, I have also chosen to focus on Maslow’s hierarchy of needs and B.F Skinner’s theory about conditioning and behaviour management. Now that I am aware of these theories I would like to explore them in depth to see how teachers at school use them and how I can effectively utilise them when I teach.
Prior to starting the PGCE I decided to gain some experience within a challenging learning environment. I decided to volunteer to teach English at a pupil referral unit, it was here I saw a poor attitude towards education and the advocacy of crime as an alternative way of earning a...