Module 5 of Educational Psychology

 Module 5: Classroom Anxiety, Group Discussions, and Journals

Concept 1: Classroom Anxiety

Summary

In Chapter 12 of Woolfolk, classroom anxiety was shown to have an affect on school performance. Woolfolk said that "Students do poorly because they are anxious, and their poor performance increases their anxiety, creating a vicious cycle of the learner" (Woolfolk, p. 488).  This is a deadly loop that so many students find themselves stuck in.  However, we as teachers can help them break this cycle by helping them employ strategies.  They can learn to identify the source of their anxious feelings, self regulate their emotions, and set reasonable goals that make school less daunting (Woolfolk, p. 489).  By aiding in this process, a teacher can effectively reduce a student's anxiety and improve their academic performance.   

Reflection 

I appreciated this section of Woolfolk because anxiety in students is a very relevant topic.  This generation is very stressed and anxious.  Maybe it is the pandemic or the phones, but whatever the cause, teachers need to understand that it is a real issue.  I was a very anxious student.  When I got a bad grade I would go into a panic attack which would only make learning even harder.  My teachers did not seem to understand that my anxiety was actually a problem, not just a teenager being dramatic.  They did not show me how to cope with school stress.  I want to teach my students how to deal with the pressure using the strategies I detailed above.  School is more than just gaining knowledge, it is learning how to cope.   

Concept 2: Group Discussion 

Summary

In Chapter 14 of Woolfolk, we learned about the importance of group discussion in classrooms: "Students can collectively construct meaning and complex understandings" (Woolfolk, p. 572).  In other words, discussions help students learn more and think deeper into the subject at hand.  It also promotes group dynamics, letting students take leadership roles or supporting roles.  Students can talk about current events and think about social justice issues.  

Reflection 

I had a very classical education.  Most of my classes where based on group discussion.  I enjoyed this format because it made me justify my ideas and consider other view points.  I want to use discussion in my class when I am an English teacher.  First, I would make sure to assign roles in the discussion so that one person did not talk the whole time while others did not contribute.  Next, I would have my students think about issues in a book and compare them to current events I our society.  For example, if we were reading Jane Eyre I would begin a discussion about the roles of women in our society.  Discussion is a great way to engage students more deeply in literature and world issues.  

Concept 3: Journals 

Summary

In Chapter 15, Woolfolk talks about journals as they relate to informal assessment.  Journals can by used in many ways: "As communication tools that allow students to express their own thoughts and ideas, as a opportunity to apply what they have learned, and as an outlet to encourage fluency and creative expression in language usage" (Woolfolk, p. 603).  This is a great way to assess how students are progressing through the course.  They do not have to complete tests or stressful assignments.  Instead, a journal reflection can show how they are learning. 

Reflection 

As an English teacher, I will be using journals a lot.  Some activities I will do include character reflections, outline for paper, brainstorming for papers, creative writing, and rough drafts.  By surveying my student's journals, I will be able to see if they are understanding the content of the course.  Not only will this avoid the necessity of tests, but students will get extra practice with their writing skills.  It will also teach them that they can identify as writers.  They have a whole journal that they will be able to keep.  All their wonderful idea and inspirations in one place.  I hope that after English class is over, students will keep that journal and look back on it fondly.