I really enjoyed watching this. I found it emotional, but very worth while!
I was surprised at the similarities in the cases reported and the honesty of the social workers when discussing with the children their past , present and future. In fact , maybe a little too honest in my opinion. There were also parts of the documentary that did not surprise me. Children being in the care system for years at a time, incomplete records leading to delays in cases, parents fighting their cause creating more confusion , and the distress these children showed.
After watching this first at home and then discussing it with my class mates I realised that I may have taken the programme at face value. It didn't occur to me that this film could be biased, cherry picking the families that took part. Just goes to show what value my school friends have! :-)
I truly hope that the children filmed find happiness and 'New' mummy's and daddy's, and that our adoption service can be improved for all those involved.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/i/b019307z/
Wednesday 14 December 2011
We Need to Talk about Dad. Channel 4.
Hey all!
This was one that Victoria Recommended! (Big Thank you!)
This programme follows the story of 2 siblings, who's lives changed after their father attacked their mother.
Really interesting viewing that gives an insight into family life after a traumatic experience.
Watching this gives us girls an idea of what it is like to be an older brother, coping with the feelings of anger and responsibility. I would say that although the breakdown of this family was due to a violent attack, that was totally out of character, it can be related to siblings from divorced parents.
http://www.channel4.com/programmes/we-need-to-talk-about-dad/4od
This was one that Victoria Recommended! (Big Thank you!)
This programme follows the story of 2 siblings, who's lives changed after their father attacked their mother.
Really interesting viewing that gives an insight into family life after a traumatic experience.
Watching this gives us girls an idea of what it is like to be an older brother, coping with the feelings of anger and responsibility. I would say that although the breakdown of this family was due to a violent attack, that was totally out of character, it can be related to siblings from divorced parents.
http://www.channel4.com/programmes/we-need-to-talk-about-dad/4od
Something I pinched from Bobby's blog! Mary Ainsworth BBC Radio 4.
Listened to this a few weeks ago. Thanks to Bobby for finding it! :-)
This podcast was by Bob Marvin, one of Mary Ainsworth's students. I found this a great way of understanding the outcomes of the 'Strange situation experiment'. Bob Marvin also gives a great insight into Mary Ainsworth's life.
The main points I took from this were:
Hearing that the children we may know as insecure can become secure in the future gives me a warm fuzzy feeling! It seems all may not be lost when it comes to attachment theory.
This podcast was by Bob Marvin, one of Mary Ainsworth's students. I found this a great way of understanding the outcomes of the 'Strange situation experiment'. Bob Marvin also gives a great insight into Mary Ainsworth's life.
The main points I took from this were:
- Type A (Insecure Avoidant) Mother returns, child acknowledges mother, then turns to carry on playing. This is known to be the most independent classification, in the past this has been seen as a positive trait, however a child of this type is said to be insecure and is lacking the emotional comfort a child needs. Parent's of this type are said to only respond to their child's positive behaviour.
- Type B (Secure Attachment) Mother comforts their child when they return, child id easily pacified and continues to play. Parents of type B react to both positive and negative signals.
- Type C (Insecure Ambivalent) Mother only responds to negative signals from their child.
- Type D (Previously known as Unclassified/Disorganised.) Child may appear dazed when their Mother returns to the room. Type D has been connected with personality disorders in adult life.
- Bob Marvin talks about adult attachment in this programme. He says that a person may be insecurely attached as a child but, through positive attachments, become securely attached in adult life. This is known as Earned Secure.
Hearing that the children we may know as insecure can become secure in the future gives me a warm fuzzy feeling! It seems all may not be lost when it comes to attachment theory.
Derren Brown-The Guilt trip.
I have got to be honest and say I have never been a Derren Brown fan. I have always found him a little weird and i'd never wanted to watch any of his programmes!
Although I still think he's weird, I found The Guilt trip fascinating! Thanks to Fiona for suggesting we watch it.
In this show Derren Brown used Ivor Pavlov's theory of Conditioning to produce feelings of guilt. Using an unsuspecting Surestart worker called Jody, who fitted the type of person who is most likely to make a false confession.
By inducing mild feelings of guilt then playing a bell sound and a touch on the shoulder (Conditioned stimulus), Jody began to feel guilt on Que. (Unconditioned response.)
The actors were also directed to confuse Jody and he began to have doubts in his memory. During dinner Jody was distracted while the actors swapped his plate, making it seem as if Jody had forgotten eating his meal. This reminded me of Piaget's Perception experiment.
Then as a trail run , Derren asked the actor's to play out a scenario where Jody would find a set of stolen pearls in his room. The conditioning tools were used and Joby started to panic. He then decided to hide the pearls and blame one of the actors. This is something that children often do to avoid being caught out.
This was great to watch, seeing how conditioning works and referring it to our studies. I did feel a little uncomfortable watching it, as I felt so sorry for poor Jody! Luckily he saw the funny side of it :-)
Although I still think he's weird, I found The Guilt trip fascinating! Thanks to Fiona for suggesting we watch it.
In this show Derren Brown used Ivor Pavlov's theory of Conditioning to produce feelings of guilt. Using an unsuspecting Surestart worker called Jody, who fitted the type of person who is most likely to make a false confession.
By inducing mild feelings of guilt then playing a bell sound and a touch on the shoulder (Conditioned stimulus), Jody began to feel guilt on Que. (Unconditioned response.)
The actors were also directed to confuse Jody and he began to have doubts in his memory. During dinner Jody was distracted while the actors swapped his plate, making it seem as if Jody had forgotten eating his meal. This reminded me of Piaget's Perception experiment.
Then as a trail run , Derren asked the actor's to play out a scenario where Jody would find a set of stolen pearls in his room. The conditioning tools were used and Joby started to panic. He then decided to hide the pearls and blame one of the actors. This is something that children often do to avoid being caught out.
This was great to watch, seeing how conditioning works and referring it to our studies. I did feel a little uncomfortable watching it, as I felt so sorry for poor Jody! Luckily he saw the funny side of it :-)
Jacques Lacan
Woah! Read up on this ages ago, but I didn't get chance to share it.
Jacques Lancan, like Sigmund Freud, is known as a Psychoanalyst. He also uses stages to explain how, when and why a child develops and relates this theory to the unconscious mind.
The First stage, from the age 0-6months is known as 'The Real' stage.
At this stage Lacan says that the child has no self awareness, believing that they and their mother are in fact one person. During this time Lacan also says that a child has no need for language as their mother provides all it's needs without having to communicate.
Next is the 'Mirror' stage. 6-18months. This, I think , can be taken literally, as it is when a child develops a sense of self (I/EGO). The child begins to recognise him/herself as an independent person , separate to it's mother.
The Phallus stage has similarities with Freud's theory. This is where a child will battle for their mothers attention and wishes to become her desire. Unlike Freud's theory , this is for both male and female infants. Following this period it is suggested that their Father will put a stop to this behaviour, this is said to be Castration. Castration is a critical time for children as this is when a child starts to develop speech. Lacan suggests that once their father demonstrates his power, the child realises that their mother does not solely belong to them, and that they need to be able to speak to communicate with her and with others, so that their needs can be met. At this time, children also learn about rules eg 'Fathers Rule' and children put this information into use by following the rules of language.
I can see why Lacan has set these stages and I believe that there is alot of truth in what he says, however this theory can only relate to the Nuclear family. I would be interested to know whether the same kind of stages are followed within a single parent family???
Jacques Lancan, like Sigmund Freud, is known as a Psychoanalyst. He also uses stages to explain how, when and why a child develops and relates this theory to the unconscious mind.
The First stage, from the age 0-6months is known as 'The Real' stage.
At this stage Lacan says that the child has no self awareness, believing that they and their mother are in fact one person. During this time Lacan also says that a child has no need for language as their mother provides all it's needs without having to communicate.
Next is the 'Mirror' stage. 6-18months. This, I think , can be taken literally, as it is when a child develops a sense of self (I/EGO). The child begins to recognise him/herself as an independent person , separate to it's mother.
The Phallus stage has similarities with Freud's theory. This is where a child will battle for their mothers attention and wishes to become her desire. Unlike Freud's theory , this is for both male and female infants. Following this period it is suggested that their Father will put a stop to this behaviour, this is said to be Castration. Castration is a critical time for children as this is when a child starts to develop speech. Lacan suggests that once their father demonstrates his power, the child realises that their mother does not solely belong to them, and that they need to be able to speak to communicate with her and with others, so that their needs can be met. At this time, children also learn about rules eg 'Fathers Rule' and children put this information into use by following the rules of language.
I can see why Lacan has set these stages and I believe that there is alot of truth in what he says, however this theory can only relate to the Nuclear family. I would be interested to know whether the same kind of stages are followed within a single parent family???
Back to Blogging!
I have seriously neglected my Blog in the last few weeks. I have done lots of reading whilst ive been away... Better get cracking and share what i've been up to :-) x
Thursday 17 November 2011
Definition of Absolute/Relative poverty and Opposing veiws on Ritalin/ADHD
Childhood , social class and ethnicity.
I found this site that gives an explanation of cause and effect of UK poverty.
From what i have found so far , Absolute poverty is when a household's income is below the 60% income threshold, or breadline as it is more commonly known as. This is calculated by the cost of living , gross income of household (Dependant on those that live there such as children) and the amount of money that is needed for that household to survive.
Relative poverty is the amount in which a household falls below the breadline.
I also found that the government now use the term Social Exclusion to describe low income , poorly housed or unemployed people or families. It also related to the lack of opportunity that these individuals have.
http://www.poverty.org.uk/01/index.shtml
Ritalin
These are 2 sites that I found with a totally opposite opinion of the use of Ritalin for children. The first site is a parents perspective , how his son was able to complete his schooling though the treatment he received.
The second is a report of a child that was being treated with Ritalin. This child was 10yrs old when he took his own life. The autopsy found an excessive amount of ritalin in this system.
With such a massive difference in outcomes it is really hard to define Ritalin as a either a positive or negative treatment.
http://ritalintreatment.com/
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/health/article-2002856/Harry-Hucknall-10-killed-taking-Ritalin.html
I found this site that gives an explanation of cause and effect of UK poverty.
From what i have found so far , Absolute poverty is when a household's income is below the 60% income threshold, or breadline as it is more commonly known as. This is calculated by the cost of living , gross income of household (Dependant on those that live there such as children) and the amount of money that is needed for that household to survive.
Relative poverty is the amount in which a household falls below the breadline.
I also found that the government now use the term Social Exclusion to describe low income , poorly housed or unemployed people or families. It also related to the lack of opportunity that these individuals have.
http://www.poverty.org.uk/01/index.shtml
Ritalin
These are 2 sites that I found with a totally opposite opinion of the use of Ritalin for children. The first site is a parents perspective , how his son was able to complete his schooling though the treatment he received.
The second is a report of a child that was being treated with Ritalin. This child was 10yrs old when he took his own life. The autopsy found an excessive amount of ritalin in this system.
With such a massive difference in outcomes it is really hard to define Ritalin as a either a positive or negative treatment.
http://ritalintreatment.com/
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/health/article-2002856/Harry-Hucknall-10-killed-taking-Ritalin.html
For The Bible tells me so....
Following Fiona's study skills advice I asked myself 3 Questions before watching this documentary.
Who benefits from this belief system?
Parents in this documentary descibed using the Bible to try and make their children conform to social norms and what they believe is a Holy way of life.
It is also suggested that Politicians use Christianity to win favour with their constituents.
There are many self appointed 'Guru's' in America that benefit financially. The make claims of being able to cure Homosexuality. This is represented in this documentary by a man called James Dobson.
James Dobson carved a career out of preaching Christian Parenting advise , without being qualified to do so. In this documentary he is given a kind of Villain status due to his homophobic teachings.
Is the Bible misinterpreted?
From watching this documentary and drawing on my own experience I am certain that The Bible is misinterpreted to make homophobic behaviour acceptable.
The Bible says that homosexuality is an abomination that should be punished by death. Other behaviours in the Bible that are also described as an Abomination are , eating shrimp and working on the Sabbath.
How is childhood effected?
All of the families in this documentary found that having a gay son or daughter brought a sense of shame , sadness , fear and anger. The main topic that the parents found difficult was acceptance of their child's sexual orientation.
The children experienced feelings of inadequacy , becoming an outcast in there own community and a feeling that they have committed a sin.
One Mother in this documentary lost contact with her daughter because she could not accept her daughter's homosexuality. Her daughter committed suicide before they had a chance to reconcile.
The documentary follows 5 American , Christian families with Homosexual children.
Shocking , sad , thought provoking. Really opened my eyes to the discrimination that still goes on today. I would be really interested to see if this is also reflected in Britain.
Who benefits from this belief system?
Parents in this documentary descibed using the Bible to try and make their children conform to social norms and what they believe is a Holy way of life.
It is also suggested that Politicians use Christianity to win favour with their constituents.
There are many self appointed 'Guru's' in America that benefit financially. The make claims of being able to cure Homosexuality. This is represented in this documentary by a man called James Dobson.
James Dobson carved a career out of preaching Christian Parenting advise , without being qualified to do so. In this documentary he is given a kind of Villain status due to his homophobic teachings.
Is the Bible misinterpreted?
From watching this documentary and drawing on my own experience I am certain that The Bible is misinterpreted to make homophobic behaviour acceptable.
The Bible says that homosexuality is an abomination that should be punished by death. Other behaviours in the Bible that are also described as an Abomination are , eating shrimp and working on the Sabbath.
How is childhood effected?
All of the families in this documentary found that having a gay son or daughter brought a sense of shame , sadness , fear and anger. The main topic that the parents found difficult was acceptance of their child's sexual orientation.
The children experienced feelings of inadequacy , becoming an outcast in there own community and a feeling that they have committed a sin.
One Mother in this documentary lost contact with her daughter because she could not accept her daughter's homosexuality. Her daughter committed suicide before they had a chance to reconcile.
The documentary follows 5 American , Christian families with Homosexual children.
Shocking , sad , thought provoking. Really opened my eyes to the discrimination that still goes on today. I would be really interested to see if this is also reflected in Britain.
Friday 4 November 2011
Blurring the edges.... Chapter on Gender.
Found this a really interesting read. It was kindly passed on to me from Saudah :-)
This chapter starts by looking at the definition of Gender and how it differs to Sex. Gender is society view's what is the Norm... For instance Girls have long hair/boys have short hair. Sex is the physical difference between boys and girls.
There are lots of different topics that are covered in this chapter , politics, homosexuality , ethnicity and much more.
There were a few points that really caught my attention. The first being the concept of children's identity in school. After thinking about this I found a study about same sex education and it's effect on a child's 'Gender'.
The study is of Secondary School pupils , male and female , from both same sex and co-ed schools. From the conclusion made in this study , females had a better sense of belonging in same sex schools , where as it made no relevant difference to males.
Is this because secondary schools are male dominated.... I think the authors of this chapter would say so.
From this I also found that although much has been done for gender equality in Secondary education it has yet to be addressed in Early years. This then leads into the idea that if children were taught in a 'Genderless' manner from an early age , there would be no need for equality policies in secondary schools.
If i'm honest I find this a strange concept.... I'm not sure how it would work and if there would be a positive or negative outcome for our children?!?
At the end of the chapter there is a study of 1st time expectant parents. The study follows the parents through pregnancy and concentrates on the preference of their child's sex. Parts are written in the parents own words , I was surprised about how dated and , dare I say , sexist some of their opinions were!
Tried to be as to the point as possible , there were many more questions that came to mind whilst reading this. If this was a book club I would be recommending this to my friends :-)
http://webcat.warwick.ac.uk/record=b2081421~S7
http://www.manchesteruniversitypress.co.uk/uploads/docs/680048.pdf
This chapter starts by looking at the definition of Gender and how it differs to Sex. Gender is society view's what is the Norm... For instance Girls have long hair/boys have short hair. Sex is the physical difference between boys and girls.
There are lots of different topics that are covered in this chapter , politics, homosexuality , ethnicity and much more.
There were a few points that really caught my attention. The first being the concept of children's identity in school. After thinking about this I found a study about same sex education and it's effect on a child's 'Gender'.
The study is of Secondary School pupils , male and female , from both same sex and co-ed schools. From the conclusion made in this study , females had a better sense of belonging in same sex schools , where as it made no relevant difference to males.
Is this because secondary schools are male dominated.... I think the authors of this chapter would say so.
From this I also found that although much has been done for gender equality in Secondary education it has yet to be addressed in Early years. This then leads into the idea that if children were taught in a 'Genderless' manner from an early age , there would be no need for equality policies in secondary schools.
If i'm honest I find this a strange concept.... I'm not sure how it would work and if there would be a positive or negative outcome for our children?!?
At the end of the chapter there is a study of 1st time expectant parents. The study follows the parents through pregnancy and concentrates on the preference of their child's sex. Parts are written in the parents own words , I was surprised about how dated and , dare I say , sexist some of their opinions were!
Tried to be as to the point as possible , there were many more questions that came to mind whilst reading this. If this was a book club I would be recommending this to my friends :-)
http://webcat.warwick.ac.uk/record=b2081421~S7
http://www.manchesteruniversitypress.co.uk/uploads/docs/680048.pdf
Tuesday 1 November 2011
My 1st Warwick Journal blog........
Hey All ,
I'm back on form now so here are my notes from the Journal I chose to summarise.
This journal is based on cognitive theories and how they relate to a child's ability to learn speech. The author focuses on a child's memory and if it reflects on the child's language acquisition.
Historically the studies used to test the relationship between language and memory were based on visual memory. The findings have shown that the better the visual memory , the better the child's communication skills. There are also studies that children with impaired visual memory often have a family history of language difficulties.
Although there are lots of studies using visual memory and impaired Auditory processing , little is known about the effect that processing speed. There are also conflicting results when on tests using a child's gaze to test their attention.
Tests have also been carried out to compare children's Representing competence, using the changing of picture's and whether the hidden picture still exists-Similar to Piaget's experiment.
There are current studies using infants from 0-3yrs to greater understand the link between Cognitive development and it's effect on speech. This study is using Cognitive theory to predict each child's language development , and then compares the child's actual development.
The study uses children from the same ethnic and social background and gender. The only difference is that some of the babies are pre term and some are full term.
From what I understand , this is because pre term and full term babies have a significant difference in their cognitive memory development.
The results from this study have found that memory and Representation competence are related to speech , however , the language scores were similar for both groups of children.
I don't feel confident enough in my own knowledge to critique this study, although I think that the results seem to contradict each other.
The study also found that symbolic play had the greatest effect on the children's language.
I've got to say that I don't agree with some of the findings in this journal. I felt it was a little generalised.... Or maybe I'm just being a Little harsh ;-)
If anyone has happened to read this same journal I'd be really interested to hear you thoughts :-)
A Cognitive Approach to the Development of Early Language. By: Rose, Susan A.; Feldman, Judith F.; Jankowski, Jeffery J.. Child Development, Jan/Feb2009, Vol. 80 Issue 1, p134-150, 17p, 5 Charts
I'm back on form now so here are my notes from the Journal I chose to summarise.
This journal is based on cognitive theories and how they relate to a child's ability to learn speech. The author focuses on a child's memory and if it reflects on the child's language acquisition.
Historically the studies used to test the relationship between language and memory were based on visual memory. The findings have shown that the better the visual memory , the better the child's communication skills. There are also studies that children with impaired visual memory often have a family history of language difficulties.
Although there are lots of studies using visual memory and impaired Auditory processing , little is known about the effect that processing speed. There are also conflicting results when on tests using a child's gaze to test their attention.
Tests have also been carried out to compare children's Representing competence, using the changing of picture's and whether the hidden picture still exists-Similar to Piaget's experiment.
There are current studies using infants from 0-3yrs to greater understand the link between Cognitive development and it's effect on speech. This study is using Cognitive theory to predict each child's language development , and then compares the child's actual development.
The study uses children from the same ethnic and social background and gender. The only difference is that some of the babies are pre term and some are full term.
From what I understand , this is because pre term and full term babies have a significant difference in their cognitive memory development.
The results from this study have found that memory and Representation competence are related to speech , however , the language scores were similar for both groups of children.
I don't feel confident enough in my own knowledge to critique this study, although I think that the results seem to contradict each other.
The study also found that symbolic play had the greatest effect on the children's language.
I've got to say that I don't agree with some of the findings in this journal. I felt it was a little generalised.... Or maybe I'm just being a Little harsh ;-)
If anyone has happened to read this same journal I'd be really interested to hear you thoughts :-)
A Cognitive Approach to the Development of Early Language. By: Rose, Susan A.; Feldman, Judith F.; Jankowski, Jeffery J.. Child Development, Jan/Feb2009, Vol. 80 Issue 1, p134-150, 17p, 5 Charts
Tuesday 18 October 2011
Language Theory......
Found an Ebook today whist browsing through the Heritage catalogue. It's called Essential Early years by Louise Dryden-Hodder Education 2005.
In preparation for our lesson tomorrow I read Chapter 3 - Language. There are some good points in relation to the Behaviourist Theory. For instance... If Children learn language through Only Behaviourist theory they wouldn't be able to come up with unique sentences... And I for one have heard many children create their own individual sentences! Little people often make me giggle when thinking aloud! Hee hee :-)
It's a good read... And easy to understand... Will certainly use it again!
In preparation for our lesson tomorrow I read Chapter 3 - Language. There are some good points in relation to the Behaviourist Theory. For instance... If Children learn language through Only Behaviourist theory they wouldn't be able to come up with unique sentences... And I for one have heard many children create their own individual sentences! Little people often make me giggle when thinking aloud! Hee hee :-)
It's a good read... And easy to understand... Will certainly use it again!
5 personality Traits.... I am an Extrovert , who is slightly Neurotic but also Concientious...
Hi Guys , I have finally got round to watching Child of our time. Thanks to bobby for posting the link on her blog!
I went through You Tube to watch the last episode. It's great for the work we did with Lin for CANOE... Or as I like to call it... OCEAN.
It really helped me to understand the concepts of each of the traits and also looks at Nature/Nurture theories.
I also used the Personality test to find out my traits (I wanted to see if the generalisations where right! eg Children with a Neurotic personality are more likely to come from single parent homes).
After watching the programme and hearing about the Genes/Environment theories I can honestly say that my personality traits DO reflect my upbringing and the theories Prof. Winston comes up with.
Would recommend you all give it a go.... Very interesting stuff!
I went through You Tube to watch the last episode. It's great for the work we did with Lin for CANOE... Or as I like to call it... OCEAN.
It really helped me to understand the concepts of each of the traits and also looks at Nature/Nurture theories.
I also used the Personality test to find out my traits (I wanted to see if the generalisations where right! eg Children with a Neurotic personality are more likely to come from single parent homes).
After watching the programme and hearing about the Genes/Environment theories I can honestly say that my personality traits DO reflect my upbringing and the theories Prof. Winston comes up with.
Would recommend you all give it a go.... Very interesting stuff!
Monday 17 October 2011
Relocation , Relocation , Relocation....
Hi Bloggers :-)
Just read an article from the Guardian about Housing Ministers plans to encourage people in social housing to move in order to find work.... Thought this would relate to Rachels module.
http://www.guardian.co.uk/society/2011/oct/15/house-swap-plan-unemployed-work
Just read an article from the Guardian about Housing Ministers plans to encourage people in social housing to move in order to find work.... Thought this would relate to Rachels module.
http://www.guardian.co.uk/society/2011/oct/15/house-swap-plan-unemployed-work
Thursday 13 October 2011
DTT for History of childhood.........
I'm really hoping that I'm prepared for our lesson this week.... I've spent loads of time reading.... I'm just not sure it's quite sunk in!
Myself and my buddy's decided to read a chapter from The History of Childhood.... And we chose to research Punishment in schools and universities. After reading my reading I've found that the 18th century was probably one of the most difficult times to be a child. There was a low opinion of children and the punishments in place were very cruel. I have been left wondering where is the happy medium....
I've also looked at The Warwick library to find books relating to The History of childhood.... These are some I found , and the links to them :-)
http://webcat.warwick.ac.uk/record=b2522642~S1
Developing Early childhood studies: Past , present and future.
Published Open University 2011
http://webcat.warwick.ac.uk/record=b2340973~S1
Early Childhood education: Yesterday , today and Tomorrow.
Suzanne L Krogh and Kristine L Slentz 2011
Myself and my buddy's decided to read a chapter from The History of Childhood.... And we chose to research Punishment in schools and universities. After reading my reading I've found that the 18th century was probably one of the most difficult times to be a child. There was a low opinion of children and the punishments in place were very cruel. I have been left wondering where is the happy medium....
I've also looked at The Warwick library to find books relating to The History of childhood.... These are some I found , and the links to them :-)
http://webcat.warwick.ac.uk/record=b2522642~S1
Developing Early childhood studies: Past , present and future.
Published Open University 2011
http://webcat.warwick.ac.uk/record=b2340973~S1
Early Childhood education: Yesterday , today and Tomorrow.
Suzanne L Krogh and Kristine L Slentz 2011
Childhood in world History
Rory McDowall Clark 2010
Cognitive Theories.... What I've learnt so far....
Last week Fiona set us the task to choose a learning theory , see what information we could find and share it with our Class mates :-)
I chose Cognitive theory and read up on principles of Piaget , Vygotsky and Bruner.
Piaget believes that Children are Active learners and learn best in solitude. Piaget describes children as egocentric as they can only see the world through their own perspective.
There are 3 Early years stages
Socialcutlival Cognitive theory......
Bruner and Vygotsky agree that children learn through their own experience and that a child is active in their own development. The theories of Bruner and Vygotsky differ from Piaget as they put importance on Adult support and guidance. They say that children learn best through play that is encouraged by peers and adults , this is further explained Vygotsky's Zone of proximal development.
Whilst I was researching Cognitive theory I also found some information about Moyles Learning Spiral. The learning spiral starts with a child's free play and then progresses to Directed play by a peer or an adult to then master a skill though practice and structured play.
I agree with the basic idea's of Cognitive theory (Nature and Nurture) , however I believe that to maximize a child's learning other theories should be incorporated. Cognitive theory doesn't support all the area's of a child's learning. Emotional and social development isn't addressed and I believe that they are just as important to develop a happy , emotionally intelligent child.
I chose Cognitive theory and read up on principles of Piaget , Vygotsky and Bruner.
Piaget believes that Children are Active learners and learn best in solitude. Piaget describes children as egocentric as they can only see the world through their own perspective.
There are 3 Early years stages
- Sensori motor play (0-18mnths)
- Symbolic play (18mnths-5yrs)
- Co operative play (5-8yrs)
Socialcutlival Cognitive theory......
Bruner and Vygotsky agree that children learn through their own experience and that a child is active in their own development. The theories of Bruner and Vygotsky differ from Piaget as they put importance on Adult support and guidance. They say that children learn best through play that is encouraged by peers and adults , this is further explained Vygotsky's Zone of proximal development.
Whilst I was researching Cognitive theory I also found some information about Moyles Learning Spiral. The learning spiral starts with a child's free play and then progresses to Directed play by a peer or an adult to then master a skill though practice and structured play.
I agree with the basic idea's of Cognitive theory (Nature and Nurture) , however I believe that to maximize a child's learning other theories should be incorporated. Cognitive theory doesn't support all the area's of a child's learning. Emotional and social development isn't addressed and I believe that they are just as important to develop a happy , emotionally intelligent child.
Wednesday 5 October 2011
3 Blogs in 1 night....
Oh my , I have got a lot to say for myself today!
I read an article earlier this week about decreasing numbers for adoption. After reading it , and making notes , I felt sorry for our Social worker's. Seemed to me as though this article , and the Children's minister , felt that they are to blame. My opinion is that Social worker's are binded by allot of Red tape and simply do not have the power to make a decision on what is best for a child , without following a lengthy legal process.
Although I have a feeling I may be slightly biased as my sister is a Social worker for a children's team. If you get a chance to have a read through it I'd really appreciate you thoughts too :-)
http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/home-news/just-60-babies-a-year-adopted-in-england-2362687.html
I have spent a lovely evening having a chin wag and assembling flat pack furniture with one of my friends tonight..... I haven't been slacking though :-) Claire gave me some great tips on Harvard referencing!
She strongly recommended making a clear note of all references.... Paging down and typing them as you go
And to use your 'Sort' option on your computer to put them in alphabetical order once you've finished!
So pleased she shared this with me..... Otherwise I have a feeling I would have spent an age sorting through them :-) Clever Claire.... She also volunteered to be my proof reader!
I read an article earlier this week about decreasing numbers for adoption. After reading it , and making notes , I felt sorry for our Social worker's. Seemed to me as though this article , and the Children's minister , felt that they are to blame. My opinion is that Social worker's are binded by allot of Red tape and simply do not have the power to make a decision on what is best for a child , without following a lengthy legal process.
Although I have a feeling I may be slightly biased as my sister is a Social worker for a children's team. If you get a chance to have a read through it I'd really appreciate you thoughts too :-)
http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/home-news/just-60-babies-a-year-adopted-in-england-2362687.html
I have spent a lovely evening having a chin wag and assembling flat pack furniture with one of my friends tonight..... I haven't been slacking though :-) Claire gave me some great tips on Harvard referencing!
She strongly recommended making a clear note of all references.... Paging down and typing them as you go
And to use your 'Sort' option on your computer to put them in alphabetical order once you've finished!
So pleased she shared this with me..... Otherwise I have a feeling I would have spent an age sorting through them :-) Clever Claire.... She also volunteered to be my proof reader!
Rousseau pod cast and Being Super eager with Social Theories......
Thanks to Beth for blogging the podcast link.... Listened to it again.... With my finger on the pause button! I added more notes from the one's I have already made.
I've gotta say that Rouseau's idea of freedom seems to me a little more like dictatorship......
I also researched different Social theories.... Think I may have been a little too eager as I made 5 pages of notes! I couldn't make Rachel's lesson this week :-( I hope my study at home and Bobby's notes (Thanks Buddy) will keep me up to speed.
I've gotta say that Rouseau's idea of freedom seems to me a little more like dictatorship......
I also researched different Social theories.... Think I may have been a little too eager as I made 5 pages of notes! I couldn't make Rachel's lesson this week :-( I hope my study at home and Bobby's notes (Thanks Buddy) will keep me up to speed.
The Independent.... Cage Fighting article......
http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/crime/police-probe-online-video-of-young-boys-cage-fighting-2358884.html
Gotta say guys.... After reading more into the Cage fighting argument I'm still not convinced it is a suitable 'Sport' for children.
But hey , At least I've had my eyes opened.
Gotta say guys.... After reading more into the Cage fighting argument I'm still not convinced it is a suitable 'Sport' for children.
But hey , At least I've had my eyes opened.
Wednesday 28 September 2011
Cage fighting , Feral Children , and Reading......
Wow! Today was an eye opener for me! I always thought I was pretty open minded but I have realised that I am actually quite fixed in my opinions.... The Big cage fight debate has really opened my eyes. Now I am making myself a promise to look at topics in a more objective way.... Hope you guys will help me out and remind me of this ;-)
I found the National geographic documentry with Fiona really interesting... I made a note of some of the Theorists to research and will post any of my findings. (Once I have worked out how to link the stuff on here) Oh and I have now read Fiona's study Skills booklet... Some great tips in there... Especially If like me havent written an essay since school!
Read the Nature v Nurture and Time and transition Chapter's Saudah copied for us today (Thanks S).
I found some of the info difficult to digest.... Anyone have the same problem?
I have loved reading all your blogs today! Thanks for Sharing! :-)
I found the National geographic documentry with Fiona really interesting... I made a note of some of the Theorists to research and will post any of my findings. (Once I have worked out how to link the stuff on here) Oh and I have now read Fiona's study Skills booklet... Some great tips in there... Especially If like me havent written an essay since school!
Read the Nature v Nurture and Time and transition Chapter's Saudah copied for us today (Thanks S).
I found some of the info difficult to digest.... Anyone have the same problem?
I have loved reading all your blogs today! Thanks for Sharing! :-)
Monday 26 September 2011
Who'd have thought it???
I cannot believe I have a blog!
I really hope I dont bore you all!
I've had my 1st week at 'School' and so far it has been great....Love my new School friends :-)
I am currently in my pj's , watching daytime tele while writing this.... Cant see that being a regular occurrence from now on!
So far I have completed the test of setting up this blog , written lots of dates and to do lists in my diary, and taken notes on a Pod cast from Rachel and Watched 'Carrot and the stick' with Lin.
So much more I have to be getting on with so..... ta,ta for now!
I really hope I dont bore you all!
I've had my 1st week at 'School' and so far it has been great....Love my new School friends :-)
I am currently in my pj's , watching daytime tele while writing this.... Cant see that being a regular occurrence from now on!
So far I have completed the test of setting up this blog , written lots of dates and to do lists in my diary, and taken notes on a Pod cast from Rachel and Watched 'Carrot and the stick' with Lin.
So much more I have to be getting on with so..... ta,ta for now!
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