Learning Environments & Strategies

Learning Environments & Strategies

Jane E. Tuitt Elementary (My alma mater)

Learning environments should differ as we all have different norms, values, religions, and cultures. A developmentally appropriate learning environment should also illustrate aspects of all those included within the learning environment, which would primarily be its students. How many of us can truly say that the learning environment we have created for our students or even our children are sincerely tailored to suit their developmental levels, needs, and interests? I have seen classrooms that mirror all of the children and families connected with it, and unfortunately I have seen those that mirror prison cell walls (bland white with a few pictures scattered around the room). Classrooms that illustrate culture, facilitate developmentally appropriate practice through engaging activities and learning areas, and showcases content learned throughout different content areas are ideal learning environment and are necessary in this day and age.

The learning environment where I felt the most successful was in elementary school, specifically my intermediate classes. Unlike most I was lucky enough to have a great teacher twice as she switched from third grade to fifth just in time for my class. I would personally say that my reason for feeling the most successful within this learning environment is because the school collaborated with the community to ensure that many programs and initiatives were in place for students to engage in and interact with other students. Such initiatives included but weren’t limited to inter school/ neighborhood basketball leagues, essay writing competitions on various national and local initiatives (red ribbon/drug fee, laws of life, etc.), art competitions, and others alike. Other reasons I felt successful within this environment was because I it facilitated and encouraged reading in many ways; reading was used for extra credit points as well as a past time, which reinforced my love for reading cultivated at home.

If I had to label my prior learning environment where I had felt the most successful I would say that it would probably mirror the head starts now public standards as it was inclusive as well as diverse and learning objectives were primarily academic with some focus on collaborating with families and the community. Many times we assume that students are successful in academic so they are elsewhere also when they may need guidance, as an advocate for children it is a teachers’ job to ensure all needs are being met and do whatever possible to attribute to such; in many cases referrals to different agencies and organizations are greatly appreciated and helpful. I would create a classroom environment that is both engaging and learning friendly by creating learning stations within the classroom and in the outdoor areas that with facilitate opportunities of each child to grow at their own paces and explore their interests. In this respect my students will too be able to be engaged in their favorite past times while exploring their interests in the name of learning, because when children learn through play they learn to enjoy learning.

Technology; A Distraction for Some While Empowering Others

So as usual I decided to write about something that I've observed (what else is there to write about right?!), which is how media can be effective for some children while a distraction to others. I must say before I continue that I personally think that media and other technological resources are a great way to engage students and if done appropriately, to learn as well. My compliments to the Virgin Islands Department of Education for including technological materials within all classrooms, primary and secondary. I have come to learn the many different ways students can learn from these objects, as well as the benefits of their engagement through activities that include technological materials. Providing computers for the general use and research of assignments was a great way to include media resources to encourage creativity, as well as providing students was the most powerful resource of our time, the internet.
      But there are some students who aren't learning due to becoming distracted. I've witnessed in certain cases where students became distracted by other students who where allowed to use technological resources when they weren't. In that case in point students where working in groups which alternated the resources ( in this case iPads) because there wasn't enough to supply the whole class. In such cases it is understandable, but allowing students to use such resources for recreational purposes alone while others are still finishing their assignments can be a distraction. Children are more concentrated on the actions of their peers than that of the lesson or activity at hand. In such cases I would recommend placing children performing different actions ( like activities vs. lessons) within different room settings. A learning center within the classroom that is well structured so that students aren't able to view the actions of other children would be ideal. I realize that for many teachers this may be considered strenuous as they may have to move constantly to ensure students are committed to the tasks at hand, but this can also be encouraging for students dramatic play being out of the view of others they are more likely to act out more confidently without fear of persecution from their peers.
There are concerns about whether young children should have access to technology and screen media in early childhood programs. Those concerns have aroused with regards to obesity as many feel kids need more physical activities rather than screen media/ passive non interactive technology. To divert such findings experts recommend the amount of screen time for children under school age is one(4-5 years old) hour, children attending school or of the age are allotted two hours. The intent of these limitations are to defer the believed outcomes which include but aren't limited to;

• obesity
• irregular sleep patterns
• behavioral issues
• focus and attention problems
• decreased academic performance
• negative impacts on social and language engagement

Technology shouldn't be used for activities that aren't educational, progressive, developmentally appropriate or effective; nor as a means to replace physical/social activities or interaction.
Another issues revolves around equity/access to such materials and broadband internet remain unsolved  and in my personal opinion will remain unsolved until all educational institutions reach an educational consensus on appropriate materials, devices, and methodology or maybe the nation will find a way to reverse this recession and allow for more families to have an equal chance at affording such manipulative (which ever comes first I guess).
Despite many of the accolades education has received for taking the next step in education and including technology there are those who feel that it is unnecessary and that it is potentially harming more than helping. While I have already conveyed my personal feelings on the matter a report on learning from media use in America half of the parents that participated within the survey believed that their kids learned more. It is also reported that children spend up to 42 minutes a day watching educational television media; 5 minutes of educational content on mobile devices and three minutes of educational video games. While I'm sure that it may differ on a larger scale since this was a survey with a limited amount of participants and most home don't include all three resources as there are other resources available not listed. But I can say that I do personally concur with their findings; most children that I've seen within such instances aren't inclined to spend more than three to five minutes on an educational video game ,but when allotted others of a different variety they'll spend an hour or two dressing barbie. The same records also showed that children only read an average of forty minutes a day; 29 minutes with print, eight minutes with computers, and five using e-learning platforms. Regardless of those figures the finding where of the most importance. Parents found that the learning extended from the educational media through forms of questions, imaginative play, and projects related to knowledge gained.
Students need be afforded the opportunity to learn technological skills at early ages versus the latter. Just as books were a main source of literacy in our age (80's-90's), in this age it's pertinent for students to indulge in its uses for constructive means rather than just social. The Virgin Islands Next Generation Network (VINGN)  recently participated in and advocated for the literacy of  us ALL in technology through learning to code. Students who learn such skills are afforded the opportunity to create programs and apps rather than just being the perfect target for others who have manufactured that of the same caliber. VINGN is currently holding a cyber learning basic digital literacy course that is free to all USVI residents, I encourage all to attend, if for nothing else personal empowerment. In order for communities to be in unison with moving forward to the next steps of education we need to educate parents on what is educational and how to evaluate adequate materials and media resources such as apps/games. By doing this everyone is more confident about its usage and the educational value of the context.




NAEYC. (2012). Technology and interactive media as tools In Early Childhood Programs serving children from birth through eight. Retrieved on January 26, 2014 from http://issuu.com/naeyc/docs/ps_technology_issuu_may2012/1?e=2112065/2087657

How to Deal with Challenging Behavior from Primary Students

How to deal with challenging behavior from primary students

Through observations and personal experiences I've gathered what I'm sure most teachers have already learned, some children can be difficult. While this range of difficulty can span across many different areas I do believe that it can all be controlled and deterred if done correctly. Situations that I've witnessed have led me to believe that dis-spite the child or the behavior they choose to display, there is a remedy to resolve all challenging behaviors. So, how do you deal with children who constantly disrupt activities and lessons by being loud and disruptive, 'being dramatic', physically and verbally abusive towards peers, and is plain out mean? Well, it honestly depends on the child and their situation, but there are a few points that many have seemed to find a consensus on that I intend to explore a little. I do however want to make it clear that I cannot say that I agree with all of the opinions stated ( truth be told I agree with all but one), I do understand the validity of them all in different situations that could appear.

Through my observations I've noted that many students' behaviors are challenging by means of aggression but through 'theatrics'. Many students seem to have a flair for drama, which really isn't appropriate during most lessons so it becomes disruptive. It is not my belief that these children are doing so as a 'call for attention' but that it is an innate sense of their being, its apart of their personalities. It is however my belief that by ignoring such antics whenever they may arise through a 'blind eye and a deaf ear' students will learn that it is inappropriate/unappreciated and such acts will diminish until times that are deemed appropriate for such behavior.

Does 'time out' really work anymore? Is it effective? Although time out is meant as a means of reflection ( one that I personally think works!) it can be hard for it to be used at it's full capacity/effectiveness within a classroom full of children (all of whom at times are partaking in different activities). I've observed that it can be 'adjusted to'; instead of students utilizing the time to reflect their actions, they simply watch their peers and 'plot' their next move. It seems the once overly effective time out may need a twist like providing a behavioral learning center where the student's visibility is blocked from his peers and is instead faced with materials that promote pro social behavior through books, video's, music, games and other materials of the like as a reminder of how things should change 'after' time out. The promotion of 'Pro social Behavior' with classroom has been quite effective (as noted within many resources) with deterring challenging/aggressive behavior from students. The focus of helping children learn to care, share, and assist each other and all behaviors alike are referred to as pro social behaviors. By being a good role model, providing positive feedback and reinforcement of such behaviors through provided opportunities (community service, literature,etc.) and conducting activities on multicultural principles that are unbiased, and by overall generally promoting the self esteems and images of individual students, all parents and teachers would be able to meet their goals.

I'm sure many of us have heard of or at least read about the kindergarten teacher in Tennessee who locks her students within a closet as a form of punishment/ time out. I personally think that it is absurd! Unfortunately, it appears that other than the parents of the little girl who was locked within the classroom, I am the only one who has conveyed such feelings. How could any school official knowingly allow such acts to take place on school grounds? Was there no where else to issue an effective time out or was there a lack of interest put forth in the gesture other than to intimidate students into compliance? It seems to me that members of the school in question, parents of the students, and community members alike should take more of an interest in what goes on within their educational institutions and the personnel that is choose to take care of the future.

A child's behavioral patterns are comprised of what is learned within different settings (school, home, extra curricular activities,etc.) These influences determine a child's behavior. Many assert that physical punishment is inappropriate by ALL MEANS; I don't. I agree that physical punishment (id abusive/overly aggressive) can be detrimental to any child, but I don't agree that the 'spanking' of any child, a light tap on the hand or buttocks, to assert “NO” is inappropriate in any form. Despite my own convictions, oppositions against 'spanking' make many valid points, many of which I agree with, if not all;

• Physical punishment is ineffective because it doesn't promote an alternative way of behavioral
• It actually models the aggression inferring that it's OK to use aggressive acts/behavior
• physical punishment can become an 'emotionally charged' situation where the aggressor is overly aggressive an can hit the child in a vulnerable place.

These kind of situations can ruin any relationship, parent-child/ teacher-student, for their sense of security is now gone. To prevent such situations when a case arises where all parties become 'excited' it is better to take personal time outs for all parties involved. As such all parties have time to assess the situation at a calmer level. This also models to students the steps that can be taken rather than turning to aggression.   

Educational Institutions Need New Blood

In the U.S Virgin Islands we have been plagued with leasing opportunities and a stagnant economy which has in turn caused many of us to ignore topics of great importance for immediate needs that supersede these topics of great importance due to dire need. Well our practices have left us,our children, and our futures in a dark place; the blind eye that we have taken to the deviants of society have left us arrogant and ignorant to a more progressive means of evolving as a society. If we do not take care of such problems now then our ideologies and norms will be lead astray in the future; now is the time to put our futures at the forefront and begin shaping a better future, and what a better place to begin than our educational institutions and educators. Many of our founding fathers ( and mothers) of education spend their entire careers assessing and philosophizing the best practices to utilize for the progression of different children with different needs, and we have only two programs in place within our public education institutions that offer such programs typically to English language learners. Years ago our local government adapted to the common core standards, but our schools have yet to implement them. We need to ‘mobilize the educational movement’ to meet the needs of our students and educational institutions as we do our electoral and violence campaigns for it is just as important if not more so.

The emphasis we have put on standardized testing doesn't help the students,but it makes them timid to know that this test is/can be used to rate their IQ’s. Jean Piaget used standardized testing of reasoning for use with children. His research became the foundation for his method of interviewing; used to study the development of children intellectualism. A method of such sort should be in place within our educational institutions, but they are not, instead we have children being promoted year after year without learning their essentials, as well as children not being promoted at all for ignorance on the part of the educator for not providing engaging/progressive work that would meet that child’s needs. I recognize that within the public school systems it may be hard for educators to this with all students, but with the tenacity and dedication that I've seen educational professionals refer students to alternative programs (just to get them out of their classroom), their should be a program in place that children can be referred to for child centered learning to improve their intellectual standing and eventually prepare them for integration with the rest of the school population once more (as is done within the alternative programs for troubled students). Piaget stated “thus i engaged my subjects in a conversations patterned after psychiatric questioning, with the aim of discovering something about the reasoning process underlying their right but especially wrong answers” (Morrison, 2009). We too need to develop a curriculum which encourages our teachers to utilize such questioning techniques to improve/promote thinking within all areas of education; early learners to intermediate and high school. Many of the actions carried out by adolescents today are the products of false beliefs and norms taught to the young by the ignorant to promote their own norms and beliefs. If we can teach them within the classroom and at home about the different philosophies of life and get them to ask some of the hard questions and answer such questions, many of the outlooks that they've received through ‘distorted lenses’ on the streets can and will change.

Piaget’s theory of learning was based off of cognitive development; it explains how individuals think, perceive, understand, and learn (Morrison, 2009).He viewed intelligence as the process by which children acquired knowledge, not where knowledge is measured by intelligence. Piaget's cognitive theory states through direct experiences with the physical world, children develop intelligence;

• Active learning- children develop knowledge through engaging learning activities (physically and mentally)
• Adaptation- the process of building units of knowledge through interactions with the environment consisting of two processes; assimilation and accommodation
• Assimilation- process of fitting new information into existing knowledge units
• Accommodation - changing/ altering old units of knowledge to update with new information
• Equilibrium - a balance between new and old knowledge, developed through assimilation and accommodation.

While these studies were intended for early childhood learners I don’t see why we can’t implement it throughout our public school systems, Pre-K through 12 grade. Many early childhood programs follow published and recognized curriculum's, in the USVI though we haven’t ,made any such determinations. Most early childhood care takers teach at minimal levels providing children with little opportunity for learning. The program curriculum's that early childhood educators adhere by are out of date and by far not meeting age appropriate standards. A curriculum is a set of objectives that define the knowledge or information that children will be taught; if the curriculum is continued at it’s pace children are the only ones losing. Our curriculum's need to include age appropriate, progressive activities that children can learn from such as health classes, fruits & vegetable awareness, physical fitness, and every classroom or facility should have at least two learning centers for a variety and to keep children engaged within their learning activities. Teaching our children the basics just isn't going to cut it anymore, the world is changing and if we don’t catch up we all will be left behind.

While locally I haven’t heard many ill talking about new common core implementations, I have read quite a bit of controversy via online resources and chat rooms. To the best of my understanding, since I've never taught at elementary or secondary schools,the standards and curriculum provide a process that includes a shared vision of expectations with multiple pathways for attaining them (Strickland, 2012). I don’t understand why so many educators feel that they are being told how to teach now, if in any case they are being told ‘what’ to teach, not ‘how’ and it is for the benefit of the children. While many will not be able to go to Ivy league schools with such standards all children, regardless of class and background, can have the same education levels and opportunities to expand their horizons. Its not about the teachers, but the students.

With the use of underlying factors within Piaget’s stages of development we could adapt his techniques and research to fit our culture and it’s needs.While our government has promised us the use of Common Core Standards it has still yet to be implemented, although it’s being claimed to be ‘progressing’ since it was announced September 30, 2010. Other than Piaget there are many other theories to be considered that fit a wide array of our shortfalls; Vygotsky, Erikson, and Gardner are all influential educators whose lives work were dedicated to many of the problems that we face now; when will we dedicate our lives to the education of the future? We rally and protest for everything except education, but we wonder why our children aren't doing well in schools; we blame teachers, the institutions and even politicians, all of which do have a hand in educational structure, but so do we as the parents and taxpayers. Virgin Islanders we've rallied against eight percent cuts for government workers, drugs, crime, and violence, all topics that are rampant within our society. But it is also time we take a stand for those who cannot stand for themselves due to lack of knowledge; they are unaware that they are behind and will be until we do something to change that. The next time we rally, it should be for our children.

Strickland, D. S. (2012). Planning curriculum to meet the common core state standards. Reading Today, 29(4), 25-26. Retrieved from http://search.proquest.com/docview/926994517?accountid=32521

Morrison, G.S. (2009). Early Childhood Education Today. Pearson Education, Inc.,Upper Saddle River, NJ 07458

USVI Educational Practices? Theories?

       As many other institutions that are government based, or educational professionals leading the institutions with the Virgin Islands are doing the minimum to keep their jobs, and the doors open; our children are not the reason for these institutions we are for the intents set forth are not with the children in mind. I've often wondered if our educational leaders have ever read different philosophies/theories with regards to education, and if so which ones do they uphold? For nothing I've ever learned, researched, or read has ever leaded me to believe that the minimum efforts being set for education within our territory is actually being productive on a larger scale. Common core standards were made with territories like us in mind, to ensure all students are being taught on the same scales to ensure progression in all learning environments. I can say personally that our educational leaders here aren't doing their best, if trying at all for many freshman students are having the same problems adjusting as I once had and determination is necessary to succeed. Educational practices around the world are derived from educators who spent their lives work on education and focusing on different ways to ensure success for students, since we all do learn differently. Locally we do offer some private institutions which pride themselves on following these leaders, as does Montessori School, whose curriculum is based on the Montessori Method, a system of early childhood education funded on the ideas and practices of Maria Montessori. Montessori educators implement their method through five basic principles that are lacking in many of our educational institutions (mainly those governments based); Respect for the child, the concept of the absorbent mind, sensitive periods, the prepared environment and auto-education/self education. Now while all teachers and educational professionals practice this to an extent, it should become more of a primary rather than a secondary, it shows both students and parents that educators are engaged in their profession and that it is more than a job, just by taking a little extra time out to prepare/facilitate engaging environments it actually makes the class more engaged to learn. Children should be at the center of each activity, once the environment is ready this gives the teacher adequate time needed to assess each individuals needs and progress. While I am not suggesting that we all send our children to Montessori School, I do suggest we find schools that do hold some of their ideals, as well as those of other prominent educational professionals that have also greatly contributed to early childhood education in many aspects.

       Jean Piaget was another prominent educator from the twentieth century whose ideals are still mirrors in curriculums and schools across the nation today. Piaget's ideas, among other theorist, support the ideals that children actively seek knowledge. Many of us have seen this in an inquisitive child or one who mimics the actions of others; it is their innate actions to learn. These theories provide us with the guidance or will necessary to ponder on those theories/activities that do help children progress and to in turn develop those programs that support and progress children's learning so that others may continue to benefit from it. I personally believe in the power of structured play or the active learning theory which means that children learn through physical and mental engaging activities. Piaget also developed three stages of cognitive development; Sensorimotor (birth-2yrs), Preoperational (2-7yrs), and Concrete Operations (7-12). Using these concepts all educational institutions should structure a scaffold age appropriate progressive activities for all students to participate in daily. These activities would prove to be more effective for they would have been scaffold to fit individual student groups which is much more effective than one size fits all.

       Once more I am not saying that we should all send our children to private or charter schools, what I am saying is that we should require more of the educational professionals in charge of such and the institutions themselves for that path that we are on is destructive. The only people who can fix such a path are those who it directly affects, and since children aren't mature enough to derive to such conclusions this leaves us, the parent to become the responsible party. If we don't then we run the risk of sending our children out into a world that they not ready for by many means; I'm sure many of us has seen how this path can end or where it may lead. Virgin Islands parents I implore you all to check on the progressions of your child within the learning environment that they are, see if materials being used are age appropriate, adequate in terms of safety and the amount needed for constructive use by all children. Find out about physical education, nutritional, and leaning policies or theories if there are any in place; this information can be the future of your child's fundamental abilities and the base of which their knowledge will be based on so I'm sure as any parent does, you will all want the best possible.

Importance of Play Part II: Physical Education

       I wanted to personally encourage everyone to facilitate more play time for our students. Research has taught us that rich, varied play experiences boost a child's learning significantly. Games/ play help children to develop coordination skills, as well as confidence and pride. While I'm sure that we all create the appropriate timing for play experiences, structured play that is purposeful and has intent has proven to be the best way for younger learners to progress. Through different types of play students develop new skills as well as knowledgeable concepts about different things or even issues present within their lives. Structured play with intent facilitates/ promotes; cultural awareness, aesthetic awareness, cognitive and language skills, social skills, time and space concepts, cause and effect, helps to differentiate real from pretend, and it is also a great way for children to express their emotions and whatever anxiety they may be feeling, among many other things.
       Through my various employments at different private preschools/daycare on St. Thomas there are many practices being used, and in most cases they are lacking any practices at all. Children are left to discover and care givers only give the appearance of teaching. I can recall specifically seeing a preschool teacher (K3) ridiculed for doing what she was supposed to, being called names by the owner/director for 'wanting to be a super teacher'. I learned quickly that I would not thrive in such settings and then begged the question, how could children be expected to learn and thrive in such an environment where it is not encouraged to facilitate such learning. Needless to say I (the ambitious college student) didn't last long, for I was 'taking my job to seriously'; I wasn't fired, but I did seek out employment where learning was encouraged. Through play children learn a variety of things that, while we may teach them verbally, will never understand until they are able to experience it. Through play we discover who we are and who the people around us are; we discover ourselves. Allowing children to interact with each other in different settings promotes different social skills that are also necessary for growth and development, both academically and throughout their lives endeavors. This applies to children of all ages including those in the more intermediate stages of growth and development. While they may not be able to interact as other children do, they still are able to make connections and interactions through smiles and the mimicking of movements made.
       This brings me to another aspect of play that is neglected within preschool/daycare programs, physical education. With this regards physical education professionals and advocates have argued this cause around the world; the earlier one is exposed to physical activities the more likely they are to develop healthy exercise habits and can progress this skill to a lifetime of fitness. With obesity constantly rising within our nation the best form of curing this disease, as all others, is to prevent it. Many have begged to question how or should schools implement quality physical fitness programs; I can't understand why with all the information available on the development and nurturing of young children how this subject could be left out of any curriculum. This disconnect can lead to students avoiding physical activities throughout their adolescence which can lead to the development of a bad habit for their futures. Children should be given the opportunity to engage in structured outdoor play for a minimum of two hours for at least three days a week, as well as structured indoor play through the use of different learning stations (i.e. kitchen sets, costume center, etc.) to allow room for growth and progression in all areas. I implore everyone to check with your child's care provider and find out their practices, if your children are only allowed play for once a week outdoors, and there are no learning centers within the facility, chances are your child isn't being provided the time necessary to explore themselves and the world around them and we all want for our children to grow to their fullest potentials.