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People not only gain understanding through reflection,
they evaluate and alter their own thinking.
From Social Foundation of Thought and Action, 1986
Roxana Moreno, Ph.D., J.D. and Elsie
Dr. Moreno was my educational pyschology teacher for summer 2008 at University of New Mexico main
campus in Albuquerque. Dr. Moreno's education consist of the following: Ph.D in Psychology with emphasis in Cognitive
Science at University of California at Santa Barbara, August 1999; M.A. in Cognitive and Perceptual Sciences at University
of California at Santa Barbara, March 1998; Jurisprudence Doctor, Argentina, 1985; B.S. in economics with highest honors at
University of Buenos Aires, Argentina, 1984; Computer Science, University of California at Berkely, 1992-1994. Dr. Moreno
has earned many awards, written many publications including two books, has extensive researches, has given many conference
presentations and is still teaching at University of New Mexico.
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Course Description and Rationale:
This course is designed to introduce basic principles of learning particularly cognition, motivation, and
assessment, and their application to classroom situations. An understanding of basic learning principles and their application
to classroom situations is the foundation of the development of a professional educator. This course is the beginning
and the knowledge will build when these principles are applied in classroom situations. Knowledge of the basic principles
underlying cognition and instrution can provide with an important framework for thinking about learning and instruction in
classrooms and other potential learning environments.
Course Objectives and Focus:
- To gain understanding of psychological explanations of how students learn and demonstrate learning.
- To devlop the ability to use theoretical principles and research findings to plan educational enviornments
that will foster learning.
- To cultivate awareness of diversity in the classroom and of the implications of diversity for educational
practices.
- To acquire knowledge about problems that may disrupt the learning process and about strategies to ameliorate
such problems.
- To develop the self knowledge and interpersonal skills necessary to function effectively in collaborative
peer response groups.
Reflections:
The three themes that we covered in class were educational psychology theory and reseach; applications to
real world issues with analysis of classroom cases; and diversity in the classroom. We met in small groups to discuss
different classroom situations with questions that we answered; sometimes we would disagree, but sometimes we wouldn't come
to the same conclusion. We changed groups to get to know each other because we were all different in culture, ethnic
or beliefs. We came to conclusions with what we believed in. We elaborated on topics from the text, or from Dr.
Moreno. Sometimes participating in these discussions, a concept that was difficult to understand became more clear.
We brainstormed solutions to educational problems, participated in debates, applied theory to practice and analyzed classroom
cases. What was different about this class was that I got to participate in a research about how a person learned.
It was very interesting to take part. Sometimes Dr. Moreno gave an assignment to research a topic and it would be difficult
to find the solution. We took essay test and those questions were thought provoking and took much to write the essay.
The questions seemed to be easy, but I had to think about what I was going to write.
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