Educational Psychology- Board of Educators

Three teachers within their first couple years of teaching spoke to the Educational Psychology classes about the first couple years of experience they have and what to expect. All three of them were Luther grads and originally from Decorah area and were now teaching in Decorah or the area. One of the teachers was a P.E. teacher, one was a special ed teacher, and the last was a fourth grade teacher. None of the teachers were involved with high school students or even shared a school with high school students. Secondary education is the area which I plan to be involved in, and I would also like to be in a large school district with a lot of diversity. I felt this group pf educators was very narrow.
Some of the things I could take from these new teachers was the idea of technology all around us. They talked about the problem of students having cell phones and lab tops every free second they had, which could be a very difficult problem to address. Something else useful that they talked about was the commitment can at times, especially within the first years, can become very overwhelming.
None of them really talked about problems within the student body or conflicts amongst themselves. The conversation was mostly focused on how things have changed from when they were students to students right now. I wish they would have addressed more problems they have encountered and specifically how they dealt with them.

Educational Psychology- Paper Clips

The film "Paper Clips" was an insightful project fueled by patient and compassionate educators. The teachers of this community transformed a moving, educational project into a life-long lesson for their students. Introducing the Holocaust in middle school seems developmentally appropriate because this is the age when kids become influenced by differences and prejudices. At this age students can begin to comprehend the tragedies of hate that have occurred in history.
This project was a very difficult and long task and without such motivated teachers this project may not have been completed with such success. This project required students to become extremely involved with each other, research and most importantly their community. And soon the involvement with the community bloomed into national involvement, and eventually reached people overseas.
The documentary of the students and teachers at Whitwell Middle School proves how education can touch many, whether it in the school system, the community, the nation or across the world.