The Legacy of Bobo Doll Experiment

 

As discussed, Bobo Doll experiment became a significant foundation in the field of social learning theory. Further, it served as a pivotal movement towards understanding of behavior and learning processes that cannot be explained by the other theories already existing.

 

Let me focus first on the implications of this experiment in the context of child’s learning in the present time.

• First, the experiment conducted showed the significance of role modelling and imitation as two processes by which a learner, particularly the young ones utilize in integrating and developing their behaviors and practices. By virtue of observation especially of the adults, children usually think that they must also act similar to what they are seeing. Because their concepts of appropriateness is still developing, they somehow cannot filter which is which when it comes to imitating actions. More often than not, they end up trusting the things available to their sight. As can be inferred, it may result to adaptation of ill behaviour depending upon the role model they most often observe.

 

• Secondly, as the personalities behind this social learning theory affirm, social imitation may hasten or short-cut the acquisition of new behaviors without the necessity of reinforcing successive approximations as suggested by the behaviourists. This I guess will be likely true among those people who are being regarded as “idols” of the learners. By this, children usually find it easy to accept and adapt new patterns of behavior as they fully trust the persons being imitated. As with my observation, young cousins of mine are fond of imitating their school teachers because they believe their teachers are “perfect” role model of what everyone should become. Even without the presence of rewarding comments and/or tokens, they still continue imitating such acts.

 

• Lastly, the role of reinforcement and punishment can still be seen in this theory though not among the learners themselves but to the role models being imitated. As they found out, children would less likely imitate a person’s behavior when that particular act was coupled with embarrassment or otherwise perceived “punishing.” As these young learners have the knowledge what distinguish shame from joy, definitely they will imitate those acts that seem to be worth rewarding as they observe in their role models.

 

On the other hand, this experiment as part of the social learning theory is not without weaknesses and criticisms just like the other ones. in a highly controlled setting (laboratory) which is very different from the real world setting where children and other learners are exposed at. I agree with this one for the reason that “extraneous” variables or those factors that may affect the children’s attention were not present in the conduct of the experiment. For instance, when a child witnesses her mother nagging at her father, she might be curious and interested to observe that act that may predispose her to imitating such acts in the future. However, a sudden loud jolly music comes in that distracts her attention from watching her mother. Instead of continuously observing the act of nagging by someone, she may end up dancing in the tune of a very lively music. My point here is that there are other factors that may intervene in the process of observation and role modelling.

 

• As we all know, a research study must be free from bias especially among selection of subjects who will be included in the study. As stated, the subjects of Bobo experiment share the same characteristics like race, school environment, and socioeconomic background that make it difficult to generalize the obtained findings to more diverse and significantly different groups of people. For example, there are cultures by which members tend to be less tolerable to frustrations and more aggressive than the other groups. This alone might explain the difference in the observation. The study could have been more generalizable if such factors were adequately considered.

 

• Immediately after watching the video of that experiment, I actually wondered “if” the children will display the same thing (imitating aggressive acts and remarks) days after the experiment. I am concerned about the long term effect of the conducted study. For me, since the witnessed actions were still fresh in the children’s memories, they have the natural tendency to carry out what was just observed. Maybe follow up studies can be made considering this point to further strengthen the concepts of social learning theory.

 

• Lastly, I also agree that hitting or displaying aggressive acts towards the Bobo doll is far different from exhibiting same actions towards a real person. Just the mere fact that the Bobo doll will not respond despite of continuous physical aggression, the child may be more determined to continue such acts. I remember the defense mechanism displacement, by which the individual displaces an unacceptable or frustrating inclinations towards less threatening objects. Again, they do this not as a typical response of displaying learned behavior towards aggression, but rather a “relieving” and partly “innate” activity of lessening the tension being experienced.

 

To conclude on this, I do believe that we, as adults must capitalize on the strengths of the aforementioned theory in an effort to provide young children with role models that are really worth imitating. Knowing that children in general learn various things as they interact with us, we should therefore be more responsible in displaying appropriate behavior not only in their presence but also acts of keeping with our well-developed values and attitudes in life.

Be a good role model everyone! God bless! 😀 😀 😀

Rhed Meets Mr. Premack’s Principle

When I was young, I was really fond of computer games specifically the “super Mario” adventures. During that time, we don’t have any computer at home and so I used to go with my uncle’s house to play that game. More often than not, my uncle served as my instant playmate.

This strong desire of mine to play that game almost every day (during the summer vacation) was very evident to my mom. It actually gave her a hint on how I can be tasked to do certain things that will surely elicit a “yes” answer. My mom started making an agreement not only with me but also with my uncle. Her condition was that I will be allowed to continue playing that computer game only if I’m already done with the assigned household chore. We actually grew up with “yaya” around us but then our parents still require us to participate in the completion of everyday chores. I particularly do the cleaning of my own room especially the bed making. So that’s it! I have to finish them all first before I can play with my uncle. He also talked with my uncle not to allow me to play without making sure that I finished what I supposed to do.

Just because I really loved the adventure of Super Mario, I became so eager to finish what is required to win my privilege. Almost every day that this scenario was my routine. Until such time, I observed that my mom is increasing her “condition” for me to continue enjoying the “same” reward. She added helping our yaya in buying some food in the market in the morning before I can proceed with my play time. I had no choice then as I so loved my only hobby. Though I wanted to just rest and wake up late morning, I made my adjustment to accompany our yaya and have my room fixed. I can’t resist. The Premack Principle is really powerful. 😀 😀

Basically, this was just one personal experience that proves how the mentioned technique can facilitate an individual to be more productive by capitalizing on the stimulus that is obviously occurring frequently. On a final thought, I thank my mom and this technique as I become more responsible in prioritizing things that are “needed” over those that are just “wanted.”

 

Happy learning everyone! God bless us! 😀 😀 😀

Behaviorism and Its Brief History

Behaviorism or behavrioal psychology is the school of thought in psychology that sought to measure only observable behaviors of individuals in an effort to find out its relationship with behavioral and learning processes. It was founded by John B. Watson who then believed that behaviors can be measured, trained, and changed.

 

Now let’s take a quick glance on some of the important milestones of the solid foundation of Behaviorism.

• 1863

–Ivan Sechenov‘s “Reflexes of the Brain” was published

-Sechenov introduced the concept of inhibitory responses in the central nervous system

-According to his published written works, our mind has the innate capacity to react “automatically” in response to several stimuli that for the most part serve as protective mechanisms of our body

 

• 1900

–Ivan Pavlov began studying the salivary response and other reflexes

-More importantly, Pavlov was able to devise and enrich the so-called Classical Conditioning which provided the public indispensable information about the role of unconditioned and conditioned stimuli in eliciting different behaioral responses among the learners

 

• 1913

–John Watson‘s “Psychology as a Behaviorist Views It” was published

-The said article outlined many of the main points of behaviourism that made behaviorists’ stand in their proposed theoretical concepts more solid and understandable

 

• 1920

-Watson and assistant Rosalie Rayner conducted the famous “Little Albert” experiment” whereby conditioning of stimulus is also demonstrated like what Pavlov has done in his classical conditioning experiment.

-Basically, Watson and Rayner used a little boy at around 9 months of age where a white rat was presented in association with a loud tone. Because a sudden loud noise usually makes an infant cry, then after a period of time of pairing, the rat alone could produce same response when originally not capable of producing such.

• 1943

–Clark Hull’s Principles of Behavior was published

-In addition to the early works of other proponents of behaviourism, Hull added some of the most important principles that better served as guide in understanding more of human behavior

• 1948

–B.F. Skinner published Walden II in which he described a utopian society founded upon behaviorist principles

-Likewise, Skinner was then noted for developing Operant Conditioning (actually first proposed by Thorndike) which emphasized the importance and role of reinforcements and punishments in the development of several behavior

-He then proposed that those acts that were rewarded tend to be developed faster and those that were punished tend to fade away and disappear

 

• 1959

–Noam Chomsky published his criticism of Skinner’s behaviorism, “Review of Verbal Behavior”

-Since behaviourism pointed out the importance of observable behaviors only, critics of the theory mentioned its superficiality in the studying of complex and diverse human behavior

 

• 1971

-B.F. Skinner published his book Beyond Freedom and Dignity, in which he argued that free will, is an illusion

-In this particular book, he argued that much of the motivation or desire to do something comes from the external environment that encourages one to do so, in contrast to free will which is something that comes from within. According to him, employing observable and concrete reinforcements (tokens) is far better than relying on one’s innate desire to do a course of action

 

As we can see, behaviourism like all other theories had tremendous era of development and criticisms that made it more succinct and powerful. Every theorist who contributed in this school of thought has exerted much dedication and intelligence to produce a more convincing body of knowledge. And in today’s world, their significance and influences remain indispensable most especially in the fields of psychology and education.

 

Reference:

Kendra, Cherry . The Little Albert Experiment. Retrieved June 30, 2013 from http://psychology.about.com/od/classicpsychologystudies/a/little-albert-experiment.htm

Words of Second Chance

Social persuasion as emphasized by Albert Bandura can do serve as a powerful tool in making other people move beyond their capabilities. He asserted that we can help them believe that they have sufficient skills to succeed. Even simple words of encouragement can be so meaningful that an individual is convinced to work harder for his aimed goal.

On a personal account, I actually experienced lots of moments where I became so determined and focused towards achieving my aspired goals both in the academic and every day settings. More often than not, the people behind were my parents and my teachers/professors. Let’s also count in here my special someone who’s a constant source of inspiration and encouragement. 😀 However, let me share my experience on being the person who served as an instrument of social persuasion.

When I started working in a BPO company, most of us were fresh graduate nurses in the team (termed as “wave” in the workplace). As you would imagine, we’re part of those who are working in the said industry while waiting for the result of the licensure examination that usually takes 2-3 months.

We were about 8 nurses there, and after almost 2 months of employment, the NLE results came in with 7 of us who passed it. Again, we were 8 graduate nurses in the group. In as much as we wanted to celebrate the fruit of our long hardwork, I know one of us is in pain. Literally, she was in pain as what we can expect among those who failed. It’s like “pinag-bagsakan ka ng langit at lupa” as they used to describe such circumstance. But more than her, I felt so sad that she didn’t make it- considering she’s one of my closest friends. She cried, I also did. I even asked God for bargaining, of just letting her pass in exchange of my being “more than a passer.” To me, my joy will be much complete when things will go that way.

 

To make it short, my friend exhibited an “absolutistic thinking” by which she generalized that she will no longer pass the board examination if she’ll take it again. I understand how it feels to be like in as much as empathy is concerned. I listened to her most of the time, and when I thought she’s more open to possibilities, I started employing the technique of social persuasion. Not only did I give her pieces of advice and encouraging words, but I also sought the help of my co-workers. I believe that if everyone will show overt support to her, she will consider retaking the said exam. Since it is held twice a year, we asked her to take the coming exam. I know it won’t be easy to commit and so I think I became the best judge ever during that time in helping her out decide when to retake it. I didn’t instruct her, I just offered her the choices coupled with pros and cons.

The story will be so long if I will come into every minute detail of it. To make it short, she then took the licensure for the second time, have it passed, and have us treated with special dinner. I was even surprised with the item I received during that dinner. I never imagined that I became so big part of that success. I think I just gave her words of encouragement as a good friend, but to her, I gave her the chance

of fighting again. OMG, I almost cried. I suddenly miss her. I know you’re so happy that you’re finally wearing the uniform of the hospital you dreamt of for so long.  And I’m happier for that achievement.

 

I love you Jane, RN! Kudos!

Models and Mentors of My Life

Models and Mentors of My Life

I owe a lot to so many people for helping me become the person I am right now. As explained by the Social Learning Theory, some of our learned behaviors resulted from constant interaction with the environment through which we tend to imitate other persons we usually observe through role modelling. I cannot exactly recall how I did imitate my parental figures before, but as I looked on my childhood photos, I saw couple of pictures of which I really looked like my dad- from the choice of clothes, cap, watch, and even eyeglasses. The picture is as if I am a clone of my dad, and I know I learned lots from him and from others as well.

Well, let me share some of those people I consider influential to my human becoming.

ROLE MODELS AND MENTORS	CONTRIBUTIONS
Mom: Arminda Serrano	Modeling I learned to be neat and organized with my things just like her I learned to sing by watching and imitating her She influenced me on being hardworking and dedicated if I want to achieve something She influenced me to become religious and God-fearing   Mentoring She’s my first teacher who taught me the basics of reading, writing and arithmetic As I begin to show interest to music, she passionately teach me how to be a better singer She instilled to me the values of “Giving thanks to God for whatever it is that’s happening. Everything has a purpose,” as she used to say “Finish whatever you’ve started. Never give up and keep on trying,” this is what I considered most important philosophical value I learned from my mom
Dad: Reynaldo Flores	Modeling I truly acquire my fashion of clothing and choice of watch from him I learned to cook several dishes because of my dad I learned how to love my siblings and become supportive to them just like how he treats us   Mentoring: He taught me how to be simple in almost everything. Keeping one’s feet on the ground I guess is his most important lesson imparted to me I learned the basics of driving by his teachings
High School Teacher: Mrs. Erlinda Arguson	Modeling: I learned to be good (if not so fluent) in the use of the English language most especially when it comes to sophisticated pronunciation. I really admire her though I can’t meet her level in English    😀 She also exhibits a very humble and simple way of living which I try to adopt both being a student and professional   Mentoring: I will never forget how Ma’am Arguson encouraged me to maximize my potentials and skills by boosting my self-esteem She taught me that nothing will happen if I will continue to doubt my own abilities. I won’t forget what she exactly did for me to join the different campus organization in school I also learned from her the values of being the best “evaluator” of your own learning, apart from being so grade-conscious. She said that grades are just numbers. It will never define one’s level of understanding

 

 

The Type of Role Model I Want to Be for My Students

Describe which characteristics and behaviors you believe are the most important for you to model for your students.

With this soon-to-be profession, I want to be remembered not only by my abilities to perform the tasks better but rather with the following attributes:

 

• Dedication and Genuine Passion for Teaching

-I believe that students can discern whether their teachers are doing the job just to finish it or because they really intend to facilitate learning among the students. With this, I want to be one who shows interest in my chosen profession. I know it’s never easy to study, and so students need to have the idea that their teachers are also exerting best efforts

 

• Unending Eagerness to Learn More

-At some point of my life, I displayed little disappointment to some of my previous teachers. They keep on saying that we need to study harder for us to achieve our dreams. While I truly believe with the morals they are trying to impart, it’s just disgusting that you can’t see this among them as teachers. They try to make us competent in our chosen field but sometimes they can’t acknowledge their own “incompetence.” It‘s so easy to say what you want, but harder to put it in practice. My point is, if you want your students to value education, then continue to learn as  well and update your competencies as educator.

 

• Being Non-conventional Teacher

-By this term I am referring to being different in employing various teaching strategies in the classroom setting. I believe being the discussant for the entire class period is not that good idea compared to facilitating activities that would bring out the best potentials of the students. Instead of reporting the content of the lesson plan, I prefer to devise ways that will further enhance their comprehension and application skills regarding the topic at hand.

 

How I Will Incorporate Models and Mentors in My Classroom? Describe a systematic plan for bringing models and mentors into your students’ lives in one or more domain(s) you plan to teach, such as math, English, science, music, and so on.

Subject to teach: Health Sciences

• I will begin the class by briefly defining health and asking students’ input on this along with giving statistics about the health conditions of the Filipinos
• I will then ask them any famous figures or personalities who suffered from serious health problems followed by those who are considered “healthy and fit”
• Then, I will let them examine their own health status in a simpler perspective particularly those practices that positively or negatively affect their health conditions I general
•  Lastly, I will introduce the “models and mentors” concept in the class by thinking of the persons who contributed in their health-related beliefs and practices. This will be interesting for sure as we have so many beliefs (be it scientific or superstitious) when it comes to health

 

Who Will Be My Education Mentor? What Would My Ideal Education Mentor Be Like?

• Do you have someone in mind who might serve as an education mentor when you become a teacher? If so, describe the person.

Still I am thinking of my idol teacher Mrs. Erlinda R. Arguson. She is my former 3^rd year high school adviser and English teacher for almost 2 years. Much has been said about her adequate abilities and competence in delivering the subjects handled. But what makes her more inspiring for me is her humanistic approach in dealing with her students and colleagues, along with her values that usually center on Christian living. She always believes that whatever happens, good or bad, we have to thank God and praise Him. Further, as an educator, she has instilled to most of us that learning encompasses broader aspects of understanding beyond achieving good grades in school. What is more important is that one can successfully apply and integrate whatever he learns in his course of living, with the goal of helping other people.

To date, we are very close to one another and she keeps on inspiring and supporting me to pursue more and utilize my potentials in realizing my dreams. As I do my work as a lecturer, I somehow embrace and portray the values and philosophies I learned from her.

 

• What would your ideal education mentor be like?

 

M-motivated to do the “extra mile” in teaching

E– enthusiastic in bringing up positive behavioral change among learners

N-noble in uplifting the values of the profession

T-theoretically adept with the subject matter being handled

O-open to new ideas and optimistic about changes

R– responsible in ensuring quality learning experiences

Behaviorism: Its Strengths and Weaknesses

As we’ve studied before in our experimental psychology class, the history of psychology as a distinct profession and field of science is very interesting.  In line with this, the different theories were given emphasis on how so many of these were developed by different experts. There came the psychodynamic theory, behavioral, cognitive, interpersonal, and so many more.

To relate with our previously discussed module on Behaviorism, let me focus on its strengths and weaknesses as a theory explaining ones behavior and adaptation to learning.

Strengths of Behaviorism

• Behaviorism is based upon observable behaviors, so it is easier to quantify and collect data and information when conducting research. Since research and experiment is a very powerful tool in providing explanations and clear evidences about a certain phenomenon, early theorists and proponents of behaviourism took pride in initiating the studies of  observable behaviors rather than those that cannot be observed and measured (like unconsciousness and repressed sexual desires as the bases for psychodynamic  theory).

• Effective therapeutic techniques such as intensive behavioral intervention, behavior analysis, token economies and discrete trial training are all rooted in behaviorism. These approaches are often very useful in changing maladaptive or harmful behaviors in both children and adults. Much has been said about the values of reinforcements like rewards, punishments, Premack principle and others when it comes to facilitating learning. In conclusion, when these techniques are properly used and considered, it will aid in learning things. Otherwise, it will be counter-productive.

Criticisms of Behaviorism

• Many critics argue that behaviorism is a one-dimensional approach to understanding human behavior and that behavioral theories do not account for free will and internal influences such as moods, thoughts and feelings. As my professor told us, behaviourism tends to be “superficial” or shallow in explaining behavior and learning. It only considers what is observable and measurable, well in fact there are various unseen aspects of an individual that are very vital in his or her personalities and learning capabilities.

• Behaviorism does not account for other types of learning, especially learning that occurs without the use of reinforcement and punishment. As can be inferred from the theory presented, much of the human behavior and learning abilities were attributed to the effects of external factors that serve as reinforcers or punishers. As contested by other proponents like Albert bandura, not everything can be explained by outside influence as mentioned. Still, there are many different ways.

• People and animals are able to adapt their behavior when new information is introduced, even if a previous behavior pattern has been established through reinforcement.  It only says that regardless of what behavior an individual learned in the past through the system of reinforcement, he can still be able to modify and/or change it when new circumstances offer new information. I believe that this is true as we also have the process of extinction. As we continue to live, we will encounter many more opportunities for learning.

Behaviorism in general provided us much influence in the field of education and psychology. We can never just deny the fact that some of our beliefs and approaches to life are rooted in this body of knowledge. In the end, I have to say that no any single theory could ever explain fully how we behave and learn in the context of a changing environment. Other theories were purposively developed because proponents did find significance. It is now imperative for us, to go out of the box, incorporate and synthesize the impacts of these many theories.

God bless everyone! Happy Learning!   😀  😀  😀

Reference:

Kendra, Cherry. Learning Study Guide: Behaviorism. Retrived June 23, 2013 from http://psychology.about.com/od/psychologystudyguides/a/learning_sg.htm

Can I Buy Intelligence?

Does the child’s family financial status affect intelligence?

Upon first glance at the above question raised by Roshiley Tlisityak, most of us will readily have a view on this either positively affirming or denying the impact of financial status in one’s intelligence and subsequent success in the later life. Honestly, I have a positive thought on this issue as I carry the old saying that goes “Hindi hadlang ang kahirapan para sa tagumpay ng isang tao.”

Those rich students who can afford to go to well-known and well-equipped schools already hav

e the advantage of enjoying quality learning materials. For the most part, they will be given sufficient books, manuals, study, guides, etc. On the other side, those who live in the poverty line may find it difficult to guarantee a perfect attendance in class due to many reasons. Admittedly, it has an impact on one’s motivation towards learning. Now comes the role of the student himself on how he’s going to take the challenge of being financially unstable. I believe it can make or break or his goal.

“Hindi hadlang ang kahirapan sa tagumpay ng buhay.” These were the words I used to hear as part of the valedictory address or speech of honor students among public schools. It is never new to us to know that poor students even perform better in school compared to others who live well. One thing that is common among them is their “eagerness or motivation” to study harder. For them, poverty is not a hindrance but rather an opportunity to maximize their strengths and resources. As supported by Maria Aster Joy “Aster” Garcia, she mentioned that although some students are financially challenged, they still have the determination, motivation and positive outlook that they can succeed in life.  Indeed, she really admires those individuals.  They believe that there is still hope in every challenge.

Further, Criselda “Aprile” Liwanag states that the financial status of a person does not really influence how a person develops his intelligence. The financial status of a person becomes a motivation for those who are financial challenged. They make it a point to strive harder than those who are well off or can afford. In the end, she stressed that it really depends on the person if they would nurture their gift; otherwise it would just go to waste regardless of their financial status.

So for me, financial status may have some bearing on acquiring intelligence but not in a strict cause and effect relationship. In the end, success still depends on one’s goal setting and the means a person actively seeks to make it a reality.

Reference:

Roshiley Tilistyak. Financial Status and Intelligence. Retrieved June 18, 2013 from http://myportal.upou.edu.ph/mod/forum/discuss.php?d=48997

IQ VS EQ VS RQ: Which is which?

IQ VS EQ has long been a battle as to which is a better determinant of success. IQ for the most part measures one’s level of intelligence or cognition which may include verbal, memory, mathematical, spatial, and reasoning among others. Emotional intelligence is defined by Robert Cooper and Ayman Sawaf in their book, Executive EQ, as “the ability to sense, understand, and effectively apply the power and acumen of emotions as a source of human energy, information, connection and influence.”

Then as I gather some expert opinions on this, I found out the term “RQ” which according to them is also important in achieving success just like IQ and EQ. It was coined by Dr. Charles Fombrun, Founder of the Reputation Institute. He has learned that the most successful companies and those that can endure great challenges all have one thing in common – strong reputations or high RQ.

Now, which is which if we’re about to choose only one? Will you go for IQ, EQ, or RQ? 

I actually started this forum as we discuss the different concepts and theoretical foundations relevant to intelligence. Interestingly, I was able to gather many insights from my classmates’ responses. Some of those are as follows:

Just like what Jessica Mae Ylagan and Ryan Michael Oducado said, High IQ + High EQ + High RQ are the foundation to become successful. No doubt on this thing. In fact, many experts and authors like William Arruda have supported this formula.

But my question is, is this something realistic among all people? I mean, not everyone is given the gift of having high IQ. Would that mean they can no longer succeed in their endeavour as they lack one of the ingredients in the formula? Definitely I have to say no. I repeatedly emphasized that we can always capitalize on the aspect that is high on us (say EQ) in   order to positively influence the other  two (IW and RQ).

Just like what Maria Eden “Eden” Pangan, there should be balance among the three factors. But when opted to choose ONLY one, she said it will be having more of EQ. Further, she added that intelligence can be learned through study and practice and therefore, IQ is something that can be acquired by anyone.  But not everyone can display a high sense of EQ especially when faced with pressures and struggles.  Thus for her, the strength of character and being grounded on values are far more important than what is inside his head.

I agree with her points. As I’ve replied, I think it’s a good investment to have the energy and ability to relate well with other people. Through proper social interaction, we can build a good sense of reputation and self-worth. Likewise, we can always learn from others as we share their experiences. So with this view, I am positive that an individual with high EQ will have better chances of also having adequate levels of RQ and IQ.

 

While the formula of having “high” levels on these three important aspects of one’s living is the perfect one to achieve success, it is still possible to do so by “balancing” whatever gifts that were given to us. After all, success is not definite; it is relative and indeed dynamic.

 

Reference:

Reynaldo S. Flores Jr. IQ VS EQ VS RQ: Which is which? Retrieved June 18, 2013 from http://myportal.upou.edu.ph/mod/forum/discuss.php?d=47770#p190623

Where Did I Get My Milk?

There’s this discussion forum which is very timely- not because we’re discussing intelligence as part of the module but also because the issue can be observed almost everyday. It’s about the idea that formula milks can make infants and even pre-schoolers intelligent. The discussion was initiated by classmate Sealdi Calo-Gonzales.

Truly, there are so many commercially-prepared and available milk products in the market that boast their unique components of how to make child brighter, stronger and so many more. Interestingly, many of my classmates shared their experiences and thoughts on this topic.

Regina Josephine Anne Pe Benito shared her experience of using formula milk to her eldest daughter basically because she was encouraged by the promising TV commercials of that milk. She was then encouraged to do breastfeeding on her youngest as advocated by the hospital where she gave birth. Comparing her two children, she said that there’s no distinct difference in their intelligence, but she did notice difference in the immune system of her children. Her daughter who was breastfed since birth up to 4 years is more resistant to common diseases like cough and colds than her daughter who was bottle-fed.

With this observation, I have to say that there are so many factors that need to be considered before concluding any associated effect on either way of feeding (formula VS breatsmilk). Especially, that couple of years have passed, chances of intervening variables to play are very high. Environmental factors for instance may explain the difference why one is more susceptible to such disease over the other. Definitely, these children grew up with different experiences.

According to Ryan Michael Oducado, studies show that breastmilk promotes brain and IQ development. In  a seven-year study by researchers at Jagiellonian University Medical College in Poland, findings show that children breast-fed longer than six months scored a 3.8-point IQ margin over those who were bottle-fed (Fields, n.d.). Further, at the end of every commercial is the statement “breastmilk is still best for babies up tp 2 years of age”, although this is streamlined and highlighted. It has been accepted by most people that breastmilk is far superior than any formula milk available in the market. To add on this, stronger immune system is really one of the advantages of breastfeeding due to the presence of immunoglobulins that are being acquired by the newborn from the breastmilk. It is indeed important in building the foundation of the baby’s immune system in fighting infections and common sickness.

While there’s this chance of misleading the viewers about what formula milk can offer to their children, I think the responsibility lies both to the viewers themselves and the regulating body that screens the content of such commercials. TV advertisements may be so tempting especially when endorse by the most sought-after personalities, but it is still prudent to learn and know more before using the seen products. Everyone is welcome to ask anyway. 😀

Reference:

Sealdi Calo-Gonzales.Milk commercials and Intelligence. Retrieved June 18, 2013 from http://myportal.upou.edu.ph/mod/forum/discuss.php?d=49959

The Evolution

As I watched the TV News Program in GMA 7 “24 Oras” last June -3, 2013, it featured Parańaque National High School’s ICT-based Classroom equipped with state-of-the art facilities in fostering better learning among students. Based on the report, that 20 Million worth classroom has been donated by a certain Korean Organization (if I’m not mistaken). The school boasts its widescreen interactive board where the teacher can just “touch” the icons to present videos, write some notes, and many more. The teacher also has a laptop in his or her area and the students can actually submit answers through the use of other remote-facilitated computers.

Truly, I was amazed by this high-technology innovation considering this was observed in our country. Lately I have known that the concerned school is the biggest public school in the Philippines. So, I asked my classmates to share their experiences if they happen to see or actually used this so-called “smartboards” and the like. I was surprised when many really had their opportunity to this technology in classroom, particularly those working abroad.

According to Eric Fernandez, they are actually using these “smartboards” in some of their classrooms which really help in making the class interactive.  Further, it increases efficiency in the delivery of lessons and provides easy access to all the modules and presentations prepared.

Health wise, both Eric and Julie Ann (Jules) Sańez agreed that It is very good for health because with this, teachers and students no longer inhale the dust from chalks or powdered ink which may also rigger allergy attacks for those with sensitive cases. He even added that based on his observation, are more interested in the class with the use of it than otherwise.

As shared by Ayesha Penuela, Interactive LCD Touch Screens are revolutionising the way teachers teach, train and present. Interactive technology enables a person to present and capture all of the contents of the training or teaching session in real time. The latest in Interactive Touch Screen Technology is the eBoard. The eBoard is an integrated LCD Interactive Touch Screen that utilises Optical Sensor Technology. An added benefit according to her is that these encourage “technophobic” teachers and learners to use technology more comfortably using a familiar interface which I do agree.

To add on its list of advantages, Maria Aster joy “Aster” Garcia posted the following:

• Learners show increased motivation and enjoy the interaction the technology offers
• It makes the subject come alive
• It captures the attention of learners
• It encourages the involvement of learners in the subject
• It enables tutors to use multimedia resources and the internet with a whole class
• It is great for demonstrations
• It is an excellent tool for the constructivist educator

Finally, to apply the previous learning theories that we’ve discussed (as suggested by Teacher Malou), let me post here what I’ve posted in that forum.

• Those students who are “audio-visual learners” (Gardner’s visual-spatial and verbal-linguistic Intelligence) will most likely benefit on the use of the smartboard. They will be given the chance to enjoy different graphics and presentations in a good size that will somehow help them retain what was seen and/or watched. Likewise, the sounds coming from the video presentations as well as that coming from the teacher during interactive process with the students will promote optimum experiences for those who prefer to “hear” what is being discussed

• The above though is also supported by Dunn and Dunn’s Learning Style Model whereby some of the enumerated elements were present (the presence of sound, peer and group interaction, auditory and visual stimuli)

• I also gathered this one from the net. To understand the potential of technology implementation in enhancing the teaching-learning process, the impact of constructivism on classroom practices has been studied by many researchers.  Constructivism is a doctrine stating that learning takes place in contexts, and that learners form or construct much of what they learn and understand as a function of their experiences in situation (Schunk, 2000). Rakes, Flowers, Casey and Santana (1999) report that as the amount of technology available, the level of technology skills of the teachers, and the use of technology increased, the use of constructivist strategies in the classroom also appeared to increase. “Technology can provide the vehicle for accomplishing constructivist teaching practices” (Rakes et al., 1999, p. 3). So, increasing the skill levels of teachers with regard to computers and providing additional opportunities for teachers to integrate technology into lessons may encourage the use of constructivist behaviors.

Happy learning and Good bless! 😀

Reference:

Reynaldo “Rhed” S. Flores Jr. Blackboard to Whiteboard to INTERACTIVE WIDESCREEN. Retrieved June 17, 2013 from http://myportal.upou.edu.ph/mod/forum/discuss.php?d=47083