Midterm Essay Assignment

Midterm Essay Assignment

Jamaal A. Williams

Educational Psych and Learning Theory

Dr. Kristy Duckworth
East Texas Baptist University

June 21, 2016

Version 1.0

Midterm Essay Assignment

In the ever evolving field of education psychology there are numerous theories regarding
how we as humans process information and behave in different environments both academically
and socially. One of the most notable ways of measuring mastery of these theories is applying
them via scenarios. The following is a collection of well researched answers for such scenarios in
the world of educational psychology.
Question 3:
After reading the scenario for question 3 one can automatically assume that Micah suffers
from Attention Deficient Hyperactivity Disorder. He is a very intelligent and bright student with
an IQ score of 116, and for a 1st grader he displays signs of superior intelligence. His problem
comes with his focus, Micah has a hard time staying on task and paying attention. He is
constantly wandering around the classroom as well as just being fidgety with uncontrolled
physical activity. This behavior has begun to effect his academic standing because he cant seem
to keep the attention or remain still while in class. What attention deficient hyperactivity
disorder, or ADHD as its more commonly known as is a term used for disruptive behavior
disorders marked by over activity, excessive difficulty sustaining attention, or impulsiveness.
Being that Micah is only in the 1st grade its still pretty early and more than enough time to help
his situation. The seriousness of ADHD is that if he is left untreated with no attention being
payed to his disorder he could begin to do much worse in school and even miss a few steps in his
social development. For instance, Micahs hyperactivity can cause him to be socially awkward
by making it difficult for him to cooperate with others. Along with the social aspect the issue of
him actually losing interest altogether in academics, leading him into other areas of life. 25% of
adults with ADHD have persistent behavioral problems such as drug use or criminal behaviors,
while another 25% develop major depression which can lead to an all new cast of problems.
About 3% of school aged children in the United States take some kind of medication for

Midterm Essay Assignment

ADHD, making drug therapy as Micahs psychiatrist suggested more common than expected.
The initial wording and personal ethics of putting school aged children on drugs for the sake of a
disorder can sometimes be controversial in itself, but drug therapy does have its pros and cons.
Children taking drugs that serve as natural stimulants for ADHD like Adderall, Focalin, and
Dexedrine have been proven to be more manageable in the classroom. Researchers have proven
that 70-80% of students on medication for ADHD have improved socially and behavior wise
while not so much academically. These students still need to be taught in a way that is beneficial
to them, but what actually happens is the drugs in proper dosages can offset the effects on the
disorder on the students, almost balancing them out so to say. There have been side effects like
nausea, insomnia, stunted growth, high blood pressure, and weight loss. For the most part
everything is in the early stages as far as drug therapy, later effects of this treatment have yet to
be fully developed, and in Micahs case I would go a different route. Because of his intelligence
school should be no problem for him, I personally believe there are natural ways to help him.
One being the teacher teaching in such a way that benefits him. Using lots of visuals and
identifying his strengths and adapting your teaching style to him. Also the parents should
consider putting him in a sport like cross-country, it promotes self-discipline while tiring him out
completely. Students with ADHD can be productive with the proper attention given to them and
preparation on the parts of parents and teachers, and more importantly Micah can continue to
reach his full potential all it takes is patience and persistence.
Question 5:
In the case of high school chemistry Mr. Butler who wants to bridge the gap between his
students who are strong in science and those who are weak, one has to know what he bases his
principles on to better understand his approach. Mr. Butler believes the learner plays a
surprisingly important role in their actual process of learning. He also understands that factors

Midterm Essay Assignment

like beliefs self-perceptions, and expectations play a role in learning. His first thought is to use
the idea of social negotiation, which relies on collaboration with others and respect for different
perspectives. This plan is genius in that its safe to say Mr. Butler has a decent mixture of capable
science students as he does not so capable. Making it easier for him to create a shared
responsibility among the students. He must simply divide the classroom into an equal balance of
the two, while keeping in mind that he must maintain an environment tailored for learning at all
times to better keep the students on task. Cooperative learning would be the name of the game
when it comes to Mr. Butlers class, information processing theorists point out the value of group
discussions in helping participants rehearse, elaborate, and expand their knowledge. The students
would then be able to learn on their level the same principles and understanding of chemistry
first hand by being actively involved in the curriculum. As great as cooperative learning is and
can be, Mr. Butler has to make sure his student remain on task and his group work exercises
dont become social hour in his classroom. When it comes to Mr. Butler receiving complaints
from neighboring teachers about the volume of his classroom theres an easy fix. One, he needs
to try stay on his class and express the importance of working productively as well as in a
respectful manner to the surrounding classrooms. Students usually prefer group work over
lecturing so a simple threat to take it away will suffice. He could even go as far as linking the
group work in his class around the same time as the other class was doing group in an attempt to
not be disturbing peace when there is none in both classrooms. Overall, Mr. Butler has the right
idea in mind for his students and has chosen a newer approach to bridging a gap in
understanding.
In conclusion there may be no right or wrong answer when it comes to interpreting
theories or looking to answer a particular question. There are numerous possibilities and in the

Midterm Essay Assignment

end its all a matter of opinions, but ultimately all that matters is to put forth the best foot when it
comes to educating the youth no matter race, disability, or social class.

Midterm Essay Assignment

6
References

Woolfork, A. (2012). Psychology in Education (13th ed.).

Categories

Points
Possible

SelfEvaluation

APA formatting / Grammar / Punctuation /

Usage / Spelling

15

11

Quality, depth, and support for the first

response

35

31

Quality, depth, and support for the second

response

35

30

Introduction, conclusion and evidence of

personal insight and/or learning

15

13

Total Points

100

85

Average of the two scores:

Instructor
Evaluation