Week 1: Chapter 1 Educational Psychology: A Foundation for Teaching

Topic: 

• Characteristics of Effective Teachers
• Educational Research

Goal:

• For graduate candidates to establish a position for "what makes a good teacher" for Native American learners, and back this position by scholarly works.
• For graduate candidates to consider the role of research in educational psychology and decide what action research can be applied to reservation schools and their Native American learners.

Rationale: To be effective with the teaching of Native American learners one can generate an understanding of what scholars are saying about the topic. For leaders, a position or stance can be a powerful motivator for followers, especially if you have backed your position with the works of scholars. Native people speak of the significant deeds of others over those of their own. For many, this is a cultural trait where it is not a good thing to forward self, yet be humble in the deeds and or works of others.  In relation to scholarly writing, the citation of others is supportive of this behavior and takes one out of being identified as the know-it-all. This is also good practice for professionals since we should remain current on what experts are saying about certain topics related to good teaching practice. 

In relation to research for Native American learners, we see very little current studies. Many times we view the studies of other minority cultural groups and make connections to Native American learners. I do believe most will agree that more studies need to be conducted directly related the cultural differences of Native American people, and less not forget that the federal government identifies over 600 different tribal affiliations, each with differing cultural characteristics arranged around differing geographical and social-economical influences.  Therefore the different research methods and the promotion for action research is greatly needed for schools and teachers of Native American learners.  With this understanding the following objectives have been arranged: 

Objective:

• When given the prompt "what makes a good teacher" are for Native American learners", graduate candidates will generate a position and back this position from the course textbook and that of other scholars. Their written work will receive a score of a B or better using the Chapter Writing Rubric.
• When given a website which lists school action research projects, graduate students will select a project, identify the role of research in educational psychology and the methods as related to what scholars say about the topic, and justify what makes it a beneficial study for their school or for Native American learners. Their written work will receive a score of a B or better using the Chapter Writing Rubric. 

 Outcomes:  Upon the end of these objectives you should be able to: 

• Identify what makes a good teacher for Native American learners;
• Describe the role of educational research in informing classroom practice;
• Describe the research methods used in educational psychology and the rationale for each;
• and discuss how you can become an intentional teacher

Assignment: Your chapter writing assignment is based on the goals, objectives, and outcomes noted above. To accomplish these you will need to do the following:

• Formulate a personal opinion (a list) of what makes a good teacher for Native American learners. Then focus in on at least 3 characteristics from this list which is supportive by the course text and or that of the scholarly lists below. 

• Reading Chapter 1 of course text and make a connection to your chosen characteristics. (Use proper citation)
• Select one of the following sources to make connections to your characteristics:  

• BALEIICHIWEE (THE STORY OF UNDERSTANDING): THE CONSCIENTIZATION PROCESSES OF EFFECTIVE TEACHERS OF AMERICAN INDIAN STUDENT 
• The Learning Styles of Native American Students and Implications for Classroom Practice 
• What Every Teacher Needs To Know To Teach Native American Students Effective
• Teaching Strategies for Engaging Native American Students

• Describe the role of educational research in informing classroom practices making connections to:
• Related to the course textbook topical chapter reading; s
• and visit the Madison Metropolitan School District site and determine an action research project which may be something beneficial to your assigned school. Introduce and explain the research topic and method as related to the course textbook reading selection. 
• Close your writing assignment as related to the course text topic related to the intentional teacher.

 Writing Format: Your writing assignment will follow proper APA format and style. You will include a header, cover page, no abstract required, include an introduction, inclusive of a thesis, body, closure, the use of citation, and a reference page. If you are unfamiliar with the APA rules related to the above requirements, you will want to visit the Graduate Research and Writing Assistance or the Purdue Owl.  You may also benefit from watching Five Paragraph Essay video.

Your written assignment should be no longer than a page and a half to three pages long double spaced. This does not include the title page or the reference page. With this in mind you will want to be direct and to the point. Again your assignment will be evaluated using the Chapter Writing Rubric.

Submitting Your Assignments: The video below will show you how to complete your assignment at your course shared folder and how to post to your electronic portfolio: Posting Assignments and The Electronic Portfolio

If this is still confusing, then do the following: 

Send your assignment to me at sintegleska088@gmail.com Remember the assignment is due on January 20th. If you should have any questions or concerns please let me know at 605-441-2113.