Needless to say that this is not the way in which most people pictured themselves spending April 1st before the pandemic. Nevertheless, circumstances outside of our control made it happen. Thus, for now, we must focus on what we can do to make progress. For this particular post, I feel compelled to share with you the concept of "Positive Discipline". A principle that has proven to be useful not only in teaching settings, but also in parenting.

 

When it comes to disciplining students, most teachers resort to the behaviorist approach. In other words, the idea that all behaviors are learned through conditioning. Consequently, for every stimulus, there must be a response. Case in point, if we train our students to stand up every time we come into the classroom, chances are they will fulfil this simple task without any difficulty. This concept has yielded results and been improved upon over the years since its formal inception in 1913 (even before then since Pavlov introduced the idea of conditioning). Be that as it may, behaviorism has only proven to produce short term results. For longer periods of time, a different approach is needed.

 

Given that rewards and punishments only provide temporary solutions, positive discipline can fill that void. The aforesaid principle endorses the idea that educators must be "firm and kind" at the same time. In fact, being more understanding of students' feelings, interests and circumstances has resulted in a stronger rapport between them and the teacher. Without showing weakness that is. Being kind does not necessarily mean being lenient. Fairness would be what most educators aim for when utilizing positive discipline. In fact, teachers who employ this concept, constantly hold teacher-student meetings. Where constant discussions take place regarding matters that will benefit both sides in the long run. The book by the same name "Positive Discipline", proposes a wide variety of techniques and strategies to make learners feel more at easy and willing to actively participate in the classroom. For instance, "The mistaken goals chart". A chart that contains four different behaviors students display when their needs are not met. Such as undue attention (to keep others busy or to get special service), misguided power (to be boss), and so on. It also provides avenues of action teachers can take so as to effectively deal with each particular behavior.

 

In summary, this relatively new method of disciplining students has become an indispensable guide for most educators worldwide. I believe that behaviorism and positive discipline can complement each other so as to promote a healthy learning environment in each classroom or household. Nonetheless, long term results should be what we all aspire to for our learners.

Sources:
- Positive Discipline in the Classroom (Jane Nelsen, Lynn Lott, H. Stephen Glenn).
- https://owlcation.com/social-sciences/Cognitive-Development-in-Children-from-Watson-to-Kohlberg

Charles Lyell and Geologic Time

Needless to say it has been over a month since my last post. Quite an eventful month and a half it has been. Nonetheless, keeping this blog alive is one of the goals I set out to pursue from the beginning.  Regarding my topic for today, I would say it is deeply connected with the theory of evolution. In fact, the scientist I am about to mention inspired Darwin to develop his theory. In the following, I will tackle Charles Lyell's Theory of Uniformitarianism and his contribution to Darwin's Evolutionary Theory.

Charles Lyell was born to a wealthy family in Scotland in 1797. They moved to England two years later. Charles was interested in nature from an early age. His father who was a botanist, would take him to the woods to collect bugs and butterflies. Lyell grew up to become and geologist. Earning his degree from Exeter College in Oxford at age 22. Additionally, he pursued and acquired a Master's degree in law in 1821. Be that as it may, he resumed his initial career path after a few years. By this time, Charles had already published some minor works which would later serve as a foundation for his more prominent ones. Case in point, his dissertation paper: "On a recent formation of Freshwater Limestone in Forfarshire".

 

During the 1800s, it was accepted as fact that everything  in heaven and Earth had been created by the Judeo-Christian god. Thus, the old testament was taken literally. Notwithstanding, Lyell debunked this assertion. He believed that the Earth was much older than only 6000 years old. Consequently, concluding it had taken millions of years to form.  Charles was able to corroborate his hypothesis while in Europe. Conducting research and collecting fossils. His theory of uniformitarianism posits that the Earth has been shaped by forces such as erosion and sedimentation. Which happened progressively throughout long periods of time. As opposed to Noah's ark flood and other isolated biblical events. What is more, Darwin himself applied the principles of uniformitarianism while studying volcanic rocks on The Canary Islands. Further cementing the validity of Lyell's work.

 

Lastly, even though most people regard Darwin as probably the greatest scientific mind of the 19th century, it is crucial to know who influenced his discoveries and conclusions. Had he not befriended Charles Lyell, he would have not read "The Principles of Geology". Hence, he would have probably never been inclined to discover a wide variety of fossils and patterns from different animals. Which ultimately lead to the development of his theory.

Sources:
- Famous Scientists: Charles Lyell.
- Famous Scientists: Charles Darwin.
- UC Berkeley: Understanding Evolution: Uniformitarianism: Charles Lyell.
- Dr. Mary Dowd article.

Lateral Thinking: Generate Brilliant Ideas

Is this my very first post of 2020. Sometimes searching for the right topic to write about turns into a taxing task. Nonetheless, I always seem to stumble upon the right piece of information at the right time. Recently, did I encounter the term "lateral thinking" on a math book. Ever since then, I have been planning  on explaining what it is and how it works. In the following, I will address this topic and provide a few insights into how we can apply it into our lives.

 

I am sure you have heard the expression "to think outside the box". Lateral thinking is most likely the technical term for it. You see, most people think in a linear way (vertical thinking). When presented with a problem or question, most would employ logic and devise one solution. Conversely, lateral thinking encourages you to apply several strategies after looking into the problem. Thus, generating multiple solutions or answers. In other words, lateral thinking is used "to dig a whole in a different way". Whereas vertical thinking is used "to dig the same hole deeper". Both types of thinking should complement each other. Lateral thinking primarily being used with out-of-the-ordinary situations. For instance, mathematicians use this type of thinking so as to ideate different ways to solve a problem.

 

Dr. Edward De Bono coined the term back in 1967. He is a pioneer in brain training.  He has published several books on creative, critical and lateral thinking throughout his career. One of his most prominent works being "The Six Thinking Hats". Schools from over 20 countries have included his thinking tools into their curriculums. Not to mention he has helped countless people all over the world improve their creative skills and thinking abilities. De Bono believes our brain is organized and operates in patterns. Which makes it difficult for new information to be integrated easily. Which it needs to fit within the aforesaid existing patterns. Hence, lateral thinking allows us to restructure those patterns. Opening our minds to new ideas.

 

Lastly, I would say that even though this principle may be quite useful when playing chess or doing math, it can also be applied in our daily life. As stated above, problem solving skills do come into play when making decisions. Those decisions can lead us either to success or failure. The focus of lateral thinking lies on using all the alternatives we have to our advantage in order to produce the best solution.

Sources:
- Blahzinga YouTube Channel
- https://www.edwddebono.com/

8 Stages of Development by Erik Erikson

Has it indeed been over a month since my last post. Quite an eventful year this has been. Hopefully, 2020 will be a better year not only for publishing new posts, but for all aspects in general. In today's post, I will be going over Erick Erikson stages of development. You can draw a parallel with similar posts I have written in the past.

 

Erik Erikson was an German-American psychologist born in 1902. Best known for his "Stages of Psychosocial Development". His work was influenced by Sigmund Freud:

1. Trust vs Mistrust (Infancy - 1 and 2 years old) : At this stage, we are experiencing the world for the first time. Thus, it is hard to know if we can trust other people. We could have a positive experience with one person, and trust other people as a result. Conversely, we could have a negative one and be more cautious about whom we trust. Mother-child relationship is essential at this time.

2. Autonomy vs Shame & Doubt (Early childhood - 2 to 4 years of age) : During this stage, we start discovering our body and identity. If we are permitted to discover ourselves, we become confident. On the other hand, if we are not, we begin doubting ourselves and to feel insecure. Both parents need to be quite supportive at this time.

3. Initiative vs Guilt (Preschool age - 4 to 5 years of age) : During this period, we take initiative and experience new things. We also learn basic concepts. Such as how round objects roll. We wonder if it is fine to keep doing a new activity we tried for the first time. We will pursue our interests if we are encouraged by our parents. Nonetheless, if we are discouraged, we will stop doing what we enjoy.

4. Industry vs Inferiority (School age - 5 to 10 years old) :  We learn that we are different from others and develop our own interests. We feel the need to prove our worth at school, etc. and seek recognition from our teachers, parents, and other people in our community. If we are motivated by our teachers for instance, we become more responsible. Being ignored or discouraged by them however, could make us feel less valuable than our peers.

 

5. Identity vs Role confusion (Adolescence - 13 to 19 years old) : We realize we have different social roles. We take the role of children, friends, students and citizens. This period is usually when an "identity crisis" takes place. Phrase coined by Erikson himself. It is important that parents allow their children to explore new things to certain extent and with limits that is. Be that as it may, if we completely shut down our children, they will feel lost, Hence, struggling to find an identity.

6. Intimacy vs Isolation (Early adulthood - 20 to 40 years of age) : When we reach young adulthood, we begin to understand what our place is in the world . We no longer have the need to fit in as much as we did before. Besides, we also have the desire to build strong relationships with friends and even romantic relationships. If we feel that we are failing at one or both, we start feeling isolated and left out. Having a close bond with our peers is crucial for the most part.

7. Generativity vs Stagnation (Adulthood - 40 to 65 years of age) : We are more comfortable from the start of this stage. We use our spare time intelligently and in some cases contribute to society. If we have been successful, we care for generativity (the need to inspire and lead next generations to brighter future). If we have not conversely, we become pessimistic and stagnant.

8. Ego integrity vs Despair (Maturity - 65 to death) : We look back at our lives. We assess how successful with have been and compare ourselves with others.  If we believe we have had a fruitful life, we are nice to the people around us and have a positive attitude. If the opposite is the case, we become bad-tempered and are rude to others.

 

This has been one of my unusual articles where I explain a theory, concept and so on. Usually not following my regular layout. Even so, I consider this an enriching topic to close the year. Especially in the fields of education and psychology. Best wishes for 2020!

 

Sources:

- Sprouts YouTube Channel.

- https://www.verywellmind.com/erik-eriksons-stages-of-psychosocial-development-2795740