Educational Learning for Character Building

Educational learning contributes to the character of a person. Young children learn good manners and right conduct at home and, as they grow, they spend most of their time in school and develop their character there. This is why people who have no manners are often regarded as uneducated.

Urbanity – A huge amount of educational learning that develops citizens to be civilised people can be expected in the urban areas. The urban areas are the breeding grounds for breading. This is why being civilised and educated is often associated with urbanity, especially in the olden times. Urbanity can also be developed in the rural areas. This word is not limited to its literal meaning of city or capital. Rural areas have their own urbanity in the breeding context.

Asphalt Jungle – On the other hand, educational learning can also be lacking in the urban areas, especially in the slum areas. Because of poverty, many children, teen-agers, adolescents, young adults and more mature ones are not able to go to school. In turn, they are not given the chance to develop their character and morals.

Bridging the Gap – The government, charities and the civil society have joined hands in providing education and opportunities for uneducated and undereducated citizens in the rural and urban areas to develop their moral character. Aside from education, spiritual, moral and social activities are organised by these entities with the aim to educate and incorporate impoverished citizens into the society. Through learning in both educational and non-educational exercises, these citizens realise that they belong to a civilised society.

Educational Learnings

The Importance of Educational Learning

Educational learning is very important as education itself is essential. Our life is all about learning which is education. At the same time, education is in the center of all our learning. What we learn starting from pre-school and throughout, we apply along the way until post graduate level.

Foundation – As mentioned, educational learning from pre-school is important until after the graduate level. A person's pre-school and primary level education are the foundation of his or her education. Kindergarten cannot be belittled because this is where people build the foundation of their education. The latter years involve building on and developing. A good example would be your handwriting which you develop in these years. Yes, you can correct your handwriting and other learnings in the higher years but it would be best if you have done near perfection when you first developed them. It is observable how an older student has difficulty in correcting the wrong ways which he or she has already started developing.

Stock Knowledge – The educational learning you have amassed from pre-school, to primary, to intermediate are very useful in high school. In turn, those which you have accumulated in high school and undergraduate level are very helpful when you enter the job market. The job market is very open; in other words, you can enter career fields which are only related or even not related to your course in college. This is very helpful for those who need to jump from their study field to a career field which not exactly related to their field of study.

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Educational Learning Outside the Classroom

Educational learning can be accumulated from outside the classroom. When we talk about education, we do not limit ourselves to the four walls of the classroom. You can use your learning from the streets, the playground, the public market or the public transportation in your academic life and your life in general.

• Through the Internet – As far as educational learning is concerned, there are many ways in which you can gather it. For instance, you can learn from the internet. Search engines, email services and other websites feature articles which are educational. There are free and paid encyclopaedias and dictionaries from which you can learn many different things. There are also how-to websites that feature lots of self-help guides in almost everything.

• Your Brother's Shop Class – Your brother's shop class is technically outside your classroom; so you can get educational learning outside your classroom from it. You can learn a lot from your brother things which you may not be expected to learn. For example, when I was in high school, I was in the pilot academic class while my elder brother was in a trade class. I learned a lot from him about shop class because I was in a class with less practical arts. When I was chosen to join a quiz bowl, I was able to answer the tie breaking question which asked for the dimensions of a geometric figure because I learned from my brother about dimensions of the wood parts of their wood working project. The others in the academic classes were not able to answer and even do not know what is meant by dimension.

Educational Learnings

Extension Educational Learning System

An extension educational learning system refers to a dynamic, non-formal system used to develop and implement education programs. This system consists of many complementary and interactive components, wherein each will contribute significantly to the overall success of the total system. Its individual components are the following:

• organisation's mission
• situation analysis
• target audiences
• needs assessment
• program objectives
• content
• learning strategies
• non-formal educational learning system which will include inputs, evaluation and adjustment. Inputs has its own key supporting components which will include experience, reinforcement and integration

There are also other components that are important to the total system. This includes collaboration with learner groups and learner motivation. The continuous and effective collaboration with community and school leaders as well as students is key to the success of any educational learning program. This collaboration can be greatly enhanced through effectively using an extension advisory leadership system.

Collaboration will be the only way for an educator or institution to ensure that students of all groups and skill levels are appropriately targeted and that these educational programs address the needs of these students which are of the highest priority. The absence of such a collaboration may cause the educator or institution to overlook important student groups or opportunities and target only those whom he or she is familiar with and have the immediate capacity to address. Another reason why effective collaboration is important is that individuals are more likely to be motivated and participate willingly in supporting endeavours where they feel a sense of personal ownership.

Educational Learnings

Virtual Learning Environment as a Tool for Educational Learning

A virtual learning environment refers to a set of teaching methods and educational learning tools using computers and the Internet that is designed to enhance a student's learning experience. The principal components of a virtual learning environment includes the following:

• curriculum mapping
• student tracking
• online support for both student and teacher
• electronic communication (e-mail, forums, threaded discussions, chat, Web publishing)
• Internet links for outside curriculum resources

The difference in how educational learning figures in the lives of students and teachers is that the teacher what the student sees in their communication portal, except that the teacher has additional capability to create or modify curriculum content and track the student's performance. The introduction of a virtual learning environment to educational learning changes the way a student tackles his or her course of study. Data compiled from a virtual learning setup has its share of imperfections, but at the same time it provides an easily available albeit rudimentary, measure of a student's learning activity.

Although a virtual learning environment supports flexible study, many academics are also concerned that they may foster a belief in students that they are not that closely being monitored due to the physical absence of a tutor or professor. Such a student may become disengaged towards study, failing to actively participate in academic life. This interferes with the traditional learning that they will still receive as part of their curriculum requirements because students may believe that learning or coursework can be deferred to some vague future date.

Educational Learnings

Using Educational Learning Games as Teaching Tools

I am now a second year bachelor of science in education student and I have already learned specific concepts in teaching and learning such as the ideas for educational learning games that I could use when I start teaching for kindergarten and elementary school students, which is my planned specialty. Our professor told us that educational games and activities are important for kindergarten students and for first to third grade students due to several reasons. So when our instructor gave as an assignment paper on educational learning for elementary school students, I focused my paper on the importance of educational games for kindergarten and first to third grade students.

In my paper, I stated that the importance of educational learning games are based on the specific types of games and the benefits they could offer to the students. The traditional educational board and card games are still the best for children in the five to seven years old age group because they would catch the attention of the students since various board and card games show images and other colorful visuals that would attract their interests.

I also said in my paper that educational learning games of boards and cards have become effective teaching tools because they improve sensory skills on how to distinguish various colors, shapes and sizes, alphabets and numbers in a way that is fun and not boring for children in the five to seven years old age bracket. Board and card games of alphabets and numbers would also teach the children about the basic skills in reading and counting.

Educational Learnings

Educational Learning Theories and theorists: The Man behind the words

So many educational learning styles are out there, and the theorists behind them conclude to one thing: each individual has distinct learning styles and respond differently to various types of stimuli. Here, we review some of the important educational learning theories ever constructed, the rationalities of each, and the theorists behind the words.

Ausubel Subsumption Theory

Mechanism by which new material presented in academic settings (lectures) can be integrated into existing mental structures. For subsumption to occur, the presentation of new knowledge should be preceded by "advance organizers."

Bruner Constructivist Theory

Individuals actively construct knowledge by comparing new ideas or concepts with their current knowledge (schema or mental models).

Comenius Pansophism (universal knowledge)

The idea that learning, emotional, and spiritual growth are interwoven. This theory proposes that teaching be made through stimulation of the senses, not merely through memorisation. Comenius Pansophism happens to be considered the "Father of Modern Education."

Gagne Conditions of Learning

The different kinds of learning (motor skills, verbal skills) require different conditions; therefore, different strategies should be used.

Gardner Multiple Intelligences

Each individual possesses seven distinct and measurable forms of intelligence: linguistic, logical-mathematical, spatial, body-kinesthetic, musical, intrapersonal, and interpersonal.

Locke Tabula Rasa

The idea that individuals are "blank slates" on which teachers could "write" knowledge. John Locke was a renowned forerunner of behaviourism.

Maslow Hierarchy of Needs

Humans naturally strive to satisfy needs. The five levels of needs, from lowest to highest, are:

physiological, safety, love, esteem, self-actualization.

Lower level needs must be satisfied before the individual can move on to satisfy higher level needs. Miller Information Processing Theory Short term memory can only hold 5-9 "chunks" of information at a time. A chunk can be any meaningful idea like a word, an identifiable image, or a digit.

Rogers Experiential Learning

This theory explains there are two types of knowledge: academic and experiential. In comparison to academic knowledge, experiential knowledge is acquired to meet the needs of the learner, usually to complete an important, real-life task. Example: Learning to drive a car.

Thorndike Connectionism

Learners form associations or connections between a stimulus and a response. Through trial and error, rewarded responses would be strengthened.

Vygotsky Social Development Theory and ZPD

Social interaction is critical for cognitive development. Related to this is the idea of a "Zone of Proximal Development (ZPD)." Some skills, an individual can perform independently. Other skills can be performed if the individual has assistance. Skills that can be performed with assistance are said to be within an individual's ZPD.

Wertheimer Gestalt Theory

Some ideas can only be understood as part of a "bigger picture" Important in problem-solving.

Educational Learnings

How to make educational learning more efficient

Educational learning gives focus on the intellectual development of individuals as opposed to technical development derived from hands-on training or practice promoting particular skills. Contrary to the classroom environment as the typical strategy in giving education, each individual do have his/her own personally accepted ways in their approach to learning and using information.

As complex as how the brain processes and stores information, so does picking an educational learning strategy that would work for you. No matter, your strategy hinges on your preferences. In some situations, students benefit from having a different approach to specific areas of study.

For instance, some strategies are devised for reading, writing, studying and remembering information, improving assignment and test performance, interacting with others effectively, motivation, and math.

Normally, you put focus on a subject you have difficulty in. Yet, this might not suffice for a successful educational learning. This can happen when you approach a subject the wrong way. Even if you do gain some success, certainly, you will achieve better results had you used the suitable strategy. In short, no single strategy is a panacea simply because the brain’s approach to different fields also varies.

Another consideration is your own learning style and preferences of learning environments. Unbelievably, some individuals are more productive in classroom environments; others fare better in solitary environments; others can put their best foot forward when working in a team; while some people accomplish more things when doing them in public, such as cafes or fast food joints, etc.

If you had seen the best results from your projects, do not always blame yourself or mislabel yourself incapable of such endeavours. Perhaps you have not discovered the most suitable strategy for you. Knowing one’s self is a must, if you want to see fruitful results.

It is similar to career success. Most people who reach heights in their career are passionate at what they do which is the motivating factor. If you have both the passion and the correct educational learning strategies, and belong to an organisation that supports skills development, chances are you can get good results.

Read on topics about educational learning strategies to know about your specific learning style.

Educational Learnings

Beneficial Uses of Educational Learning Toys for Children

Toys that could be used for educational and learning purposes are commonly known as educational learning toys and are usually used as supplements in the educational and learning process for kindergarten and primary school students. Many educational experts for children have stated that toys that could be used for dual purposes for both educational and learning tools could have the potential to be used as supplements in the classroom or in the home for educating children and they could also use the toys as learning tools in their learning process.

Many experts for children's education have stated that educational learning toys have proven to have beneficial effects in the development of a child in the classroom and in the home. Educational or learning toys could improve the progress of the emotional, physical, intellectual and social development of children especially during the kindergarten level and in the early years of elementary school levels. Those toys could also enhance the children's learning skills such as good hand-eye coordination, fine motor skills, observation and memorization skills, distinguishing the differences of letters, numbers and objects, and other skills that would stimulate and develop the learning skills of the child.

During the kindergarten and early years of elementary education, teachers and other child experts would recommend educational learning toys that would encourage children on how to learn on their own. Traditional educational toys such as building blocks, board games, and puzzles are highly recommended for children. However, educational electronic toys and computer games could stimulate the children to learn about reading, pronunciation, spelling, mathematics, logic, and other basic learning skills.

Educational Learnings

Educational Learning Theories

In the fields of psychology and education, learning is known as the process that brings together cognitive, emotional, and environmental influences and experiences for acquiring, enhancing or changing one's knowledge, skills, values, and world views. Explanations of what happens when learning takes place constitute learning theories. Many research studies have been carried out regarding the nature of educational learning. What follows is a list indicating the features of some educational learning theories and their corresponding proponents.

Subsumption Thoery – This educational learning theory proposed by David Ausubel describes how mechanism by which new material presented in an academic setting, such as lectures, can be integrated into existing mental structures. The presentation of new knowledge should be preceded by 'advance organisers' in order for subsumption to occur.

Observational Learning Theory – This educational learning theory by Albert Bandura states that behaviour is learned through observation and imitation of others.

Constructivist Thoery - This educational learning theory by Jerome Bruner states that individuals actively construct knowledge by comparing new ideas or concepts with their current knowledge, also known as schema or mental models.

Pansophism – Jan Amos Comenious proposed this educational learning theory which espouses the idea that learning, emotional and spiritual growth are connected to one another. He proposed teaching not merely through memorisation, but also through stimulation of the senses.

Learning by Doing - This educational learning theory by John Dewey proposes that learning occurs through experience.

Socioemotional Development – Erik Erikson's 'Eight Stages of Man' describes a series of crises that individuals pass through at different stages.

Cognitive Dissonance – Leon Festinger's educational learning theory, which is one basis for constructivism, states that inconsistencies between behaviours and beliefs motivate people to change.

Educational Learnings

How to Develop and Use Emotional Intelligence for Educational Learnings

As a student or a professional, you do not stop learning and accumulating education. Professionals and all other adults continue to improve. Most of the advancement achieved by adults are through continuing learning and education. If you look at successful people, you will notice that most of them achieved success because of continued accumulation of knowledge and skills. Behind this means of achieving success is emotional intelligence. Without emotional intelligence, these people would not be able to persevere in their studies and other endeavours.

To be able to continue learning in further studies, professional development and in life as a whole, you should develop or improve emotional intelligence. Follow these steps:

1. Assess Yourself with Complete Honesty

Being honest to yourself, observe and describe the way you react to people and situations. If you are quick to judge others before validating the information involved or you stereotype them, you should improve on this aspect. If you quickly judge others, you will get upset easily and this will affect your plans for the next few hours. Instead of studying for your masters class as planned, you will be going out for a hike outside to address your being upset or your anger. Hasty reactions can be detrimental to relationships in the home, work or school and will affect your plans for the coming days.

2. Expect Less of Appreciation

This is especially applicable to work group settings in your career or in higher studies. Do not worry about not getting the recognition you deserve. There will always be people who know the true value of your contributions and these are the more intelligent and emotionally intelligent people. Be humble of your contributions and achievements. Overly expecting appreciation from others will just result to frustration when not realised. This frustration will lead you to achieving less, instead of continuing your work and gaining more learnings.

3. Evaluate and Accept Yourself

Know your weaknesses, accept them and improve yourself on these aspects. Be very honest to yourself and tell yourself to be confident and assured despite these weaknesses which you will work on. People with less emotional intelligence do not improve because they succumb to their weaknesses.

Educational Learnings

How to Use Creative Education in Games for Older Students

Games are proven to be effective facilitators of education and learning. Most educational games are designed for younger students from preschool to intermediate. However, older students from high school to postgraduate can still use a little amount of games in their academic studies. Here are grown up and not-so grown up game ideas for educational purposes:

1. Memory / Enumeration Championship

This kind of educational game can be used for lessons that involve enumeration of items. For example, for a biology lesson, participants will be asked to stay in another room. They will take turns in going to the room where the rest of the class are and enumerate, let us say for example, as much species of a certain genus as they can. Each of the contestants should not be told the scores of the others. The contestant with the longest enumeration wins.

2. Table of Elements Contest

This game is a contest on the mastery of locating elements in the periodic table. The teacher or any game master, could be a classmate, will say in this order a property and an element. Contestants will beat each other at giving the unit or answer to the property.

3. Charades

Charades with words from a specified lesson will provide simple recall and contribute to the retention of terms, theories, principles or concepts. This game is very versatile in the sense that it can be used in any course or lesson. The key here is to focus on a certain lesson so that there will be a theme because charades are played using a theme for the words to be guessed.

Educational Learnings

How to Use Creative Education

Student life has many aspects – academic, social and personal. A student is not only an academic person; he or she is also a social being and a private individual. The academic life may be the main occupation of the student but he has also a social and personal life which he needs to attend to and play important roles in his academic life.

The student needs to handle his social and personal life well so that they will contribute to and assist in his academic life. His social and personal life could cause problems to his academic life sometimes. In these cases, he could use creative education. Using creative education in his social and personal life problems will not only address the problems, it will also add to his total learning.

The use of creative education in social and personal problems can be done in various ways as what the word “creative” means. Given below are just some examples which you can apply or use as guide in making your own.

1.Treating Your Studies as Your Job

You are a student and your occupation or job is being a student or studying. When you encounter personal or social problems, you still need to do your job. When you will be employed or earning a living, whatever happens to your personal life must not affect your performance in work. The same goes with your job as a student.

2.Committing to Study Groups

If you do not have a study group, you should consider having. Your commitment to a study group will facilitate structuring your studies and contribute to your academic success. If you have a study group, you are creating an environment that will enhance your education.

3.Converting Your Study Corner to an Office Desk

Be creative! Design your study corner to appear as an office desk. This will not only facilitate better studies, this will also give you a playful simulation of working in the future.

There are still a lot of creative education ideas out there or inside your unexplored mind. Explore both; just always keep in mind the goal of solving your difficulties in studying and achieving academic success and see to it that you achieve them.

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How to Improve Your Educational Learnings through Effective Note-Taking

Note-taking is very important for students. It is like having a print out of your brain’s files. Studying notes you yourself have written has many advantages. It is a personal memory recall; and there is nothing better than personal learning.

Note-taking done during lectures can be modified into a process so that it will bring better results. This kind of note-taking which is seen during class discussion or lectures, to be effective or more effective, should be supported by other steps:

Start the Process before the Discussion

Yes, you should start the note-taking process before the discussion starts. How to do that? Read and study beforehand in advance. There are a lot of ways to know what the next topic is and stay ahead. If your professor does not tell you to study in advance, you can try asking him or her. Do this humbly to show your sincere intention of learning. Some professors also provide students with module outlines or syllabus.

In advance reading, you will be able to understand better what the professor will say in the lecture. You can focus more on what he will be saying and jot down notes that you understand. You can also concentrate less on note-writing and more on listening. When you listen better, you can do the next step which is taking note of pointers or hints.

Listen Up for Pointers or Hints

While the lecturer or professor is discussing the topic, he or she will mention points that will be included in the coming examination on the topic. Because you are paying good attention, you will be able to intercept the alert that your professor is giving you. This will greatly help you as you are able to narrow down remaining areas which are not sure of being included in the examination.

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How to Use Creative Education

Learning is a necessity in life. If you stop learning, you will be left behind. But how will you go on learning especially if you will experience learning or study burn out? The answer is creativity – be creative.

So that you will continue studying and learning during burn out, exhaustion or boredom, you should be creative and find creative ways which will give learning a renewed interest and enjoyment. Here are creative education ideas that you can use or use as guide:

1. Vacations

What could be better for burn out than vacations? But the vacation you will go into is an educational vacation. Book an educational field trip to historic educational tourist destinations in your country or outside. There are still a lot of destinations like this in your country in which you have yet to explore. These include historic shrines, museums, art galleries, zoos and ecological attractions among others.

2. Picnic

Have a picnic with your friends or family. Bring along encyclopaedic quiz games. This will be a lot of fun and wits matching. You will get to refresh stock knowledge and accumulate more with those questions you did not give the correct answer.

3. Creative Reporting

If you are a student and all your classmates’ oral reports bore you and the rest of the class plus your teacher, it is your time to shine and get a better grade than theirs. Use innovative ways in delivering your report. Think of a unique and entertaining way of reporting. You can use magic tricks especially with science and math lessons.

Educational Learnings