Learning, Knowledge and Human Development MOOC’s Updates

Peer Review Assignment #2 "The Social Mind"

A learning experience that expands the "social mind" occurs in classrooms across the nation, but begins with the teachers understanding of the importance of engagements and socialization: seating arrangements. In Kindergarten students are often seated in circles or u-shapes to encourage interaction and engagement with classmates; rules for said engagement are also introduced by the teacher and guide how students' understanding of appropriateness. Habits are then formed for what is considered acceptable or appropriate means to engage (i.e. raising your hand, waiting your turn, showing respect etc.)

Unconsciously, students are studying each other and mimicking behaviors they observe while sitting amongst each other. Because children more readily assimilate and are eager to accommodate their teacher those behaviors that receive positive reinforcement are likely to be mimicked than those that do not. The potential of positive reinforcement then overrides a student's individual desire to be disruptive or rude which quiets their individual mind.

It is also interesting to note that as children collaborative learning is encouraged as it creates a "social mind" with consistent social norms being established. As children develop and mature education specifically moves away from collaboration and towards a more individualistic approach although still in a social setting. A contemporary solution is the introduction of concepts such as problem-based learning and project-based learning however, it is not a generally practiced approach and is often reserved for "gifted and talented" students.

https://www.edutopia.org/package/learning-and-social-brain/

https://youtu.be/a0op1QVf2PM

  • Don Roldan