During my course, EDEF Theoretical Frameworks Education, I responded and reflected on two different case studies. We had the choice for which texts we wanted to respond to in “Case Studies in Educational Foundations” and I chose the chapters Brave New World and Alone in the Crowd. Furthermore, there was the option to respond to either a History, Philosophy, or a Sociology question.

Brave New World

How do you think social media will affect students understanding of historical events?

In my opinion, social media does and will continue to have an effect on students understanding of historical events. First and foremost, social media can be a very dangerous place to spread false information. Social media has a very strong influence on many students’ lives as it is how many students communicate and receive information on their own. Students can use social media to freely express their views and opinions with the conflict of their exploration potentially being inaccurate towards historical events that cannot be changed. From my own perspective, my understanding of historical events have definitely been influenced through social media as it is quite easy to believe everything you are reading. Although many people actively try to educate themselves on historical events from credible sources that is not the case for all students.

As mentioned within “Brave New World,” social media is one of the main sources on how students communicate with one another nowadays. By using social media, students are influenced from the information they are researching, spreading and sharing which has the possibility to be written by a variety of individuals with both the truth and false information. I believe it is important to address that social media can have a huge impact on spreading news that is significant and important to many parts of the world to allow for society to become aware of what is happening but it can also have a negative effect. Social media can also negatively affect students understanding of the world around them because of the huge influence that it possesses. Renate Wexler addresses that students must be aware of the impact that social media has on society which then determines how social media will affect them and their understanding of historical events. There is plenty of research, blog posts, websites and other media forms that can provide an individual with enough information on a subject to reassure their way of thinking even if it is false information. Therefore, social media can both negatively and positively affect students understanding of historical events.

Alone in The Crowd

Is the regular classroom always the best place for students with special needs? Why or Why not?

A “regular” classroom is not always the best place for any student let alone a student with special needs who may need extra help or attention. Personally, I believe that the classroom environment must adhere to the requirements and standards in which a student with special needs may need. This may include having CEA’s in the classroom for subjects that student struggles with as well as having a safe space for students who may be overwhelmed from the classroom environment.

 Reflecting back to my first practicum, my teacher mentor always reiterated that students are able to be in the classroom as long as they are not disrupting the learning of other students. This expectation really resonated with me as I believe that a classroom should be a diverse, inclusive, respectful space but students must not disrupt others students learning. In regards to the question, if a student with special needs were to constantly be disrupting the learning of other students as well as their own, the “regular” classroom may not be the best place for them if the resources provided continue to not aid in their experience.

A “regular” classroom is an important space for students to learn how to respectfully interact with others, listen to others ideas, and create a sense of belonging. In my opinion, the classroom can be a great place for students with special needs if the rules and expectations are understood and taught to the students on how to respectfully interact with one another. Although the expectations may be laid out, the environment may not be the best place for students with special needs. As mentioned throughout the text, Darlene’s outbursts could potentially ruin her ability to make positive relationships with the students in her class which could ultimately effect both her and the other students experience in the classroom. Although Jim and other staff members attempted to create an independent, encouraging atmosphere for Darlene, there may need to be more support systems in place to create an environment in which everyone can learn. I found this question quite difficult to answer but I believe that it depends on the classroom dynamic and what resources a teacher has to give each student the type of educational needs they may require to create an inclusive, respectful, and positive environment.