Applying Psychology

At Mt. Zion

ElementaryBy: Zaahidah Walker

Description• Mt. Zion Elementary School• Kindergarten• 20 students; 60% White American, 30% Mexican-

American, and 10% African American• 5 groups of 4• 1 head teacher and 1 paraprofessional• Lots of freedom• 8 school days

Theories• Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs• Accommodation• Short and long term memory• Cognitive Development

Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs

Accommodation

Short Term Memory

Cognitive Development

Pedagogical Implications• Provide an environment that allows students to

think and express themselves freely. • If able, help the child meet unmet needs.• Encourage thought and creativity but correct

students when they are mistaken. • Create creative yet effective ways of

presenting information.

Refrences• Huitt, W. (2007). Maslow's hierarchy of

needs. Educational Psychology Interactive. Valdosta, GA: Valdosta State University. Retrieved [date] from, http://www.edpsycinteractive.org/topics/regsys/maslow.html

• McLeod, S. A. (2009). Simply Psychology; Piaget | Cognitive Stages of Development. Retrieved 4 April 2012, fromhttp://www.simplypsychology.org/piaget.html

References Cont’d• McLeod, S. A. (2010). Simply

Psychology; Preoperational Stage. Retrieved 4 April 2012, from http://www.simplypsychology.org/preoperational.html

• McLeod, S. A. (2008). Simply Psychology; Working Memory.Retrieved 4 April 2012, from http://www.simplypsychology.org/working%20memory.html