Blog 1

                I really enjoyed the way that this textbook was organized.  As it was discussing each of the different theorists, I appreciated the background information on their lives. Sometimes we focus so much of our studies on their work that we forget that they are actual people as well with a past.  I thought that this information made it easier for me to relate to people and understand the foundation for their theories.  Additionally I appreciated the concise nature of the information.  I feel l like I have a good background on all of their theories without becoming overwhelmed with a plethora of information.

                I found the descriptions of the eight different learning styles very interesting.  I was unaware that there were so many different styles of learning. I always assumed that there were just the auditory, visual, and hands-on learners.  After reading this section, it made sense to me that there should also be intrapersonal and interpersonal learners because so many people prefer different settings for working.  I prefer to be alone in a quiet place to fully soak up information; however my roommate in college liked to study in high traffic places on campus with lots of other people.  This is just one example of how individuals can be so completely different in their learning styles.  This section also caused me to rethink my own learning.  I always assumed that I was not an auditory or verbal-linguistic learner however one of the suggestions was to record lectures to listen to at a later time.  This was an “ah ha” moment for me.  I have a hard time focusing in class especially when there are notes on the board. I focus all my attention on taking the notes and I am unable to concentrate on the lecture at the same time. Recording these lectures for me to play back, after having read the notes, may allow me to take full advantage of the class.

                Additionally, I have found that my Theory and Practice classes have been the most beneficial for my learning style in learning counseling practices.  (Although I love all of my classes!) One thing that I hated about college was that I never really saw how my classes were going to relate to the work place.  What I love about the theory and practice classes is the hands on experience of actually having the opportunity to counsel clients.  Without these application classes it is not as easy to see what life as a school counselor will actually be like.  After reading the article by Susan R. Furr and Jane J. Carroll, Critical Incidents in School Counselor Development, I realized that I am not alone.  Their study found that, “Although students did not view cognitive learning as unimportant, learning experiences that involved immediate application of knowledge had a greater impact on participants” (2003, p. 487).

Corey, G. & Corey, M.S. (2008). I never knew I had a choice: Exploration in personal growth (9th Edition). Belmont, CA: Brooks/Cole

Furr, S.R. & Carroll, J.J. (2003). Critical incidents in student counselor development. Journal of Counseling & Development, 81, 483-489