Efren B.

Viste
MAN 2019
Clinical Teaching

Subject: Coach Carter (2005)

I. Identify three teaching learning theories that were utilized by coach carter for
his team. Explain why you can say such.

 Behavioral Learning Theory - Behaviorism is a learning theory that only focuses on

objectively observable behaviors and discounts any independent activities of the
mind. Behavior theorists define learning as nothing more than the acquisition of new
behaviors based on environmental conditions.
 Coach Carter used this learning theory to change the behavior of his team, as
you can see in the movie, Coach Carter already knew what it is like to be in
his team’s situation since he himself is in the same school and same team
during his time and he knew about the statistical value of the school. Coach
Carter’s goal is to make his team be successful not only in basketball but to
be successful in life as well, by ensuring his team to be in good standing
academically.

 Pragmatism - John Dewey (1859-1952) believed that formal schooling was falling
short of its potential. He emphasized facilitating learning through promoting various
activities rather than by using a traditional teacher-focused method. He believed that
learners learnt more from guided experiences than from authoritarian instruction. He
subscribed to a pragmatist theory which placed the learner as the focus rather than the
teacher. Dewey argued that learning is life, not just preparation for life. Using different
delivery approaches, combined with practical activities, will help reach the different
learning preferences of the individuals you are teaching.
 In this context everybody thinks that basketball is the only thing that this
young man has to offer but Coach Carter think differently. He believed that
his team can do more. Parents and the community together with other
teachers show that basketball is essential in the lives of his team but Coach
Carter quoted “student athlete” in which word “student” comes first it only
means that academics are essential to life.

 Pedagogy and andragogy - Formal teaching is known as pedagogy, where the

teacher directs all the learning. Informal teaching is known as andragogy, where the
learner is the focus, for example, via group work and discussions. Pedagogy does not
always allow for individual knowledge to be taken into account and often focuses on
teaching the same topic at the same time to all learners. Knowles et al. (2005) initially
defined andragogy as the art and science of helping adults learn. An andragogical
approach places more emphasis on what the learner is doing. You can include your
learners’ experiences and knowledge by involving them whenever possible, and
 building upon what they already know and what interests them. Learners can also learn
from their peers’ knowledge and experiences, as well as from you.
 As you watch the movie, you can see that at some point everybody agreed to
finish what Coach Carter started. After the lockout, his team decided not to
play unless they’ve reach their academic goal, in which everybody got
involved with this situation “the community, the school, the teachers, and
especially the team”. In this situation, you can see that each of them offered
help to each other in order for them to reach their goal.

II. What is your view on Mr. Cruz impromptu speech for Coach Carter?

 My view on this impromptu speech is that Mr. Cruz realized what Coach
Carter’s character is. Coach Carter really cares for his team and he really
loves to see his team being successful in life. Mr. Cruz, being resistant from
the start of the season, realizes that anyone or everyone has the capacity to
influence other people especially in changing behaviors for good. Mr. Cruz
realizes that small things can result to great achievements as long as you
persevere with it.

III. Do you agree with the actions of Coach Carter to his team? And why?

 I definitely agree with Coach Carter’s action towards his team. This is for the
reason that we shouldn’t be continuing things that are designed for less, we
should make our system better if not today it should definitely be tomorrow.
Coach Carter’s actions are a bit risky; you may lose members of your team
but as you win their hearts, they will definitely go back and give all they can to
reach the same goal as you.