Thursday, February 25, 2010
Week 7 Response
After the music lesson we had in class I thought a lot about how it applied to differentiation. Every week in class, I learn more about what it really means to differentiate your class. Even though I'm still not fully aware of the concept, I am understanding how to treat your students differently and to make adjustments to your lessons according to your students needs. The music lesson made it so much more clear and applicable. It my future classroom, it will be important for me to get to know my students on an individual level. This will be so important so I can discover their needs and also their strengths so that they can help other students learn. Also, I think taking some extra time to tweak my lessons will be so rewarding and beneficial to myself and especially my students! My worry is having enough time to differentiate every lesson... I'm sure that the more I get to know my students and how they learn, the tweaking part will come more easily!
Tuesday, February 16, 2010
Week 6 Response
1. WOW, It was very difficult for me to choose only 4 bullets!! Every one of these points are exceptional and so so true!
-Students consistently want teachers who respect them, listen to them, show empathy toward them, help them work out their problems, and become human by sharing their own lives and ideas with their students.
Even though our students never will admit this to us, it is so true! I think it is vital to be human with our students. It is important to be real with our students so that they not only see us as their teacher but as their friend. Looking back as a student, I truly remember those teachers who shared their lives with my classmates and I.
-Teachers who create a warm and supportive classroom environment tend to be more effective with all students.
I believe this to be true as well because it is SO important to create a warm and loving environment for your students. Some, may not have a happy environment to go home to so as teachers we need to create that environment for them in the classroom.
-Teachers' enthusiasm for learning and for their subject matter is an important factor in student motivation that, in turn, is closely linked with student achievement.
I feel that if the teacher has a positive attitude and enthusiasm, it definitely rubs off on the students and they will be excited to learn!
-Effective classroom managers increase student engagement and maximize use of each instructional moment.
I believe this is true because without classroom management, it is very difficult to effectively teach. Classroom management is KEY to effective teaching and will greatly benefit your classroom in many ways!
2. I loved all the different metaphors in this chapter because it allowed me to see things in a different perspective! When making "gravy" or bread it not only requires the recipie but your love and devotion. Also as the text said, "we learned to ride a bike not by studying about it until we were confident, but by getting on, falling off, and climbing on again." As teachers, we can only learn so much from textbooks and professors but in order to become a successful teacher we need to gain experience in the classroom. Even though we may make mistakes and want to give up, it is important that we keep going and we will eventually learn to love and have a passion for teaching!!!
-Students consistently want teachers who respect them, listen to them, show empathy toward them, help them work out their problems, and become human by sharing their own lives and ideas with their students.
Even though our students never will admit this to us, it is so true! I think it is vital to be human with our students. It is important to be real with our students so that they not only see us as their teacher but as their friend. Looking back as a student, I truly remember those teachers who shared their lives with my classmates and I.
-Teachers who create a warm and supportive classroom environment tend to be more effective with all students.
I believe this to be true as well because it is SO important to create a warm and loving environment for your students. Some, may not have a happy environment to go home to so as teachers we need to create that environment for them in the classroom.
-Teachers' enthusiasm for learning and for their subject matter is an important factor in student motivation that, in turn, is closely linked with student achievement.
I feel that if the teacher has a positive attitude and enthusiasm, it definitely rubs off on the students and they will be excited to learn!
-Effective classroom managers increase student engagement and maximize use of each instructional moment.
I believe this is true because without classroom management, it is very difficult to effectively teach. Classroom management is KEY to effective teaching and will greatly benefit your classroom in many ways!
2. I loved all the different metaphors in this chapter because it allowed me to see things in a different perspective! When making "gravy" or bread it not only requires the recipie but your love and devotion. Also as the text said, "we learned to ride a bike not by studying about it until we were confident, but by getting on, falling off, and climbing on again." As teachers, we can only learn so much from textbooks and professors but in order to become a successful teacher we need to gain experience in the classroom. Even though we may make mistakes and want to give up, it is important that we keep going and we will eventually learn to love and have a passion for teaching!!!
Thursday, February 11, 2010
Week 5 Response
1. The bullet point that explains that "Teachers must struggle against coverage and strive for uncoverage of meaning-distinguishing between what is essential to the discipline, what is important, and what would be nice to know if there were time to do so." I learned that it is important that instead of having the mindset to "cover" what students need to learn, that we as teachers need to "uncover" material for them. I feel that we need to teach at our students level and pace so that they fuly understand and contrubute to the lessons. To be a successful teacher, I think that we need to "uncover" what we teach so that we reach ALL of our students.
Another bullet point I liked stated "the imporatnfce of curriculum lies in helping students master and retain essential information, organize knowledge around essential concepts, develop essential understandings, and competently utilize essential skills". This quote made me realize the importance of realizing what will really help your students master what you are teaching them. If we focus on what will help them succeed, and allow them to grasp waht you are teaching, the classroom will be a learning environment full of success and celebration. I also liked how this passage said "Studetns weave a fabric of learning that is ridled with holes and is insubstantial." This is important to realize because if we focus on what is important, it creates a pathway or weave of fabric to shape their future.
2. "There are many ways to give students choices of work while still ensuring that they work to master essential knowledge, understanding, and skill." I really like this quote because it is great advice to teachers. I feel that it is important to give your students choice because it creates community and responsibility within your class. Also, while giving your students choices it is still possible to ensure that they work and learn.
"It is likely that we underestimate what any student can accomplish, often establishing as performance ceilings goals that ought to be planks in the floor." I really had never thought about underestimating your students. Now that I realize that it most likely will happen, I know that it is important to aim high and teach your students to always do their best. Also, as a teacher, it is vital that you set high standards for your students so that they are always striving to do their best. I think for me, I will need to see each student at their best ability and push them at their own level.
Another bullet point I liked stated "the imporatnfce of curriculum lies in helping students master and retain essential information, organize knowledge around essential concepts, develop essential understandings, and competently utilize essential skills". This quote made me realize the importance of realizing what will really help your students master what you are teaching them. If we focus on what will help them succeed, and allow them to grasp waht you are teaching, the classroom will be a learning environment full of success and celebration. I also liked how this passage said "Studetns weave a fabric of learning that is ridled with holes and is insubstantial." This is important to realize because if we focus on what is important, it creates a pathway or weave of fabric to shape their future.
2. "There are many ways to give students choices of work while still ensuring that they work to master essential knowledge, understanding, and skill." I really like this quote because it is great advice to teachers. I feel that it is important to give your students choice because it creates community and responsibility within your class. Also, while giving your students choices it is still possible to ensure that they work and learn.
"It is likely that we underestimate what any student can accomplish, often establishing as performance ceilings goals that ought to be planks in the floor." I really had never thought about underestimating your students. Now that I realize that it most likely will happen, I know that it is important to aim high and teach your students to always do their best. Also, as a teacher, it is vital that you set high standards for your students so that they are always striving to do their best. I think for me, I will need to see each student at their best ability and push them at their own level.
Wednesday, February 3, 2010
Week 4 Response
I really enjoyed these chapters and found some really great quotes... It was hard to pick just 3!
1. "Teachers are not perfect people. They lose sight of the vision from time to time. When they do, however, they understand that they have lost their compass, and they hunt for "North" until they find their way again. They have no road map for the journey. It is their expectation, nonetheless, that they will learn more than they teach and that each discovery will reveal another step along the way.
This quote really opened my eyes to see that teachers really are NOT perfect and will make mistakes just like anyone. I realized that as a teacher, we need to realize that everything will not go as planned. I think it is important that we take each mistake we make, and learn from it. I am excited to take risks in my classroom, and if something doesn't go as planed, I need to learn from it and realize that it is just another step along my journey!!
2. "The classroom must be ours, not mine. The rules for living in the classroom must be our rules. The solutions to problems must be our solutions. The procedures we follow must come from a shared logic about how things need to work here for each of us to succeed."
I really liked what the author said here because it is SO true! I feel that a classroom should be a community and everyone should be united. I liked how everything was used as "ours" not "mine" the text made me realize how important it is to have your students involved in the class and make sure everyone is welcome. As soon as I read this the first thing that popped into my head was morning meeting!! I really love the concept of morning meetings because it truly will help your class be unified and feel welcomed. I definitely will incorporate morning meeting every day because I really feel that it not only benefits you, but your students as well!
3. "Environment will support or deter the students quest for affirmation, contribution, power, purpose, and challenge in the classroom. Environment also will speak to the presence or absence of invitation and opportunity to each child individually and, ultimately, to the class as a whole. It will often be the first messenger of how learning will be in this place."
I liked this quote because the environment in your classroom can really alter how your class will be during the year. I believe that if you, as the teacher, have a positive attitude then your class will be positive as well. It is so important to create an effective learning environment because your students depend upon it! Again, I think morning meeting definitely sets the environment for the school day and really has the power to change students attitudes!
1. "Teachers are not perfect people. They lose sight of the vision from time to time. When they do, however, they understand that they have lost their compass, and they hunt for "North" until they find their way again. They have no road map for the journey. It is their expectation, nonetheless, that they will learn more than they teach and that each discovery will reveal another step along the way.
This quote really opened my eyes to see that teachers really are NOT perfect and will make mistakes just like anyone. I realized that as a teacher, we need to realize that everything will not go as planned. I think it is important that we take each mistake we make, and learn from it. I am excited to take risks in my classroom, and if something doesn't go as planed, I need to learn from it and realize that it is just another step along my journey!!
2. "The classroom must be ours, not mine. The rules for living in the classroom must be our rules. The solutions to problems must be our solutions. The procedures we follow must come from a shared logic about how things need to work here for each of us to succeed."
I really liked what the author said here because it is SO true! I feel that a classroom should be a community and everyone should be united. I liked how everything was used as "ours" not "mine" the text made me realize how important it is to have your students involved in the class and make sure everyone is welcome. As soon as I read this the first thing that popped into my head was morning meeting!! I really love the concept of morning meetings because it truly will help your class be unified and feel welcomed. I definitely will incorporate morning meeting every day because I really feel that it not only benefits you, but your students as well!
3. "Environment will support or deter the students quest for affirmation, contribution, power, purpose, and challenge in the classroom. Environment also will speak to the presence or absence of invitation and opportunity to each child individually and, ultimately, to the class as a whole. It will often be the first messenger of how learning will be in this place."
I liked this quote because the environment in your classroom can really alter how your class will be during the year. I believe that if you, as the teacher, have a positive attitude then your class will be positive as well. It is so important to create an effective learning environment because your students depend upon it! Again, I think morning meeting definitely sets the environment for the school day and really has the power to change students attitudes!
Monday, January 25, 2010
Week 3 Response
As I examined both surveys, I had a difficult time deciding which one I liked more! In some aspects, I really liked figure T.1 because it would be a great way to see how your students learn and what works best for them. Also, it helps you as a teacher when deciding activities, group work or even assessments. However, this survey does not help you as a teacher get to know your students on an individual level. It gives specific examples and does not allow them to express themselves. In figure T.2, it allows the students to fully explain their interests, and how they learn. It posts great questions to really get to know your students on an INDIVIDUAL level. However, not having specific examples may make it more difficult for the students to express themselves. Overall, I think these are both important in getting to know your students. The second one definitely defines differentiation and allows the teacher to get to know their students individually.
After looking at the inventories and pre-assessments on blackboard, I was amazed at how many different ways you can check your students for understanding. I think Inventories would be very helpful and are a good check point to see what level your students are on, individually and as a class. As I looked at the inventories I saw many relationships such as they all were checking for understanding and comprehension. Also, the inventories tried to reach different types of learners such as some had pictures, others had examples which I think really is necessary to reach all of your students. I am learning that there is so much truth in the hallmark as it states "Assessment and instruction are inseparably connected" I think this is so true and as I saw in the examples it is important to asses formal and informally to ensure progression toward individual and group goals!
After looking at the inventories and pre-assessments on blackboard, I was amazed at how many different ways you can check your students for understanding. I think Inventories would be very helpful and are a good check point to see what level your students are on, individually and as a class. As I looked at the inventories I saw many relationships such as they all were checking for understanding and comprehension. Also, the inventories tried to reach different types of learners such as some had pictures, others had examples which I think really is necessary to reach all of your students. I am learning that there is so much truth in the hallmark as it states "Assessment and instruction are inseparably connected" I think this is so true and as I saw in the examples it is important to asses formal and informally to ensure progression toward individual and group goals!
Wednesday, January 20, 2010
Week 2 Response
1) Carol Tomlinson mentions "definitions" or partial definitions of differentiation in chapter one. What makes sense to you, in attempting to define differentiation?
Before reading Carol Tomlinson’s explanation stated in chapter 1, I was very unsure of the meaning of differentiation. As I searched for the meaning as I read, a few passages stood out to me. I liked as she stated "Differentiated instruction is responsive instruction" I realized that differentiation means responding to your students and having a positive attitude to help them achieve their goals. Carol goes on to say "It occurs as teachers become increasingly proficient in understanding their students as individuals, increasingly comfortable with the meaning and structure of the disciplines they teach and increasingly expert at teaching flexibly in order to match instruction to student needs with the goal of maximizing the potential of each learner in a given area" After reading this passage, I realized the importance of differentiation and how using it in your classroom can maximize the potential of each of your students on an individual level.
2b) There are two powerful insights on page 12. Are there any statements, quotes or insights that speak to you from chapter one and/or chapter 2. Explain:
A passage I found insightful is on page 18, it states, " young learners seek a sense of purpose in what they do, Purpose, like power and contribution, is a factor in developing a sense of self-efficacy. This passage spoke to me because when we are teaching our students a concept, it is vital that they see the purpose of learning it. I know from my past experiences, that when I understand why I am learning something, it helps me grasp the concept because it is important to me. I hope that I can help my students have a passion for learning and I can allow them to see the purpose of receiving an education.
Before reading Carol Tomlinson’s explanation stated in chapter 1, I was very unsure of the meaning of differentiation. As I searched for the meaning as I read, a few passages stood out to me. I liked as she stated "Differentiated instruction is responsive instruction" I realized that differentiation means responding to your students and having a positive attitude to help them achieve their goals. Carol goes on to say "It occurs as teachers become increasingly proficient in understanding their students as individuals, increasingly comfortable with the meaning and structure of the disciplines they teach and increasingly expert at teaching flexibly in order to match instruction to student needs with the goal of maximizing the potential of each learner in a given area" After reading this passage, I realized the importance of differentiation and how using it in your classroom can maximize the potential of each of your students on an individual level.
2b) There are two powerful insights on page 12. Are there any statements, quotes or insights that speak to you from chapter one and/or chapter 2. Explain:
A passage I found insightful is on page 18, it states, " young learners seek a sense of purpose in what they do, Purpose, like power and contribution, is a factor in developing a sense of self-efficacy. This passage spoke to me because when we are teaching our students a concept, it is vital that they see the purpose of learning it. I know from my past experiences, that when I understand why I am learning something, it helps me grasp the concept because it is important to me. I hope that I can help my students have a passion for learning and I can allow them to see the purpose of receiving an education.
Sunday, January 10, 2010
Blog 1-All about me!
1. I love children’s books so picking my favorite is very difficult! I really like Laura Numeroffs books. The classic, "If You Give a Mouse a Cookie" is definitely one of my favs. I love these books because they are creative and kids really love them!
2. As much as I hate to admit it, I am a sucker for the drama "Grey's Anatomy". I have watched every season religiously even when I am crazy busy! I also really like "Lost" and "The Office". These two shows my husband actually will watch with me :)
3. I sadly have no interesting collections. I have been a make-up artist for over 3 years so I guess you could say collect make-up because I have way way too much!!
4. I do have a journal that I don't often write in. I would like to write in it more often but I always have the excuse of not having enough time! When I do have time, I write about my thoughts and ideas. I think writing is a good way to vent and share your feelings.
5.
1st: Career opportunities & choices
2nd: Tutoring
3rd: Peer relationships
6. I have never taken art classes outside of school, but I love art! I have always really enjoyed art related activities because I am a kinesthetic learner. One of my favorite places to go is Color Me Mine. It is a place in Provo where you pick out a piece of ceramic pottery and you paint it however you like. They fry it in a kiln and then you get to take it home.. It is so much fun!!
7. I took piano lessons for about 7 years. I participated in recitals and competitions; I really enjoyed playing and wish I would have kept it up!
8. When I was younger, I took dance and gymnastics lessons. Also, in high school, I was on the cheer leading team for 3 years.
9. I have never taken drama classes; I wish I was more comfortable in front of an audience!!
10. I have been happily married for about 8 months. I love to travel and wish I could do it more often! Even though I was not too excited about blogging, I really am happy that I have the opportunity to share my responses and to discover what differentiation means!!!
2. As much as I hate to admit it, I am a sucker for the drama "Grey's Anatomy". I have watched every season religiously even when I am crazy busy! I also really like "Lost" and "The Office". These two shows my husband actually will watch with me :)
3. I sadly have no interesting collections. I have been a make-up artist for over 3 years so I guess you could say collect make-up because I have way way too much!!
4. I do have a journal that I don't often write in. I would like to write in it more often but I always have the excuse of not having enough time! When I do have time, I write about my thoughts and ideas. I think writing is a good way to vent and share your feelings.
5.
1st: Career opportunities & choices
2nd: Tutoring
3rd: Peer relationships
6. I have never taken art classes outside of school, but I love art! I have always really enjoyed art related activities because I am a kinesthetic learner. One of my favorite places to go is Color Me Mine. It is a place in Provo where you pick out a piece of ceramic pottery and you paint it however you like. They fry it in a kiln and then you get to take it home.. It is so much fun!!
7. I took piano lessons for about 7 years. I participated in recitals and competitions; I really enjoyed playing and wish I would have kept it up!
8. When I was younger, I took dance and gymnastics lessons. Also, in high school, I was on the cheer leading team for 3 years.
9. I have never taken drama classes; I wish I was more comfortable in front of an audience!!
10. I have been happily married for about 8 months. I love to travel and wish I could do it more often! Even though I was not too excited about blogging, I really am happy that I have the opportunity to share my responses and to discover what differentiation means!!!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)