What? From going over my blogs from throughout the semester, and taking the survey on blackboard about learning theories I have found that my theory on how children best learn aligns with the humanistic perspective. This conclusion was hard to come to because I found that I believe in many of the approaches on learning from the other theories as well. I think children best learn when they can understand how to be self motivated, independent and take responsibility for their own learning. The best way as a teacher to help students feel this way is in helping them feel successful in their accomplishments and work at school. Also, giving students opportunities to be in control of what they are learning and how they are learning it. Students need to have set goals and expectations they can work towards that are established with the help of the teacher. I really like this approach because it focuses on seeing the student as an individual person with individual needs and interests. Recognizing each child for their individual interests and talents can form a positive relationship between student and teacher.
I think a student learns best when they allow themselves to learn. A teacher could stand up and teach and teach all day but the student will only make connections with and learn what they are willing to learn. The teacher can make the lessons more involved and creative to capture the students interests in an effort to help them learn, but the student alone is responsible for what they will remember and apply to their life, from what they have learned. Students need to be able to feel emotional stable before they can apply themselves to learning. They need to feel accepted and respected by those in the class. Students can learn best from their mistakes by self evaluation. Being able to take on personal responsibility for the work they do. A very important aspect of this theory is being able to provide a non-threatening environment for every students. Every child should be valued and feel like their opinion and ideas are appreciated.
So What? This theory will have a huge effect on the way I run my classroom! I will allow children to have choices in their activities and assignments whenever it is possible to do so. I will want to prepare lessons that are more creative and interactive. Including alot of projects that involve group work and student interaction. I will help students learn how to set goals and follow through with them. Helping them feel independently successful by teaching them how to accomplish and learn from goal setting. Trying to be a good example and role model to my students by behaving how I wish them to behave. Having a positive attitude about subjects taught, and the classroom environment. Acting as a facilitator of learning. Having many group projects. Having a positive regard and genuine concern for my students. Trying to relate and connect with them through my teaching. Having many class discussions and using students ideas in my lessons. Being a teacher that students can know is approachable and willing to help. Adapting my instruction to the needs and interests of the students.
Now What? Some areas I could improve on would be working on what I will use for classroom management. I am not sure that I agree with rewards and punishments, but as a form of management it may be the only thing affective in some instances. I would like to have more experience in observing different management techniques in the classroom. Also having more experience with dealing with the different needs that may be apparent in my classroom. Learning how to help students that won't be self motivated at all or won't find anything exciting about school. Also, practicing in preparing lessons and ideas that are more creative and use art to keep student interest. Overall I hope to have more experiences in which I can take this theory and test it in a classroom and see the results. See how successful this theory can be in a real life setting. Learning how students will respond.
I'm glad I had the chance to think of how I want to have my classroom environment. It helped me understand myself better and the teacher I hope to become!
Monday, December 15, 2008
Thursday, December 11, 2008
Homework
I thought this article was pretty crazy!! I have never read anything about homwork being bad. It was a very interesting viewpoint.
From my own personal experience homwork has been a great aid to me. Though I can't believe I'm saying that now because there were hundreds of times that I absolutly hated doing homework:) Doing homwork gives me a chance to go at my own pace and study using my own methods. When we are learning in a classroom we are taught however the teacher wishes to teach the information. But having homwork assignments gives us a chance to practice good study skills and independence with our learning. Doing homework makes me feel accomplished. It is usually a good review of what the teacher went over in class and makes what I have learned more concrete. Without homework or any projects after school I suppose I would have used my time playing around, watching television, uh hanging out....who knows what habits I would have had! I think I learned good study habits starting with my parents helping me with homework in elementary. I later learned how to motivate myself to do my homework. I believe this motivation to learn has carried through to college and will stay with me my entire life! My desire to learn and believe in my own ability to learn can from practicing how to learn through homework.
Everyone has different opinions though and apparently this man had a negative experience with homework. Teachers do need to be careful to make it meaningful and useful. Not just busy work. I did receive homework that was only busy work and I believe there were much better things I could have done with my time. I also liked his comments about homework coming inbetween the relationship of the child and parent. I think this is very true. Parents need to be careful to be interested in what their child is actually learning not how much or how quickly they finish assignments. As teachers and parents we do need to be careful in making sure children still have time to be children and play. Education definitly is important but I agree that it won't be important if a child can't develop healthy relationships with family and friends and find other skills and talents that they can also do. Teachers need to be careful about still making school a fun and positive experience and memory for their students. This was a very interesting article and I am glad I took the time to read it. It gave me a different viewpoint of the impact of homework and how it should be used and treated by both teacher and parent.
From my own personal experience homwork has been a great aid to me. Though I can't believe I'm saying that now because there were hundreds of times that I absolutly hated doing homework:) Doing homwork gives me a chance to go at my own pace and study using my own methods. When we are learning in a classroom we are taught however the teacher wishes to teach the information. But having homwork assignments gives us a chance to practice good study skills and independence with our learning. Doing homework makes me feel accomplished. It is usually a good review of what the teacher went over in class and makes what I have learned more concrete. Without homework or any projects after school I suppose I would have used my time playing around, watching television, uh hanging out....who knows what habits I would have had! I think I learned good study habits starting with my parents helping me with homework in elementary. I later learned how to motivate myself to do my homework. I believe this motivation to learn has carried through to college and will stay with me my entire life! My desire to learn and believe in my own ability to learn can from practicing how to learn through homework.
Everyone has different opinions though and apparently this man had a negative experience with homework. Teachers do need to be careful to make it meaningful and useful. Not just busy work. I did receive homework that was only busy work and I believe there were much better things I could have done with my time. I also liked his comments about homework coming inbetween the relationship of the child and parent. I think this is very true. Parents need to be careful to be interested in what their child is actually learning not how much or how quickly they finish assignments. As teachers and parents we do need to be careful in making sure children still have time to be children and play. Education definitly is important but I agree that it won't be important if a child can't develop healthy relationships with family and friends and find other skills and talents that they can also do. Teachers need to be careful about still making school a fun and positive experience and memory for their students. This was a very interesting article and I am glad I took the time to read it. It gave me a different viewpoint of the impact of homework and how it should be used and treated by both teacher and parent.
Digital Cameras in the classroom
Another article I researched about current technology that is being used in the classroom is on digital cameras. I wanted to research this because I am interested in photography and would want to learn how to incorporate it into my classroom! The focus of the article I read was on how to use digital cameras in the classroom to explore and understand other subjects. Using digital cameras helps the student to be more involved with the subject. A concern about using digital cameras is that they are expensive and many students wouldn't know how to use them. This would have to be for the upper grades only. The teacher would need to have a class discussion on how to use and treat the cameras. Using digital cameras by taking pictures of experiences the students have in class will help them remember what they learned because they will have that visual representation.
The wide site had alot of good ideas for using digital cameras. You could use them to take pictures for a class board, or class website, or during experimentations. For the upper grades such as middle school and even high school I think it would be great for each teacher to have a digital camera in their classroom. They are so nice because they give instant results and have many different features that students would have fun learning about. This article was interesting to read because it helped me understand that I could incorporate the digital camera into my classroom through creativity and a visual aid to teaching. I was glad to read this article in which I could read experiences and ideas of teachers that have used it in the classroom. I look forward to learning more about the uses of digital cameras and ways they could assist me in my teaching.
The wide site had alot of good ideas for using digital cameras. You could use them to take pictures for a class board, or class website, or during experimentations. For the upper grades such as middle school and even high school I think it would be great for each teacher to have a digital camera in their classroom. They are so nice because they give instant results and have many different features that students would have fun learning about. This article was interesting to read because it helped me understand that I could incorporate the digital camera into my classroom through creativity and a visual aid to teaching. I was glad to read this article in which I could read experiences and ideas of teachers that have used it in the classroom. I look forward to learning more about the uses of digital cameras and ways they could assist me in my teaching.
Wednesday, December 10, 2008
Technology article
A current technology topic I found very interesting was using Personal digital assistants in the classroom. I knew nothing at all about this until I read the article. I found out that a PDA is a small handheld computer that includes word, spreedsheets, organizers, and calculators. It is also relatively inexpensive. They are smaller and less expensive then laptops but can perform many of the same functions. This article talked about how a PDA creates a more student centered classroom environment. It can also be useful in group work and experimentation activities. The mobility of such a device as a PDA is also very useful, the students are able to go out and do field work and still have access to tons of information. Students are not restircted to a stationary computer and can access what they need to anytime and anywhere. The PDA's were tried in a middle school with teachers only. The teachers commented after the experiment of using PDA's that they were not comfortable with using them because they did not fully understand them. They didn't have any previous experience with using this type of technology in the classroom.
I am kind of excited to see where this idea will go in the future. If it would actually work to replace computers in school with PDA's. If students and teachers will be able to use them effectivly. If they will be less expensive and more beneficial to student learning. I personally would have a hard time getting used to them at first because I have had no expereince. I do believe they would be beneficial if students and teachers could understand how to use them.
This was an interesting article to read and I am glad I got to learn more about PDA's and how they are starting to be used in furthering education. As a future teacher I could see this as being a useful tool in staying organized if I could understand how to use it properly.
I am kind of excited to see where this idea will go in the future. If it would actually work to replace computers in school with PDA's. If students and teachers will be able to use them effectivly. If they will be less expensive and more beneficial to student learning. I personally would have a hard time getting used to them at first because I have had no expereince. I do believe they would be beneficial if students and teachers could understand how to use them.
This was an interesting article to read and I am glad I got to learn more about PDA's and how they are starting to be used in furthering education. As a future teacher I could see this as being a useful tool in staying organized if I could understand how to use it properly.
My Beliefs
From my own educational experience, I think it is wonderful that so much technology is coming into the schools. It is a great learning tool for students if it is used correctly. I have also seen in the classroom how it can be a great aid in teaching diverse students with different learning needs. Technology can provide visual information that is instant, accurate (if using reliable resources), and helpful in expanding students knowledge of the world around them. It can provide not only visual learning experiences but hands on and experimental experiences as well. I also think it is a great way for students to stay informed and organized with their assignments and connected to others at all times.
My concern from all of the good that comes from technology is that students may be using it as a crutch to their education. They are being exposed to the ideas of others so often that they do not form their own. One article also made the point that technology can lead to over consumption and loss of self control. I believe this to be true. People in general are getting too used to doing things fast. Getting things done and not really learning or experiencing what they should be. Technology can also limit the amount of personal interactions that students have. Instead of face to face conversations they may lose those social skills through online chatting only where they are staring at a screen. Although technology is definitely a very important part of education and can be very helpful it should not precede the interaction that comes from talking with, and learning from others. It should be used as an aid and resource only not a main component. In my classroom I would still want more class discussions, group work, written assignments, creative arts projects, and interactive learning experiences where they themselves are producing their own ideas and information rather then taking the ideas of someone else. As one article discussed children can loss their creativity from all of the access to technology because there no longer is a need for creativity when you can easily use it from someone else.
I believe that technology is important in the classroom but teachers need to be responsible for how much and in what form their students are using it. It is a great resource that needs to be monitored. How to use technology does need to be taught or it will cripple students later in their schooling because it has become expected. As a teacher I think it is important to teach typing skills to children at a young age and also the benefits of using programs such as web quest in which they can experience what they are learning.
I am grateful for technology and the many ways we can learn about and experience life through the many wonderful resources available!
My concern from all of the good that comes from technology is that students may be using it as a crutch to their education. They are being exposed to the ideas of others so often that they do not form their own. One article also made the point that technology can lead to over consumption and loss of self control. I believe this to be true. People in general are getting too used to doing things fast. Getting things done and not really learning or experiencing what they should be. Technology can also limit the amount of personal interactions that students have. Instead of face to face conversations they may lose those social skills through online chatting only where they are staring at a screen. Although technology is definitely a very important part of education and can be very helpful it should not precede the interaction that comes from talking with, and learning from others. It should be used as an aid and resource only not a main component. In my classroom I would still want more class discussions, group work, written assignments, creative arts projects, and interactive learning experiences where they themselves are producing their own ideas and information rather then taking the ideas of someone else. As one article discussed children can loss their creativity from all of the access to technology because there no longer is a need for creativity when you can easily use it from someone else.
I believe that technology is important in the classroom but teachers need to be responsible for how much and in what form their students are using it. It is a great resource that needs to be monitored. How to use technology does need to be taught or it will cripple students later in their schooling because it has become expected. As a teacher I think it is important to teach typing skills to children at a young age and also the benefits of using programs such as web quest in which they can experience what they are learning.
I am grateful for technology and the many ways we can learn about and experience life through the many wonderful resources available!
Lessons Learned
I learned a lot from the readings and videos! It was very helpful to get a lot of different viewpoints about the negatives and positives about technology, and the tremendous influence it is having on the educational world. I learned that technology has become a huge aid to teachers in staying connected and sharing ideas. I can see this being a great help and resource to me in the future. It is wonderful that you can go online and within minutes find a lesson plan that has been tried and successful in just about any subject. It is easier to share ideas and advice. In one of the readings I found that 94% of students 16-18 use the internet! That is an incredible amount! I cannot believe how much it has changed in even the past ten years. It is very uncommon for anyone to not have a computer in their home.
Another essay brought up the issue of how ‘internet language’ is mixing with ‘school language.’ As in, students are being sloppier with their writing and are getting used to using acronyms because of all of the typing they spend on the computer. My concern is that student’s skills in actually being able to sit in class and write out an essay with pen and paper are being disabled by their use of word programs that self correct their mistakes. I am afraid that in my classroom I may notice the somewhat of a disabling effect technology could have on students and their skills. Also, from reading I realized that students really already expect to use technology at school. They enjoy using it to help them in their educational experience. Technology is, and will continue to be a major part of learning. It has become an accessible resource for everyone!
Another essay brought up the issue of how ‘internet language’ is mixing with ‘school language.’ As in, students are being sloppier with their writing and are getting used to using acronyms because of all of the typing they spend on the computer. My concern is that student’s skills in actually being able to sit in class and write out an essay with pen and paper are being disabled by their use of word programs that self correct their mistakes. I am afraid that in my classroom I may notice the somewhat of a disabling effect technology could have on students and their skills. Also, from reading I realized that students really already expect to use technology at school. They enjoy using it to help them in their educational experience. Technology is, and will continue to be a major part of learning. It has become an accessible resource for everyone!
Strengths and Weaknessess
From this reading I realized how much technology is influencing elementary education in particular! I cannot believe the tremendous effect technology is having on the different forms of teaching and helping students become independent learners. According to the UNI survey some of my strengths would be contributed to the fact that I have grown up with technology all around me! My own education has been through using and learning from technology, so I am familiar with it. I use technology daily to research, learn, and stay connected with people. I have had many class projects in which I have had to use PowerPoint programs, overhead projectors, word processors, and internet sources. I have become familiar with a lot of technology through my educational experiences. I was lucky to grow up with a computer in my home. I took typing classes in elementary, High school, and have even in college as well. I have been taught to become familiar with and take advantage of the resources that can be found on the internet. I am very familiar with how to access resources on the World Wide Web.
One of my weaknesses could be that I do not stay as informed and updated on new things for technology that come out to help in the educational experience. I do not always have the desire to stay updated and informed with technology that could assist me in my own education. I also have not had enough experience using technology to teach many different subjects. Through my field experience, it was helpful to practice using some technology in my lessons to teach. I feel confident that with more and more experience using technology to teach it will become a great aid to me in my future classroom. I would like to learn more about using spreadsheets and graphic organizers. I think these things could be a great aid to me if I knew how to use them effectively.
As some goals, I would like to stay updated and informed on current and new technology. This would require spending more time on the internet researching what technology is helpful in the classroom. I have the resource to stay updated on technology I just need to take advantage of it more often. I would want to be continually trying to look for different ways I can help my students learn and experience through the technology that is available. I also want to use technology in my classroom through power points to help give visual aids for direct instruction. I want to help my students learn how to be independent on the computer by knowing how to use it well myself. I would want to help them learn, through doing some web quests in which they can navigate through and find things they are most interested in. I was surprised at how many options are available online in which I can learn how to use a spreadsheet, graphic organizers, and many other technological resources. Learning from any one of these programs/tutorials would help me be more confident in my ability to teach through technology. It would give me more professionalism because I could present material in different ways and stay more organized as a teacher. Improving on my knowledge about technology will only help me in the future to be a better teacher.
-I didn’t know if you wanted examples of the resources we could use or not, but here are a few:)
http://eduscapes.com/tap/topic73.htm
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z2EkOCXNLQM
http://www.k12.hi.us/~tethree/01-02/tutorials/ss/home3.html
One of my weaknesses could be that I do not stay as informed and updated on new things for technology that come out to help in the educational experience. I do not always have the desire to stay updated and informed with technology that could assist me in my own education. I also have not had enough experience using technology to teach many different subjects. Through my field experience, it was helpful to practice using some technology in my lessons to teach. I feel confident that with more and more experience using technology to teach it will become a great aid to me in my future classroom. I would like to learn more about using spreadsheets and graphic organizers. I think these things could be a great aid to me if I knew how to use them effectively.
As some goals, I would like to stay updated and informed on current and new technology. This would require spending more time on the internet researching what technology is helpful in the classroom. I have the resource to stay updated on technology I just need to take advantage of it more often. I would want to be continually trying to look for different ways I can help my students learn and experience through the technology that is available. I also want to use technology in my classroom through power points to help give visual aids for direct instruction. I want to help my students learn how to be independent on the computer by knowing how to use it well myself. I would want to help them learn, through doing some web quests in which they can navigate through and find things they are most interested in. I was surprised at how many options are available online in which I can learn how to use a spreadsheet, graphic organizers, and many other technological resources. Learning from any one of these programs/tutorials would help me be more confident in my ability to teach through technology. It would give me more professionalism because I could present material in different ways and stay more organized as a teacher. Improving on my knowledge about technology will only help me in the future to be a better teacher.
-I didn’t know if you wanted examples of the resources we could use or not, but here are a few:)
http://eduscapes.com/tap/topic73.htm
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z2EkOCXNLQM
http://www.k12.hi.us/~tethree/01-02/tutorials/ss/home3.html
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