Take 2: Is anyone else having issues making posts?
The question of how to introduce diverse cultures and ideas has come up in almost all of my teacher education courses. What is the most beneficial way to include diversity in the classroom, and what is the best way for students to learn about others as well as share their unique differences? According to the reading, open discussions might be one of the most beneficial ways to learn about your students. By allowing students to express their opinions and talk about their lives, both the teacher and the other students are getting a glimpse into the life of the student. If the teacher allows the students to hold the discussion without interjecting ideas, they will learn more about their students and the way they think.
I think another great way to bring diversity into the classroom would be allowing each student to give a presentation about themselves, their intersts, and their culture. This could include, music, food, traditions, and introducing family members. As a teacher I hope to open my students minds, and teach them that diversity is a good thing, and each one of them is unique and brings something to the table.
Sunday, January 31, 2010
Discussion Diversity
The Almasi article brought up a lot of interesting ideas and perspective that I feel is much needed in the realm of education. I have experienced many class discussions on texts that the teacher guides the classroom and almost shoots down perspectives that are different from their own. There are times that the teacher seemed to have the answer book in front of them and and if the answers or ideas that were presented by the teacher, then they were wrong. This is so sad. Often times we will have children from many different backgrounds in our classes and it is imperative that we are receptive to thier thoughts and ideas.
My concern may be, how do we stimulate younger children on a book. I think that it is so important to have classroom discussions on books, but too often I have observed in my first grade class that the students very easily get off task and talk about irrelevant information. This is very trying, yet how do we suppress thier thoughts and keep them on task at the same time? There has to be a balance because having the children talk about their own lives helps them connect the text to their own lives, but it can be very distracting from the task on hand.
I think that Yoon made a great point about how it is important for the teacher to come up with questions that scaffold their diverse thoughts into class discussion. I think that this is a great way to keep kids on track, by having the kids' questions lead the talks. Too often the questions bore the children and are not engaging. If we can get the students engaged and comfortable in classroom discussions, our whole class environment will be better.
My concern may be, how do we stimulate younger children on a book. I think that it is so important to have classroom discussions on books, but too often I have observed in my first grade class that the students very easily get off task and talk about irrelevant information. This is very trying, yet how do we suppress thier thoughts and keep them on task at the same time? There has to be a balance because having the children talk about their own lives helps them connect the text to their own lives, but it can be very distracting from the task on hand.
I think that Yoon made a great point about how it is important for the teacher to come up with questions that scaffold their diverse thoughts into class discussion. I think that this is a great way to keep kids on track, by having the kids' questions lead the talks. Too often the questions bore the children and are not engaging. If we can get the students engaged and comfortable in classroom discussions, our whole class environment will be better.
Diversity
In a classroom, students are present with values of diverse cultures and perspectives in which the process of getting to know their diverse thoughts becomes a challenge to teachers. This is because, the teachers take the role of deriving diverse thoughts from the students into the classroom discussions for the class to learn and appreciate different viewpoints. After reading Almasi’s article, “A New View of Discussion,” I was surprised to understand how students engage in discussions with diverse perspectives from their own experiences. Moreover, their varieties of unique experiences and viewpoints of the text create an informative discussion with new ideas from well written questions.
Teachers require welcoming the value of diversity among students and developing a classroom environment where diverse viewpoints are valued and learned. However, it is a challenge as teachers to go through the process of getting to know these diverse students, and utilize their values in learning. Therefore, teachers need to develop discussions among students in having them to talk about their diverse thoughts into the classroom environment respectfully. It is also important as teachers to come up with questions that can scaffold students’ diverse thoughts into the discussions.
Teachers require welcoming the value of diversity among students and developing a classroom environment where diverse viewpoints are valued and learned. However, it is a challenge as teachers to go through the process of getting to know these diverse students, and utilize their values in learning. Therefore, teachers need to develop discussions among students in having them to talk about their diverse thoughts into the classroom environment respectfully. It is also important as teachers to come up with questions that can scaffold students’ diverse thoughts into the discussions.
Diversity
One way to get to know your students and the diversity in the classroom is to set up various discussions in the class about various topics. In the Almasi article about discussion it talks about the various methods of using discussion and how it can get students to participate. I think mixing up large class discussions and small group discussion that you sit in as a teacher will make you more aware of the diversity in the classroom. This discussion could be based on academic topics or topics that are more personal where you get to explore the issues of the students. In my CT's classroom (1st grade) she has a student of the week every week. And that student gets to bring in a poster with pictures from their family and the things the like to do. A bunch of the students are from different cultures and it gives not only the teacher a chance to get to know the diversity in the classroom but also the students.
Saturday, January 30, 2010
Diversity
Before reading the Almasi article entitled "A New View of Discussion," I would answer the question of diversity in a very generic way; I could learn about the diversity in my classroom by simply getting to know the students and learning about their lives outside of school (family, hobbies, activities, etc.). What I would have failed to mention, however, would be exactly how that process would take place - the questions still stands: how would I get to know the students to this extent? Almasi's article on how discussions between students and teacher (or rather, students and students) serves to answer this particular "how" question. The author suggests that as "participants gather in a social context to exchange thoughts, new understandings and meanings may emerge as participants interact with one another." (p. 91) In other words, when an authentic discussion takes place within a classroom (authentic meaning no IRE methods or recitation, of course), children will learn in an authentic way, propelling their own discussions by minimal direct interaction with the teacher.
The benefit here to me, then, is that I can figure out how my students are thinking through listening to their discussion and even view how their diverse backgrounds impact their learning. It is as if they learn right before my eyes in their own ways; indeed, I would submit that seeing how a child learns (based on diverse thought processes and backgrounds) is the basis for truly getting to know them as a whole.
The benefit here to me, then, is that I can figure out how my students are thinking through listening to their discussion and even view how their diverse backgrounds impact their learning. It is as if they learn right before my eyes in their own ways; indeed, I would submit that seeing how a child learns (based on diverse thought processes and backgrounds) is the basis for truly getting to know them as a whole.
Sunday, January 24, 2010
Digital Native
I went into this quiz thinking I would know what most of the terms meant, but I was surprised that I hadn't even heard of a couple. Namely; modding and smart mobs. Even after reading about these two technologies I am still not sure exactly what they are for. I would still consider myself to be part of the digital generation. As technology improves I am constantly trying to keep up with the changing times. I found this quiz interesting because it made me realize that I still need to look into technologies I would not normally associate myself with.
Saturday, January 23, 2010
Digital Natives
When I first glanced at the title, "Digital Natives Quiz," I knew I was going to fail it. This is because I never think of myself as a digital person and I'm definitely not good with computers. However, I was surprised to know more terms than I did not from the quiz; and I believe the high technology world we live in had me unconsciously apply new programs like the wiki, blog, and IM into my world.
There is a well-known video called, "Shift Happens," and this video tells the audience on how fast the world is developing within technology and education. In just few years, almost all schools are going to be teaching based on programs installed in technologies. Moreover, digital literacy will emerge as more electronic than paper books increase. This will create teachers to find new ways in teaching literacy towards digital students with new materials. Even today, we are using wiki and blog to develop our literacy in which there will be more and more ways to learn in a digital world.
There is a well-known video called, "Shift Happens," and this video tells the audience on how fast the world is developing within technology and education. In just few years, almost all schools are going to be teaching based on programs installed in technologies. Moreover, digital literacy will emerge as more electronic than paper books increase. This will create teachers to find new ways in teaching literacy towards digital students with new materials. Even today, we are using wiki and blog to develop our literacy in which there will be more and more ways to learn in a digital world.
Digital Native Quiz
I was pretty nervous to take this quiz, because I don't think of myself as "tech savvy". This quiz was going to be just a confirmation of how bad I am with technology, but strangley enough I knew a fair share of the answers. I think that sometimes I get overwhelmed with how vast and expansive that technology has became. Although I have grown up using computers in school and in my home, I never was one to spend hours on end at the computer. I took a basic class on power point and excel in 8th grade, but other than that I would say I just played around and taught myself the basics. So I would have to say that myself personally, I would think of myself as a first generation native. By that I mean I know the basics and a few advance parts of technology but overall, I know there is a lot of room for improvement. I took CEP 416 last summer online and that helped me immensly, but I am not fluent enough yet to be able to do all the stuff online without occasionally looking up how to do something. I think that is why I don't consider myself to be a native in technology.
Friday, January 22, 2010
Quiz Talk
Refreshingly, after taking the quiz about digital knowledge, I could define the majority of the terms. Indeed, I found out what Instant Messaging was as soon as I jumped into middle school - it was quite the rage among adolescents, and I hogged the computer every chance I caught to talk to all of my adoring friends. Blogging was easy enough to understand when I jumped on that bandwagon too. I was even fortunate enough to have a good number of dorky guy friends that love to play Massive Multi-player Online Games (enough so that I am fairly competent in the area).
At the same time, however, I am not the expert I'd like to be concerning digital talk. I had never heard of modding before at all - and am still unsure about what, exactly, it is. It's weird to think, though, that the kids we teach will already know exactly what all of this is -- and more. It's almost intimidating!
At the same time, however, I am not the expert I'd like to be concerning digital talk. I had never heard of modding before at all - and am still unsure about what, exactly, it is. It's weird to think, though, that the kids we teach will already know exactly what all of this is -- and more. It's almost intimidating!
digital natives quiz
When I took the digital native quiz I was surprised on how many terms I knew. There were a few that I had never heard of. I think I was familiar with some of the terms because of when I grew up in society today. I would have to say that growing up I learned to type by AIM or chatting online to friends. Growing up with texting, AIM, facebook, google, and just the internet in general I feel has made me more of a native then my parents or grandparents.
Monday, January 18, 2010
NoteBlog 1
A goal of mine this semester is to try and learn more from my fellow classmates when it comes to successful and unsuccessful teaching practices. I think that we are all such a great tool for one another and sometimes we forget to use each other.
I also would like to find ways to engage young readers who complain about reading. I have observed this as a major problem in classrooms, finding creative, fun ways to engage our students and get them excited about reading. Hopefully this class will provide ways to determine appropriate books for the different reading levels and ways to use them.
Being able to understand myself as a learner is a challenge that I am excited about. I think that for me to be the best teacher that I can be this is imperative. If I don't understand how I learn personally, I don't belive that I can effectively teach others.
I also would like to find ways to engage young readers who complain about reading. I have observed this as a major problem in classrooms, finding creative, fun ways to engage our students and get them excited about reading. Hopefully this class will provide ways to determine appropriate books for the different reading levels and ways to use them.
Being able to understand myself as a learner is a challenge that I am excited about. I think that for me to be the best teacher that I can be this is imperative. If I don't understand how I learn personally, I don't belive that I can effectively teach others.
Over the course of last semster, I really got to see my students as learners of science and social studies. I was able to see their literacy skills in action, but did not get a lot of time to work with them and assess their abilities. This semester I hope to use what I have learned from past semesters and build upon it in order to get the students interested in reading and writing. TE 301 focused a lot on how students learn concepts and what they need to know, but I am hoping to learn now what works and what the proven methods for teaching literacy are. Last semster I had two technology related courses, and now realize how important it is to use what is available in order to teach students.
One goal I have for myself this semester is to see how I can teach in new ways using the technology that is available to the students. I want to develop lesson plans that address each type of learner, and find new ways to interest and engage the students while learning about reading and writing. Because I am placed in a lower income area, I know that many of the students do not have the most up-to-date technologies at home or even at school. I hope this will teach me to be creative and appreciate and use what is available.
One goal I have for myself this semester is to see how I can teach in new ways using the technology that is available to the students. I want to develop lesson plans that address each type of learner, and find new ways to interest and engage the students while learning about reading and writing. Because I am placed in a lower income area, I know that many of the students do not have the most up-to-date technologies at home or even at school. I hope this will teach me to be creative and appreciate and use what is available.
Saturday, January 16, 2010
Semester Goals
After spending an entire semester immersed in my low-income school district, I have learned what it is like to be challenged – really, truly challenged – as a teacher. I have students (these are 5th graders) whose life experiences at 10 years old surpass most 50-year-olds I know, let alone my own, consisting of only 21 years. In some cases, students have seen death in a brutal way and have experienced hardship after hardship in their short lives; it’s no wonder that they can hardly find the motivation to perform in academics.
As far as personal goals for the semester go in teaching literacy, I would love to instill a sense of hope in these children, accompanying a passion for knowledge that can only be quenched through reading and searching. It’s intimidating working in a classroom where you have thirty-three kids at vast ends of the reading and comprehension spectrum – I would therefore set a goal for myself this semester to learn how to connect to each student’s needs in this area since I realize that these differences in levels of competency are the norm rather than the exception. I want to learn more ways to make reading exciting, easy, and relevant to each individual – and I can’t wait to do it!
As far as personal goals for the semester go in teaching literacy, I would love to instill a sense of hope in these children, accompanying a passion for knowledge that can only be quenched through reading and searching. It’s intimidating working in a classroom where you have thirty-three kids at vast ends of the reading and comprehension spectrum – I would therefore set a goal for myself this semester to learn how to connect to each student’s needs in this area since I realize that these differences in levels of competency are the norm rather than the exception. I want to learn more ways to make reading exciting, easy, and relevant to each individual – and I can’t wait to do it!
Noteblog One
My goals for the course are to become a good learner and acquire literacy and technology skills I lack for my prospective students. I am not a good writer or a technology dependent person, but throughout this course, I hope to attain knowledge and develop into a valuable resource towards students. Moreover, I wish to obtain various methods instructing literacy in a classroom where diverse backgrounds and levels of students are present.
There are increasing numbers of students with English language learners in an urban setting, and I believe the numbers are going to continuously increase. I want to prepare for the increasing number of students who lack in English literacy and as well for the students with English as their first language. Literacy is essential for students due to its interrelation with other subjects (science, mathematics, social studies, and etc.) in classrooms and daily lives. Towards students with different learning-styles, various methods and resources must be available in a classroom. Thus, I would like to “bloom” to a teacher who is prepared for any possible circumstances and a dependable resource for the students. Hopefully, my experience as an English language learner and various methods acquired from this course aides me in getting prepared for the teaching years that are ahead.
Yoon
There are increasing numbers of students with English language learners in an urban setting, and I believe the numbers are going to continuously increase. I want to prepare for the increasing number of students who lack in English literacy and as well for the students with English as their first language. Literacy is essential for students due to its interrelation with other subjects (science, mathematics, social studies, and etc.) in classrooms and daily lives. Towards students with different learning-styles, various methods and resources must be available in a classroom. Thus, I would like to “bloom” to a teacher who is prepared for any possible circumstances and a dependable resource for the students. Hopefully, my experience as an English language learner and various methods acquired from this course aides me in getting prepared for the teaching years that are ahead.
Yoon
NoteBlog1
After reading the syllabus some of the goals I have for myself for the semester are to be able to pick the most age appropriate text to put in my classroom for the students. I feel like my reading and writing skills are average and I want to learn how to best support the students in my classroom and make sure that they learn to the best of their abilities.
I want to also make literacy fun and engaging and incorporate other activities into reading and writing. Often times I think adults can underestimate children and their eagerness to learn or what they already know. I think it is important to let children explore and be creative at first so you as a teacher can see their abilities in a less formal way. I think it is important to develop a literacy curriculum that supports different types of learners. Every student learns and achieves success in a different way. I want to use this course to learn multiple ways to address different literacy topics to support my classroom in the future. I also think that it is important to have a positive attitude when presenting your students with literacy because if they see you excited they are more likely to be excited about exploring literacy.
I would like to use this course to aid my preparation for the future by learning multiple things to include in your classroom that deal with literacy. I think having a variety of activities and topics to introduce to the students keeps their interest and makes it more exciting and engaging for them to learn.
Jen
I want to also make literacy fun and engaging and incorporate other activities into reading and writing. Often times I think adults can underestimate children and their eagerness to learn or what they already know. I think it is important to let children explore and be creative at first so you as a teacher can see their abilities in a less formal way. I think it is important to develop a literacy curriculum that supports different types of learners. Every student learns and achieves success in a different way. I want to use this course to learn multiple ways to address different literacy topics to support my classroom in the future. I also think that it is important to have a positive attitude when presenting your students with literacy because if they see you excited they are more likely to be excited about exploring literacy.
I would like to use this course to aid my preparation for the future by learning multiple things to include in your classroom that deal with literacy. I think having a variety of activities and topics to introduce to the students keeps their interest and makes it more exciting and engaging for them to learn.
Jen
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