My final thoughts

I was extremely nervous about taking this class!  I heard that it was a lot of work.  However, I learned a lot of effective teaching strategies that I haven't learning in other classes.  The work and the effort I put into this class reflects how much effort and time I will need to put into teaching.  I learned a lot about direct instruction, inquiry, and cooperative learning.  I learned how to use voki and prezi.  Both are engaging for students!  I'm confident that my teaching abilities have increased. This class has prepared me for what to expect when I'm a teacher.  I was nervous about student teaching but now I feel well prepared.  The class was worth the effort we had to put in.  My teaching experience was wonderful and I hope that when I'm a teacher,  I get to experience other wonderful moments!  

I think I was extremely successful in the class. I had everything in on time and I worked very well in a group.  However, if I could improve I wish I would've went above and beyond just the assignment requirements. I think that I am different from how I was at the beginning of the course.  I developed my own personal views on education and I learned how important technology is.  I would like to create a social studies classroom that uses direct instruction, inquiry, and cooperative learning.    

Mock Interview

Mock Interview

In class we did a mock interview and it was very helpful in preparation for our actual interview.  Although this wasn't a "real" interview it was good practice for our actual interviews.  Mock interviews will reduce anxiety when it is time for the actual interview.  Also, it will help boost confidence about questions you answer well.  Also, a mock interview will allow you to realize your weaknesses.  The person can improve on their weaknesses for their actual interview. Also, it allows time to receive constructive feedback and improve where it is necessary. 

Future improvements: For my future interview, I need to think about my answers.  It is better to think about an answer than to make something up.   Also, I will not go against my educational philosophical believes to impress the principal.  I realized that I should practice questions frequently.  I need to be well prepared for the interview.

Tween Tribune

 
Tween Tribune is a free non-profit newspaper for kids.  It is used for kids ages 8-15.  Tweens can post comments on newspapers and respond to other comments.  The site is current events and the topics include education, technology, national news, and world news.  I think that I will use this in my classroom as a future teacher.  I think that it is good for students to follow current events and to interact with other students.  However, it wasn't that fun for me to follow these current events.  I think that the current events were interesting but as a 20 year old, some seemed childish.  I will definitely incorporate tween tribune into my teaching.  It is important for students to know what is going on in the world and this is a way for them too.


The following were the posts I made on Tween Tribune.

laurenm-Smi commented on: Romney skips Nickelodeon, Obama doesn't

I think that it is not a big deal that Romney didn't go to the event. It's understandable that Romney was busy. He is running for President and doesn't have time for nonsense. Obama could have put his time to better use. Instead of attending a children's event, he could have worked on improving this country. Since after all, that is his job.

laurenm-Smi commented on: Girl ridiculed at school over Romney t-shirt

I can't believe that a teacher would do that to a student. Teachers should think about what they say to their students. It is hard for me to believe that she didn't intentionally embarrass and insult her student. It was wrong for the teacher to compare the shirt to a KKK shirt because there aren't similarities and she is misleading her students. The students are getting the wrong idea about Romney because of the teacher. I think that this teacher should've been fired.

laurenm-Smi commented on: Smaller iPad to be revealed Oct. 23

I think that a smaller iPad is a great idea. Because it is smaller, schools will be able to provide students with one. Teaching with technology can be a wonderful learning experience. Instead of having textbooks, the students can have books on their iPad and instead of writing notes, students can type it on the iPad. Also, it will be easier to carry around and bring places. I think that I would like to buy a small iPad!

laurenm-Smi commented on: Textbooks becoming history, dust, vapor...

I think that students should use iPads instead of hardbound textbooks. First, textbooks are heavy. Second, an iPad has more information than a textbook. If a students come across an unfamiliar word, they can easily look it up. Also, an iPad would be less costly. I think that an iPad mini would be extremely practical.

laurenm-Smi commented on: iPads help kids with autism communicate

I think that using technology for students with disabilities is an engaging and effective way to teach. I think that teachers should use iPads especially if it displays such promise for students with autism. Students should have access to iPads in school.

laurenm-Smi commented on: Is penmanship important or a waste of time?

I do not think that penmanship is a waste of time. Even though technology is growing, I think that students should not rely on the computer for such a task. I think that it would be laziness if students did not take a pen to paper from time to time. I think that penmanship is important and students should at least know how to write. When note taking, writing in cursive is quicker. Therefore, students should know how to write. I don't think that handwriting is something that should be electronic.

laurenm-Smi commented on: Star-spangled banner OK for high school hockey

I think that the national anthem is a sign of respect and appreciate towards freedom. It should always be sung before games and I don't think that a one minute 15-second instrumental is a good way to honor the country. Also, I think the pledge should be said. I find is hard to believe that people would attempt to ban the national anthem before a games. I believe that students and citizens should feel a sense of pride about their country! As a future teacher, I want my students to feel pride and honor for their country!

Learning to Teach

Check out the video on our teaching experience!  

I loved teaching!  I think I had a wonderful first experience.  My group and I worked together extremely well.  We split up the work equally and each put in an equal about of effort.  Samantha, Barbara, and I frequently met up to plan our work.  We collaborated well with out thoughts and ideas.  Also, we never disagreed on anything.  I think that the students were engaged in our lesson and wanted to learn.  

Direct Instruction

For our direct instruction, we gave a PowerPoint to teach the students about the causes of the revolutionary War.  We focused on the French and Indian War, The Stamp Act, The Boston Tea Party, The Battles of Lexington and Concord, and Fort Ticonderoga.  We started the lesson by showing the class four pictures.  We asked them, "What do these pictures have in common?"  Throughout the PowerPoint, we had checkpoints.  We asked the students direct questions on what we learned in the previous slides.  Also, the students worked on a graphic organizer while we were going through the PowerPoint.  Then, we had the students do a few matching activities. They had to match the events to the pictures.  Also, they had to find the causes and effects of each event.

I think that our direct instruction went very well.  My group members and I were confident and the classroom was engaged.  However, if I could redo it I would change my closure.  Instead of having the students fill out an exit ticket, we should have just asked questions.       

Inquiry Lesson

For our inquiry lesson, we had the students try to figure out which event their artifact bag related too.  First, we have an introduction for the students.  We showed the class pictures and they had to tell us what happened during the battle or historical event.  Then, we showed the class a voki that introduced their task to them.  The students had to use the inquiry process to discover which topic they had.  Then, the students presented their findings to the class.

I think that our inquiry activity went well.

Cooperative Learning Lesson

For our cooperative learning lesson, the students had to make a newspaper article.  First, we discussed what it means to work in a group.  Then, each group received a topic to write about.  Using secondary sources, they researched and found information about their topic.  They made a newspaper article and presented it to the class.  Then, the students evaluated their group members.

I think that we could've split up the assignments.  Instead of all the students working on a newspaper article, we should've assigned different activities to each group.

Overall, we had a wonderful teaching experience!

Group 3- Direct Instruction, Inquiry, and Cooperative Learning

Group Three

Direct Instruction- The group used a PowerPoint to instruct information to students.  Also, the group used a graphic organizer for the students.  In the PowerPoint there were stars.  When the students saw the star, they had to write down that information.  I thought that was a great idea.  It kept the students on focus.  Also, I thought it was great that the students were given a folder.  This enforces organization and makes the lesson run smoothly.

Inquiry- I thought that the review was so good.  It was short and it was a great way to activate prior knowledge.  The students were then shown a voki.  The students were given two pictures and had to make a prediction based on the pictures.  Each group was assigned different roles.  There was the team leader, the writer, the researchers, two presenters, and an illustrator.  The students had to go through their packet to find information.  The students were given high-lighters.  I thought this was very good because the students learned how to find important information.  I thought that the inquiry lesson was engaging!  

Cooperative Learning- The group asked what they learned about.  Then, they asked what it means to work in a group.  Each group had their own assignment.  One group was the drama group.  They were given a play on the declaration of independence.  I thought that the students were extremely engaged in this lesson.  Also, I thought the play was well written.  One group had to write different types of poems.  Within the groups, the teachers made the students write two poems.  I thought this was great because everybody had to put in effort.  Sometimes, when teachers assign different roles there are some roles that require more work than others.  Another group had to write a letter to Obama.  I thought that was extremely creative.  It gives the students a purpose for doing the assignment.  The last group had to make a poster. I thought that group 3 did extremely well.  I thought their lessons were wonderful and the students were engaged.  Also, the students knew the task and the material they learned.

My Philosophy Statement

            I think that teaching social studies is extremely important and students should be actively involved in the subject.  Schools are teaching less social studies to the students and I don’t think that should be done.  Social studies is the study of the past to understand the present and the future.  Moreover, social studies is more than just history.  It is the study of geography, social sciences, economics, and humanities.  Teaching social studies can promote students to becoming better citizens and democratic thinkers.  I believe that children are the future and it is up to teachers to make students realize their potential.  I believe that teachers should always work on their pedagogical content knowledge.  Teachers should always come up with new ideas and ways to teach social studies.     

I highly believe that students’ interests should guide the learning.  Students should be able to construct their own knowledge and develop critical thinking and problem solving skills. I believe that students should work in groups to develop necessary social skills.  Students should learn to conduct the inquiry process.  They should be given a problem and the means to solve the problem.  The students should make observations, predictions, and a hypothesis.  I want my students to become critical thinkers and engage in cooperative learning.  I think that collaborative learning teachers respect, responsibility, and consideration.  The students learn how to be open-minded and listen to ideas they may not have had.  Also,  I think that teachers should be able to effectively teach using technology.  Teaching with technology is engaging and is where education is heading.  Since students are growing up with technology, I believe that it is a great way to connect with the class. Furthermore, I believe that self-evaluation is important.  Students should be able to assess their work.  Also, students should assess their group member’s contribution to a project.  As a future teacher, this is what I want for my students!      

                             

Attention! Attention!

I think that an important part of education is classroom management.  A teacher can have a great lesson planned, but if he/she cannot manage the classroom it will not be effective.

When the students are getting carried away in an inquiry assignment or a cooperative learning assignment there are quiet signals for getting attention and gaining control of the classroom!

1) Teacher raises hand and the students stop talking, raise their hands, then wait for the rest of the class to raise their hands.

2) The teacher can turn off the lights which signals that the students must stop working and put their heads down.

3) The teacher can use a bell, piano chord, or musical tone to get attention.  The students then stop and look at the teacher until everyone is ready.

4) The teacher can clap a rhythm and have the students repeat it.

5) The teacher can use a whistle signal.

Teachers have to keep control over the classroom!  I think that these are great ways for teachers to keep control!  

Check this out!

While planning our lesson, my group and I checked out this website.
It is a multimedia instruction to help study and make lessons!  It gives presentations, videos, and learning tools in a variety of subject areas! 
Students can study...
1) Mathematics 
2) Social Science
3)Natural Science
4) Humanities 

You select which topic you want to study more.  For example, you can click on History & Goverment you will see four more options.  Then, you can click U.S. History.  Then, a long list of different historical events will come up.  You can study English Colonies, the Road to Revolution, or the American Revolution.  

Group 2: Inquiry & Cooperative Learning

Group 2 conducted a lesson on inquiry for Mrs. Benfer's 4th grade class!

Problem: students were given a series of clues!  The students were detectives for the day!

I thought that group two did an extremely great job!  The lesson was great.  I like how they incorporated technology into the lesson.

Cooperative Learning

Each group was given a separate task.  One group had to make a song.  It was wonderful!  The students were engaged in the lesson and loved it.  Another group had to make a poster and another group had to make a conversation.  I liked how the activities were different and unique. 

Group 2: Direct Instruction

Group 2- Declaration of Independence

Overall, I thought that group two did a wonderful job teaching the lesson!  We had to focus on three different aspects of the unit plan.  We focused on direct instruction, inquiry, and cooperative learning. 

Direct Instruction

Introduction- 

The teachers introduced themselves. 

 Also, they introduced a clap to focus the students.  (I think this was a good way to manage classroom behavior.)

 The group administered a pre-assessment using yes/no cards.  They told the students that it was a review of what they learned before.  However, they included questions that we did not go over.  The students were confused. 

Too much time was spent on the introduction and I don't think the worksheet was necessary

Development-   

Group two used a PowerPoint to explain the events leading up to the declaration of independence.

The slides were a bit wordy and was not "child friendly." 

They had the students use a graphic organizer which I think is very helpful!  

The teachers also modeled what to write in the graphic organizer which I thought was effective.

Guided Practice

I thought that the synonym activity was wonderful!  

Assessment

Diagnostic- group administered a pre-assessment

Formative- the group checked for understanding throughout lesson

What the Group did Well

1) It was clear that group two put in a lot of effort into their lesson!

2) Folders were a good way to keep the students organized

3) They communicated effectively with students

Improvements

1) Avoid using "ehh" and "mhm"

2) Make powerpoint more child friendly

Common Core

It is necessary for all teachers to be familiar with the common core standards!  Teachers need to make sure they use it in the classroom.  The following video is about common core standards: 

The common core standards provide a clear understanding of what students are expected to learn.  It helps both teachers and parents learn what they need to teach.  The common core standards provide young people with skills they need for the future.  Standards reassure that students are receiving high-quality instruction.  I believe the common core standards are highly effective.

Pinterest in the classroom!

I think that teachers should always try new things in the classroom.  Teachers should consider using...

Social networking is very popular worldwide!  Teachers should use pinterest in the classroom to engage students and can also use it  as ways to make new lessons.  

There are different ways that teachers can use pinterest.

1) add images during a lesson or class discussion

2) Find crafts and projects for school

3) Get lunch idea for kids 

4) Find new books to read and recommend  

Native American Project

We were asked to figure out how geography influences the different African American tribes.  Emily and I were asked to focus on the Iroquois tribe.  

We learned the following information:

History

™They first settled in the north-eastern part of North America around 100 A.D.

™Homeland: upstate New York between the Adirondack Mountains and Niagara Falls

™They then expanded through conquest and migration and gained control of most of the northeastern United States/eastern Canada

™During the American Revolution they were forced back into their original land.

™They fought along with the British in the war with France

Culture

™Lived in longhouses: large wood-frame building covered with sheets of elm bark  

™Open space was left at the top of the house to allow smoke out when they were cooking

™Their beds were covered in skins and furs

™They had to stay in one place because they relied on agriculture

™Longhouses were long enough to hold 30-60 people

™The women were in charge of raising the children and harvesting the crops 

Dress

™Clothes were made from deerskin

™The women wore skirts and moccasins

™Men wore breechcloths with long leggings

™They wore snowshoes in ritual dancing

™They liked jewelry and make up

™Tattoos covered most of their bodies

Languages-The languages were named after the individual tribes

–Mohawk

–Seneca

–Oneida

–Onondaga

–Cayuga

–Tuscarora

Reflection

I think that as future teachers, we need to be very knowledgeable about content.I  think that this project deepened my understanding of Native Amerians which will help when I'm a teacher!  

Unschooling

What is unschooling? It is letting children learn through their own experiences!  It includes play, work experience, and social responsibility rather than a traditional school curriculum.  Unschooling provides children with more freedom and prepares kids for the rapidly changing future!  

How is unschooling different from tradition school?

1) School has classes, unschooling does not

2) The kid sets their own goals instead of the teacher setting goals

3) During unschooling, the student is empowered to learn from his/her own self

4) Unschooling is not structured 

5) During unschooling, learning happens all the time.  

Reasons to Unschool

1) It's how entrepreneurs learn- Entrepreneurs take charge of what they need to know

2) It's much more natural- The school system is modern and famous people of history were learning through unschooling

3) It's freer- The student is free to learn and do what they want

What do I think about unschooling?  

I do not agree with unschooling or home-schooling in general.  I think that children should learn among other students.  They will not efficiently how to communicate with others and how to work with others if they are in their own house all day.  For any job, one must know how to work with others.  Also, I think that learning needs structure.  The common core standards is an efficient way to teach children, which is not provided in unschooling.  Also, unschooling will put many out of jobs.