Too often, we assume that students understand the language of the standards when we reference them. Whether they are afraid to admit they don't get it or only have a cursory understanding, students have a right to know the basis by which they are being judged and we can't take it for granted that they actually know. As teachers, it is our responsibility to share these standards with students and take the time to make sure they have a mastery level comprehension of them. After all, if a learner doesn't know what they are trying to achieve, they are shooting in the dark. We must make our classrooms intentional, allowing kids to succeed based on clear expectations. I love taking a standard and rephrasing it in kid friendly language.
Teachers
must be very skills, very knowledgeable, and exquisitely well-trained, because
neither the teacher nor the surgeon can say: “Everybody sit still until figure
out what in the heck we’re going to do next.” (Madeline Hunter) I believe that
throughout this cohort as well as this course, the Madeline Hunter format for
forming lesson plans has been embedded into my memory. I can design a lesson
plan in my sleep even. This course has taught me that my own pedagogical
knowledge is very important and plays a significant role in student-learning
outcomes.
Lastly, classroom management is a key component to positive student-learning outcomes. It helps create a productive learning environment and provides students with structure and achievable goals. When a teacher has great classroom management skills then it allows for various activities to occur during the day, with a minimum of wasted time and confusion. The students know what is expected of them and how to carry out daily procedures. I believe a teacher should make their classroom management plan simple and understandable: post no less than three rules and no more than six rules.
2. Describe your experiences using technology
Well, the only time I have been in the classroom is for my practicum hours so I haven't first hand led a lesson with technology. However, in my personal life I find technology to be very useful for myself and my children. I am not intimidated by it and am actually extremely excited to learn about the many ways to integrate technology in the classroom for the students. I also can easily find my way around a computer with steps provided which I've seen are there.
3. Describe what "technology integration" means to you -- provide specific examples!
To me, technology integration is the use of technology resources such as computers, mobile devices, networks, and the internet. I believe that successful technology integration is achieved when the use of technology supports the curricular goals, and helps the students effectively reach their goals. One example of technology integration can be web-based projects, explorations, and research. Using a certain safe site that provides a virtual field trip is great to capture the students interest and attention.
4. Describe how you think you will use technology in your future classroom
I believe technology is great for student learning outcomes. In our world today, everyone is surrounded by technology and intrigued by it. I know I will use google docs for journal purposes because I've seen during my observations that they truly work and also provide an assessment artifact for the teacher. Another way I will integrate technology is by providing virtual math (and other subjects) manipulatives on the smart board during centers where each group will have the opportunity to interact with the smart board, and beforehand procedures will be established.
