The game plan that was developed earlier in the course seemed to go well over the past weeks. Although I was not able to implement the plan as I would have liked to, I think that the processes that I tried went well. Student engagement was a crucial lacking in the past, now it seems to be doing better. With the use of different lesson plans and more interaction in the classroom, students have been more involved in what they are learning. Trying different approaches to the same topic helps for those who don't see the understanding the first time to get it in a different manner. I have learned that students still need to be told what to do no matter how old they get. They need to have an outline of what needs to be done and handed in when it come to project time. I am thinking of next year of having the students do what they need to do to finish the project without giving them a sheet or rubric.
I don't think that I have any adjustments at this current time. I would like to give a little bit more background to the plan next year. Having time to implement it all and adjust as time goes by will be the most successful move. No matter how much we try to help the students, some just refuse to be helped or don't want to learn. These students need to be engaged in the lesson more and I hope to do this next year.
Tuesday, December 22, 2009
Tuesday, December 15, 2009
The game plan
As the game plan continues, the students are becoming more and more interested in the lessons at hand. I try to encourage as much participation as possible by using groups and other methods such as computer work. This seems to stimulate the students in a manner that is fun for them. Whether it being grouped up with their friends so they can talk while doing the work or allowing them to do some of their homework in class, it makes the students focus and get done what needs to be. Since they are paying more attention to what is going on, I think that we can begin to do more computer work with projects.
Having the students work on the computer allows them to get real life experience while completing their projects. They have to make decisions that will have an impact on the rest of the project as well as conducting research on different topics that they need to. Being on their own while doing this work shows them some of the stress in life that they will encounter. Not being able to find all parts that they want and need will also be learned quite fast. Of course I will give help and show them what to do and not to do, but throwing them in this situation by themselves will help them to become stronger. Being able to solve your own problems and work them out is what many students need in today's society.
Having the students work on the computer allows them to get real life experience while completing their projects. They have to make decisions that will have an impact on the rest of the project as well as conducting research on different topics that they need to. Being on their own while doing this work shows them some of the stress in life that they will encounter. Not being able to find all parts that they want and need will also be learned quite fast. Of course I will give help and show them what to do and not to do, but throwing them in this situation by themselves will help them to become stronger. Being able to solve your own problems and work them out is what many students need in today's society.
Tuesday, December 8, 2009
Plan....
I have learned a great deal of information while continuing this GAME Plan. From the aspect of gathering material before the students receive it to picking the battles that students present have been learned in the past weeks. As students continue to come up with reasons they didn't do the assignment, I will continue to get upset but putting a zero in the book gives relief also. I can't make them all do the work, but keeping on them helps to keep them on target. Having extra material for the students is also important since it will show them what needs to be done.
My goal of having more student interaction is going well. The students are becoming more involved in the class and that is all that I can ask for. Class seems to be running much more smoothly as the past few weeks have gone by. I am trying not to tackle any more learning goals at this time until I have had total success in what I am doing at the current time. I think that it will only obstruct and further delay these actions if I try to do too much at one time. In the future I will have new ideas and new goals will be set from them. Keeping the students on task and going in the right direction is important and this is what I will try to do over the next few weeks.
I am going to try a new learning approach of just giving students what needs to be done and see how far they can go from there. I will try to limit my interaction with them so that they can have independence and truly work on their own. I have a good feeling that they will get lost in a week, so I will have to give instruction at that time to those who need it. Something is learned from the students each time a project is given out and then collected. Whether it be on what needs to be omitted or how to improve it, new data is available.
My goal of having more student interaction is going well. The students are becoming more involved in the class and that is all that I can ask for. Class seems to be running much more smoothly as the past few weeks have gone by. I am trying not to tackle any more learning goals at this time until I have had total success in what I am doing at the current time. I think that it will only obstruct and further delay these actions if I try to do too much at one time. In the future I will have new ideas and new goals will be set from them. Keeping the students on task and going in the right direction is important and this is what I will try to do over the next few weeks.
I am going to try a new learning approach of just giving students what needs to be done and see how far they can go from there. I will try to limit my interaction with them so that they can have independence and truly work on their own. I have a good feeling that they will get lost in a week, so I will have to give instruction at that time to those who need it. Something is learned from the students each time a project is given out and then collected. Whether it be on what needs to be omitted or how to improve it, new data is available.
Tuesday, December 1, 2009
The game plan continues
My actions were very successful in meeting my goals for this project. The students really listened to what I had to say before we left for thanksgiving break and are on their way in their project. They seemed to pay attention to what needed to be included and how to begin with their work load. I feel as if I had handed them a paper with all of the instructions on it instead of them taking notes and going from there. I have learned that the students need to have basic instructions in order to get started and from here we will go into further detail about what needs to be done. As the weeks progress, they will receive more material to go through and will be able to get a jump start from where they are right now.
I guess that I still have to learn that students will not begin doing their work until the day before it is due. Many students are going on the right track by beginning their work and getting ahead, but some will do nothing and hand it all in on the last day. I can guess that this can be expected from a few who have been like this all year. There really aren't any questions that have come to mind except for why do these students wait so long to do the work when they can be doing it all along and getting input on the work they have done. It bothers me some, but I have realized that it can't upset me or otherwise I will be going nuts. Everything seems to be running smoothly at the current time, so I will let them run along and do what needs to be done. Throwing to many different things at them will only confuse them, so I will let it go as it has been the past week.
I guess that I still have to learn that students will not begin doing their work until the day before it is due. Many students are going on the right track by beginning their work and getting ahead, but some will do nothing and hand it all in on the last day. I can guess that this can be expected from a few who have been like this all year. There really aren't any questions that have come to mind except for why do these students wait so long to do the work when they can be doing it all along and getting input on the work they have done. It bothers me some, but I have realized that it can't upset me or otherwise I will be going nuts. Everything seems to be running smoothly at the current time, so I will let them run along and do what needs to be done. Throwing to many different things at them will only confuse them, so I will let it go as it has been the past week.
Wednesday, November 25, 2009
The game plan is still going
This week is going like it should. It was short and almost everyone was able to be in class to listen to what I had to talk about. The focus was about a test that they will be taking when they come back from break as well as their project that is coming up very soon. Many didn't like the sound of the project, but as they begin to realize that it will all be done in parts as the weeks go by, they seem to have less frustration about it. They also see that after an assignment is handed in and graded, it can be corrected before it is put into their project. This way when it comes around to the grading for the project, there is not excuse for it not being perfect if not close to perfect. For those students who say their teacher doesn't like them and that is why they are failing, I can just laugh and show their parents what work is being done and no effort to improve it when it is a freebe.
Most of the information that I need is available on the internet, so that isn't a problem for me. The students seem to be paying more attention to me since they need to have this information before they do their project incorrectly. I tried to make the students feel more welcome in the class by not going hard on them for their projects. I took parts out so that it would be shorter for me, (I didn't tell them that) and they liked it. This will help with the relationship a little I think. I have learned that students are willing to listen if they fear they might fail a project with heavy grade weight. I think it will put them on a different level in their perspective. I wonder how this will all work out in a few weeks when they all get frantic?
Most of the information that I need is available on the internet, so that isn't a problem for me. The students seem to be paying more attention to me since they need to have this information before they do their project incorrectly. I tried to make the students feel more welcome in the class by not going hard on them for their projects. I took parts out so that it would be shorter for me, (I didn't tell them that) and they liked it. This will help with the relationship a little I think. I have learned that students are willing to listen if they fear they might fail a project with heavy grade weight. I think it will put them on a different level in their perspective. I wonder how this will all work out in a few weeks when they all get frantic?
Tuesday, November 17, 2009
The most helpful way that students can be in this lesson is just sitting there quietly and thinking for a few minutes. Being creative and thinking about what can be done and how to do it is the way in which the project begins. Before something can be built or made, it has to be planned out to make sure it will work. Even then it won't work sometimes. Then it is back to the thinking process to try to figure out how to fix the problem. The only resources that I can think of at the moment will be a computer for the internet so the students can search for something that interests them. They will figure out how to make that product better for future use while thinking about it in class. I will have to figure out more info about how this will all go down and more about what they should be looking for. The main learning style will be with the students being on their own or in small groups while working on the project. Collaboration and independent thinking will be the main focus that I will be looking at.
Thursday, November 12, 2009
Game Plan
With a visit to the ISTE, there are two standards that I would like to keep up with. The first comes from the student learning and creativity section. This standard states that I will promote, support, and model creative and innovative thinking and inventiveness. I feel that I meet this in my lessons since that is what I expect from my students. I try to teach them to think outside of the box and come up with ideas that they can build on. Being creative helps when a student grows up as well. They can think on their own and come up with solutions to problems that they may encounter in their daily life.
Another standard that comes to mind is engaging students in real world issues and solving authentic problems. I have a fun time doing this with the students. I try to get them to think like they would when the get older and expose them to some of the ways of the world and how things work. Some do quite well with this, while others don't understand much at all.
Goals: I would like to try to get more student interaction in the classroom while talking about ideas and thinking in abstract ways. I feel that I do most of the talking and give many of the ideas that are discussed. If students put forth more effort, I think it will benefit them in the long run.
Action: I will make it mandatory for students to engage in the lesson. Putting them in groups might allow for more interaction between students since they might feel more comfortable. This will help those who have ideas communicate with others who don't to help them out. Sometimes it is hard to come up with ideas at first until you hear a few to go off of.
Monitor: I will have to take a minute at the end of the class to write down on paper for future reference how the class went. Did the group work pan out or should the students work on their own? I will have to compare and contrast how the period went and go from there.
Evaluate: Looking back at my notes, I will have to decide whether or not I have met my goal for the lesson. If I had more student interaction while the lesson not going as well as I would have wanted might not be a bad thing. At least I would get students to participate more and that is a part of what I wanted. Not everything can be perfect, so I will settle for what I get.
Information retrieved from the National Educational Standards For Teachers (NETS-T)http://www.iste.org/Content/NavigationMenu/NETS/ForTeachers/2008Standards/NETS_T_Standards_Final.pdf..
Another standard that comes to mind is engaging students in real world issues and solving authentic problems. I have a fun time doing this with the students. I try to get them to think like they would when the get older and expose them to some of the ways of the world and how things work. Some do quite well with this, while others don't understand much at all.
Goals: I would like to try to get more student interaction in the classroom while talking about ideas and thinking in abstract ways. I feel that I do most of the talking and give many of the ideas that are discussed. If students put forth more effort, I think it will benefit them in the long run.
Action: I will make it mandatory for students to engage in the lesson. Putting them in groups might allow for more interaction between students since they might feel more comfortable. This will help those who have ideas communicate with others who don't to help them out. Sometimes it is hard to come up with ideas at first until you hear a few to go off of.
Monitor: I will have to take a minute at the end of the class to write down on paper for future reference how the class went. Did the group work pan out or should the students work on their own? I will have to compare and contrast how the period went and go from there.
Evaluate: Looking back at my notes, I will have to decide whether or not I have met my goal for the lesson. If I had more student interaction while the lesson not going as well as I would have wanted might not be a bad thing. At least I would get students to participate more and that is a part of what I wanted. Not everything can be perfect, so I will settle for what I get.
Information retrieved from the National Educational Standards For Teachers (NETS-T)http://www.iste.org/Content/NavigationMenu/NETS/ForTeachers/2008Standards/NETS_T_Standards_Final.pdf..
Wednesday, October 28, 2009
Reflection of literacy class
I must say that students don't want to learn new material unless they are pushed forward. With this, many students pay attention to what is done in class and pursue what they need to in order to receive good grades. For the few who don't care to learn, it brings some of the rest of the class down to that level where they become very lethargic. One of the biggest relevations that I had while taking this class was that many students can search the Internet, but they don't understand what really happens when they type something in and look at the results. They can just type in a few words or phrase and a ton of hits come up. Where do these sites come from and how did they get there? They forget to ask themselves these questions and click away. They need guidance to show them that many of the sites are irrelevant and can not be trustworthy.
I will try to use the technology that I have learned in this course to further my development and enhance the futures of the students in my class. My teaching practices will lead me to do more projects based with technology so that I can keep up to date with the new changes as well as my students. Technology is changing at an incredible rate and needs to addressed by all.
One goal that I want to try to accomplish as my years continue is to keep up to par with advancements in technology so that students will be the first to be exposed to it. They will have the first showing of what can be done with this new technology and can run with it from there. Learning new ways to search the web with different programs can make a difference when it comes to finding information. I will try to spend more time looking for better ways to learn material so that I can teach the students. Going to classes and seminars will help expose me to some of the other material that is out there that is waiting to become big. One day the skills are fine and the next they need to be upgraded. It will take time to learn them and understand, but the process needs to start somewhere.
I will try to use the technology that I have learned in this course to further my development and enhance the futures of the students in my class. My teaching practices will lead me to do more projects based with technology so that I can keep up to date with the new changes as well as my students. Technology is changing at an incredible rate and needs to addressed by all.
One goal that I want to try to accomplish as my years continue is to keep up to par with advancements in technology so that students will be the first to be exposed to it. They will have the first showing of what can be done with this new technology and can run with it from there. Learning new ways to search the web with different programs can make a difference when it comes to finding information. I will try to spend more time looking for better ways to learn material so that I can teach the students. Going to classes and seminars will help expose me to some of the other material that is out there that is waiting to become big. One day the skills are fine and the next they need to be upgraded. It will take time to learn them and understand, but the process needs to start somewhere.
Wednesday, June 24, 2009
Class Reflection
My personal learning theory at the beginning of this course mainly consisted of students reinforcing ideas and concepts. By this I mean that students are shown how to approach a problem, what to look for and then how to solve. When a student understands what the question is look for, they most likely already know how to solve. They just need to remember that connecting link and it will come to them. I have tried to use more technology in my class such as concept mapping. This little bit of technology allows students to physically see the connections and recall them at a later date.
I think that I am doing fine with the integrating technology part in my class. I try to use as many available programs and ideas to keep my students engaged and motivated. Excel, power point and other web sources keep students interested and make for an easier class. I would like to use a smart board in the class more often. With the help of Excel, a project can be set up for students to do and it can be displayed on the screen. Presentations can be done and students can have practice speaking in front of others. Since the students will work with others, social interaction will happen more often and soon students will become accustomed to the daily routines. Keeping students interested in what the lesson is about is very hard, but with the technology today students can concentrate and have fun at the same time.
I would like to try to have more interaction in my class by having groups set up for most of the semester. These students will have to learn to get along since their grade will depend on it. By students working together, they will learn to depend on each other for support if someone doesn't understand. Another can explain it to the group until they understand. New tricks might be discovered and they can be expressed to others. Another goal for me is to use more technology in the future as it comes. I try to use as much as possible, but there isn't time for it all. I think it would be a good idea to try to introduce new ideas to myself as well as my students. These new programs might be useful or introduce new ideas for students to learn and use. Technology is coming along at an incredible rate and will only continue to advance.
I think that I am doing fine with the integrating technology part in my class. I try to use as many available programs and ideas to keep my students engaged and motivated. Excel, power point and other web sources keep students interested and make for an easier class. I would like to use a smart board in the class more often. With the help of Excel, a project can be set up for students to do and it can be displayed on the screen. Presentations can be done and students can have practice speaking in front of others. Since the students will work with others, social interaction will happen more often and soon students will become accustomed to the daily routines. Keeping students interested in what the lesson is about is very hard, but with the technology today students can concentrate and have fun at the same time.
I would like to try to have more interaction in my class by having groups set up for most of the semester. These students will have to learn to get along since their grade will depend on it. By students working together, they will learn to depend on each other for support if someone doesn't understand. Another can explain it to the group until they understand. New tricks might be discovered and they can be expressed to others. Another goal for me is to use more technology in the future as it comes. I try to use as much as possible, but there isn't time for it all. I think it would be a good idea to try to introduce new ideas to myself as well as my students. These new programs might be useful or introduce new ideas for students to learn and use. Technology is coming along at an incredible rate and will only continue to advance.
Saturday, June 6, 2009
Voice thread-- Calculators
Here is the link to my voice thread. It deals with calculators and the misuse of them.
http://voicethread.com/share/530262/
http://voicethread.com/share/530262/
Tuesday, June 2, 2009
Social learning
I feel that cooperative learning is very important in the learning process of our students. The social interaction between students is needed for social belonging as well as practice for working together with others when you become employed in the work force. Like I have said in the past, working with others allows you to bounce your ideas off of them and receive input for you to become more advised to what might be needed. Many ideas are thought of when someone else gives you a concept to begin with. Instead of being in groups, a student might be interacting with a student in another state or country. "Communication with students in other cities, states, and countries broadens the perspective of students and challenges them to learn about other cultures, languages, and issues throughout the world." (Pitler, Hubbell, Kuhn & Malenoski, 2007) Spending time on the computer enhances typing skills as well as making friends and learning about culture from somewhere else.
By hearing and seeing what is being presented to you, one can interact within a small grouping where you can feel comfortable. Since the group is smaller than a regular class, more ideas and interaction will happen. The teacher will also have more time to walk around to see the progress that is happening and to answer questions that the students may have. When technology is included in this mix of ideas, learning is brought to a different level. Having time to set aside to let the students work on the computers lets them explore new ideas and concepts to broaden their knowledge. Even though technology is advancing at an incredible rate, two or more students talking and engaging in some type of discussion is important. Social interaction and learning is key.
Pitler, H., Hubbell, E., Kuhn, M., & Malenoski, K. (2007). Using technology with classroom instruction that works. Alexandria, VA: ASCD.
By hearing and seeing what is being presented to you, one can interact within a small grouping where you can feel comfortable. Since the group is smaller than a regular class, more ideas and interaction will happen. The teacher will also have more time to walk around to see the progress that is happening and to answer questions that the students may have. When technology is included in this mix of ideas, learning is brought to a different level. Having time to set aside to let the students work on the computers lets them explore new ideas and concepts to broaden their knowledge. Even though technology is advancing at an incredible rate, two or more students talking and engaging in some type of discussion is important. Social interaction and learning is key.
Pitler, H., Hubbell, E., Kuhn, M., & Malenoski, K. (2007). Using technology with classroom instruction that works. Alexandria, VA: ASCD.
Wednesday, May 27, 2009
Constructionist thinking
In the school system today, much is emphasized on student learning and how to get them to learn. I believe the best way is to allow students to experiment and spend much more time than they are already on computers and doing projects that include technology. The more time they spend doing these, the more comfortable they will feel using the technology. Generating and testing hypotheses are great for students. I can remember doing projects like this that really make a person think until it hurts. It broadens the horizon and opens many doors up.
When a student gets into high school, math and science classes become much more involved with theories and ideas that many don't fully comprehend. By assigning projects on the computer, a student can learn how to use that software and become confident when they use it in the future. Since constructionists want to have "hands on" and artifacts from the students, the students need to have more seat time to get to know what to do. With the use of spreadsheets and options in them such as charts and graphs, students can investigate data and compare it side by side. "Spreadsheet activities allow students to gain a deeper understanding of investment basics and requires them to use their critical thinking skills to predict outcomes." (Pitler, Hubbell, Kuhn & Malenoski, 2007) They can see how it is similar and how it is different and make a hypothesis from this information.
The best way to learn how to do a tedious task is by doing. Doing homework will better your chances of passing the course and understanding the concepts. The same follows for using new programs and ideas. They need to be understood and then practiced in order to understand how to use it without thinking much. Problem solving allows for a mind to become open to new ideas that were never thought of before. That is why group work is important for many students. Ideas are talked about and from this new ones can be thought of. When something is made, such as an artifact, it goes into the mind and will help remember in the long run.
Pitler, H., Hubbell, E., Kuhn, M., & Malenoski, K. (2007). Using technology with classroom instruction that works. Alexandria, VA: ASCD.
When a student gets into high school, math and science classes become much more involved with theories and ideas that many don't fully comprehend. By assigning projects on the computer, a student can learn how to use that software and become confident when they use it in the future. Since constructionists want to have "hands on" and artifacts from the students, the students need to have more seat time to get to know what to do. With the use of spreadsheets and options in them such as charts and graphs, students can investigate data and compare it side by side. "Spreadsheet activities allow students to gain a deeper understanding of investment basics and requires them to use their critical thinking skills to predict outcomes." (Pitler, Hubbell, Kuhn & Malenoski, 2007) They can see how it is similar and how it is different and make a hypothesis from this information.
The best way to learn how to do a tedious task is by doing. Doing homework will better your chances of passing the course and understanding the concepts. The same follows for using new programs and ideas. They need to be understood and then practiced in order to understand how to use it without thinking much. Problem solving allows for a mind to become open to new ideas that were never thought of before. That is why group work is important for many students. Ideas are talked about and from this new ones can be thought of. When something is made, such as an artifact, it goes into the mind and will help remember in the long run.
Pitler, H., Hubbell, E., Kuhn, M., & Malenoski, K. (2007). Using technology with classroom instruction that works. Alexandria, VA: ASCD.
Tuesday, May 19, 2009
Cognitive thoughts
Any use of material to better help a student understand and develop their thinking process is not bad at all. The use of good note taking and being able to summarize what you hear and write it down so you understand it is the best way to get ahead. A student has to be shown how to take good notes if you expect them to be able to do so. I can remember one of my teachers telling the class what to write down the first part of the school year and then we had to do it on our own the rest of the year. He would test us and depending on how well we took notes depended on how our grade was; it was an open notebook test. Understanding what material is important and where to organize it helps to associate so that we can remember where it was on the page and what category it was under. "Software with multimedia capabilities can also provide advance organizers." (Pitler, Hubbell, Kuhn & Malenoski, 2007) I think that students need to take better notes and have better techniques on how to understand why they listed information in a certain area. The use of computers will dramatically help in this undertaking.
Hearing cues in the classroom such as "I don't understand" and "what is he talking about" tell us that we need to further explore into the topic that was just discussed. If a few students don't understand, that means that many probably don't either. By asking students questions and having them interact, students can sometimes answer their own questions and then realize what they need to know. The student might remember this "episode" (Laureate, 2009) and recall it in the future when they get confused. If organization is present and tended to, a student can develop new connections and have a easier time doing it.
Concept mapping and virtual tours help students to have an understanding of what happened and shows connections that they may have not thought of. Visual aids help many students and all topics have more visuals than can be used. Concept maps are easy to make either on the computer or by hand. They are good study guides and copies of them can be made for all to study. Any program or technique, whether it be in a book or the use of the computer, can only help a student to advance in their schooling. If a student begins to think about and try to learn new topics, then the cognitive perspective should be happy with that. The use of technology and other programs to help stimulate thinking are great ways to get the attention of the students and keep them working. With the use of computers, students can now explore and adapt to new ideas while recalling old ones to build on.
Laureate Education, Inc. (Executive Producer). (2009). Program five. Cognitive Learning Theories [Motion picture]. Bridging learning theory, instruction, and technology. Baltimore: Author.
Pitler, H., Hubbell, E., Kuhn, M., & Malenoski, K. (2007). Using technology with classroom instruction that works. Alexandria, VA: ASCD.
Hearing cues in the classroom such as "I don't understand" and "what is he talking about" tell us that we need to further explore into the topic that was just discussed. If a few students don't understand, that means that many probably don't either. By asking students questions and having them interact, students can sometimes answer their own questions and then realize what they need to know. The student might remember this "episode" (Laureate, 2009) and recall it in the future when they get confused. If organization is present and tended to, a student can develop new connections and have a easier time doing it.
Concept mapping and virtual tours help students to have an understanding of what happened and shows connections that they may have not thought of. Visual aids help many students and all topics have more visuals than can be used. Concept maps are easy to make either on the computer or by hand. They are good study guides and copies of them can be made for all to study. Any program or technique, whether it be in a book or the use of the computer, can only help a student to advance in their schooling. If a student begins to think about and try to learn new topics, then the cognitive perspective should be happy with that. The use of technology and other programs to help stimulate thinking are great ways to get the attention of the students and keep them working. With the use of computers, students can now explore and adapt to new ideas while recalling old ones to build on.
Laureate Education, Inc. (Executive Producer). (2009). Program five. Cognitive Learning Theories [Motion picture]. Bridging learning theory, instruction, and technology. Baltimore: Author.
Pitler, H., Hubbell, E., Kuhn, M., & Malenoski, K. (2007). Using technology with classroom instruction that works. Alexandria, VA: ASCD.
Wednesday, May 13, 2009
Behaviorism and technology
By using homework as a means of purposeful education and not merely a punishment helps to further a students understanding of the material. "Skills are not acquired without frequent practice." (Smith, 1999) Some teachers give homework that takes forever to finish and is the same type of problem over and over again. Does this "practice" make the student better and understand how to do the problem? Students will pick up the pattern they are doing after a few times and don't need to do twenty five problems. I think that fewer problems should be given and that they need to build over time. By incorporating the use of spreadsheet software as was indicated in the text this week, students can understand what is happening as they type the problem in. Since the math field is about order and how you approach the problem, it is important to know what the problem says and how to interpret it. Typing it into a spreadsheet helps to understand what is being asked. This will help cut down on the number of homework questions and students will have a deeper knowledge.
The more that one practices and broadens their understanding of subject matter, the easier it will be for them to attempt problems. They will be able to see what the questions asks and will most likely know how, to since they have done it before, to solve the problem. If they don't, they will put what they have learned together and try to come up with a solution. Group work is always good and helps to promote learning. "Learning is said to take place because the reinforcement is pleasant, satisfying, tension reducing, and so on." (Skinner, 1950) When students can bounce their ideas off of each other, they tend to figure out what they need to. Giving and receiving of thoughts influence our brains and encourage thinking at a different level. As we use technology more and more, we will develop new ways to further our horizons and have more ways that students can learn in school and in life.
Pitler, H., Hubbell, E., Kuhn, M., & Malenoski, K. (2007). Using technology with classroom instruction that works. Alexandria, VA: ASCD.
Skinner, B. F. (1950) Are theories of learning necessary? Psychological Review, 57, 193-216.
Smith, M. K. (1999) 'The behaviourist orientation to learning', the encyclopedia of informal education, www.infed.org/biblio/learning-behavourist.htm, Last update: May 11, 2009.
The more that one practices and broadens their understanding of subject matter, the easier it will be for them to attempt problems. They will be able to see what the questions asks and will most likely know how, to since they have done it before, to solve the problem. If they don't, they will put what they have learned together and try to come up with a solution. Group work is always good and helps to promote learning. "Learning is said to take place because the reinforcement is pleasant, satisfying, tension reducing, and so on." (Skinner, 1950) When students can bounce their ideas off of each other, they tend to figure out what they need to. Giving and receiving of thoughts influence our brains and encourage thinking at a different level. As we use technology more and more, we will develop new ways to further our horizons and have more ways that students can learn in school and in life.
Pitler, H., Hubbell, E., Kuhn, M., & Malenoski, K. (2007). Using technology with classroom instruction that works. Alexandria, VA: ASCD.
Skinner, B. F. (1950) Are theories of learning necessary? Psychological Review, 57, 193-216.
Smith, M. K. (1999) 'The behaviourist orientation to learning', the encyclopedia of informal education, www.infed.org/biblio/learning-behavourist.htm, Last update: May 11, 2009.
Tuesday, February 24, 2009
Reflection over the course
This course has truly helped me out over the past weeks. I never really was up to date on technology today such as podcasts and blogs. After taking this course, I have become more aware of what is going on in the technology field. I have learned little bits of easier ways to use certain programs such as audacity and try to teach these easy skills to my students. This helps them to learn now and remember in the future.
I now know how difficult it is for some students to learn the information. Seeing students struggle in not a good sight, but when they do struggle it shows that they need and want the help they the teacher can provide. Having the students understand that they need a good base of technology before they try to use more advanced equipment is also important. They need to start small and work their way up.
I try to let the students do as much learning as they can without the help of myself. I begin to give some information and soon after the students are learning on their own and not really even realizing it. I feel that it is important for students to interact with each other as well as with the teacher. This allows friends to be made and shows that they can depend on each other for answers and rationale. It also allows arrival at the correct answer by themselves.
Having a project where the students can set up what they want to learn using different technologies might be a good way to get them involved more. Keeping up on the new technology will be my responsibility and the students will learn from me. Trying new activities and new lessons will help to keep the students on task.
One goal that I hope to overcome are having enough access to the computer lab for my students to work and do research on the computers. Without the access to computers, students are at a disadvantage. Many don't have access at home and simply won't do the assignment. Another goal is to allow students to discover the lesson and teach themselves. I will being the day teaching them and by the end I hope that they will be able to realize what should be learned. These goals don't sound that hard, but they will be a challenge to overcome.
I now know how difficult it is for some students to learn the information. Seeing students struggle in not a good sight, but when they do struggle it shows that they need and want the help they the teacher can provide. Having the students understand that they need a good base of technology before they try to use more advanced equipment is also important. They need to start small and work their way up.
I try to let the students do as much learning as they can without the help of myself. I begin to give some information and soon after the students are learning on their own and not really even realizing it. I feel that it is important for students to interact with each other as well as with the teacher. This allows friends to be made and shows that they can depend on each other for answers and rationale. It also allows arrival at the correct answer by themselves.
Having a project where the students can set up what they want to learn using different technologies might be a good way to get them involved more. Keeping up on the new technology will be my responsibility and the students will learn from me. Trying new activities and new lessons will help to keep the students on task.
One goal that I hope to overcome are having enough access to the computer lab for my students to work and do research on the computers. Without the access to computers, students are at a disadvantage. Many don't have access at home and simply won't do the assignment. Another goal is to allow students to discover the lesson and teach themselves. I will being the day teaching them and by the end I hope that they will be able to realize what should be learned. These goals don't sound that hard, but they will be a challenge to overcome.
Sunday, February 8, 2009
Podcast with technology
Gabcast! Technology #11
This podcast is about a survey that was given to students dealing with technology. Sorry for the way it sounds, I have been very sick the past five days.
This podcast is about a survey that was given to students dealing with technology. Sorry for the way it sounds, I have been very sick the past five days.
Wednesday, January 28, 2009
Skills
The website http://www.21stcenturyskills.org/ looks to be just another common site. But when it is looked at more in depth, valuable information is found. The mission is very helpful and gives examples of what the site believes in. The home page shows many different current events and stories that are happening and maneuvering the site is easy as well.
I was surprised by all of the states that are taking initiatives to encourage 21st century skills. When you click on the state, it brings up that state's information on the issue. It is good to know that this issue is being realized by state legislature and more people are becoming aware of it.
I liked all of the information that I saw on the site. The site is very big and would take some time to navigate through everything. The news is up to date and backs the mission statement. This is a place to go to keep up on issues and news.
Students need to be exposed to technology and some schools can't do this to the potential that they need to. With these students falling behind, they will struggle when they get older and will not be able to lead a wonderful life.
I was surprised by all of the states that are taking initiatives to encourage 21st century skills. When you click on the state, it brings up that state's information on the issue. It is good to know that this issue is being realized by state legislature and more people are becoming aware of it.
I liked all of the information that I saw on the site. The site is very big and would take some time to navigate through everything. The news is up to date and backs the mission statement. This is a place to go to keep up on issues and news.
Students need to be exposed to technology and some schools can't do this to the potential that they need to. With these students falling behind, they will struggle when they get older and will not be able to lead a wonderful life.
Wednesday, January 14, 2009
Classroom Blogs
If I was to use a blog in my classroom, I would most likely have the students look at the blog to ask and answer questions that they may have. This way if a student doesn't understand something during class, they can go blog with friends or ask a question that someone can give them an answer to. I think that this would be like "studying" for some because the student can sit and go over information with others while sitting at home. I would try to post the homework assignments also so I will not hear the excuse of I didn't know what the assignment was.
Also, I would try to put some of the students' work on the blog as well. When a student shows improvement or just does well on an assignment, it would be nice for them to see their work on the site where everyone could look at it. Of course I would ask the student if I could put their work on there before I actually did it. "As you get more settled into the rhythm of posting, begin to write more in depth about what you are reading, drawing on your own personal experiences and reflections." (Richardson, 2006) 12th grade math is not liked by many students, but when the class is made easy for both the student and the teacher, I have a feeling that students will give me less gripe and aggravation. I think a blog is great because it allows students to interact with each other as well as learn the material that they need to.
Richardson, W. (2006). Blogs, wiks, podcasts, and other powerful web tools for classrooms (2nd ed.). Thousand Oaks, CA: Corwin Press.
Also, I would try to put some of the students' work on the blog as well. When a student shows improvement or just does well on an assignment, it would be nice for them to see their work on the site where everyone could look at it. Of course I would ask the student if I could put their work on there before I actually did it. "As you get more settled into the rhythm of posting, begin to write more in depth about what you are reading, drawing on your own personal experiences and reflections." (Richardson, 2006) 12th grade math is not liked by many students, but when the class is made easy for both the student and the teacher, I have a feeling that students will give me less gripe and aggravation. I think a blog is great because it allows students to interact with each other as well as learn the material that they need to.
Richardson, W. (2006). Blogs, wiks, podcasts, and other powerful web tools for classrooms (2nd ed.). Thousand Oaks, CA: Corwin Press.
Friday, January 9, 2009
A new experience
Blogging is a different experience for me at this time. I have never really used a blog before, except for a few times over the past years. I have never had my own blog, and I am curious to see how this blog will turn out. I have a feeling that I will learn quite a bit from this experience over the next weeks. Let the fun begin.
Tuesday, January 6, 2009
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