Reflection

~5/24/10~ Tonight was the first class of LIS 626. As is the case with all of Professor Chapman’s classes this one appears to be very interesting. Best part is it looks to be very beneficial. As a student who has no teaching background and currently does not work in a school or library this class is just what I need. The course objectives are clear and concise. I’m glad to see we are going over the AASL’s //Standards for 21st Century Learners in Action// since I haven’t reviewed these standards before.

~5/26/10~ Tonight we used the teaching strategy Pointing to Text and it was very interesting. It was a stimulating way to make the students reflect, share their opinions and absorb the opinions of others. I like the way the strategy had each student take a turn at starting and sharing their favorite passage. The time limits were also helpful because there is always someone is every group that could go on and on and without the time limits monopolize the sharing circle. I liked this technique so much I am going to share it with a friend of mine to see if she currently uses it when she teaches.

~5/27/10~ Online class…Love them! I have only had a few online discussions with Professor Chapman but I love them. The hour flies by and you are disappointed when it’s over because you want to keep sharing. The questions are always very meaningful and help you put to use what had been discussed in class or in your readings.

~6/5/10~ Thursday's class was very interesting to me. So much so that I was able to bring it into two discussions that I've had with different people. One is a professor at the Rockland Campus and a dear friend so I was asking her if she ever used the Socratic Seminar to teach any lessons. The other was with my partner talking about kids and how lazy they have become over the years in their attitudes about education. I heard on the radio that statistically this years graduating classes with be at an all time low because students just aren't focused and don't have much concern about graduating. That ignited a conversation about teaching and learning and how times have changed since we were in school. Boy do I feel old :)

~6/7/10~ Most of the students presented during Monday's class and it was very interesting to see the different lesson plans that everyone did. Some did the Madeline Hunter Model, others did the Socratic Seminar and Katie did the DBQ. After seeing Katie's presentation on the DBQ I was actually more interested in that format. I personally don't remember ever having to take any tests with the DBQ format in it but I liked the way Katie said it helped her get through that part of her exam. This stressing the point that we are all different learners and it's important for us as teachers to realize that our students are all different learners. Some will like DBQ's and others won't. Some will like a Socratic Seminar and others won't. All the more reason to mix up the strategies and techniques we use while we are teaching.

~6/10/10~ Tonight's class we went over RAFT's and Differentiating Instruction. The RAFT seemed boring at first but looks like it can be made into a fun lesson for students. Although we just touched on differentiating instruction and are going back to it on Monday it was enough of a taste to know it will be interesting. It goes back to my 6/7 reflection and that we need to learn to vary our teaching strategies so we can get in tune and relate to all our students. The question of the day...What will make our student have a great day? I'm still thinking about that one. Hard to say when the real issue behind my students problems is family issues and we can't control that. Although we can make their time as great as we can while they are in school. I'll have to think more about that...what will make my student have a great day? Hun.

~6/14/10~ I've enjoyed working on the RAFT assignment. I'm still not sure if my MD lesson plan is ok but I think I am on the right track. We spoke more about differentiating instruction in our last class and how one size does not fit all. I really like the differentiated learning centers or learning stations for the kids. I can see that being something that I would probably enjoy setting up as much as the students will enjoy using it. I also apprecaite how Linda keeps giving us interview tips or insightful knowledge on certain things. It's much appreciated and helpful.

~6/22/10~ Last night we learned about the UbD, Understanding by Design. Although it seems like a lot to pull together I think it will flow naturally once you sit down and start thinking about it. We did this in class and it was beneficial to see the thought process and how you have to "muck" through it until you come up with what you are looking for. Reading through the 14 page step-by-step guide will be helpful as well. No epiphanies for me last night but like Nicole said...I think we've been getting bits and pieces all along so this lesson plan just seems to put the puzzle together for us.

~6/24/10~ It is all coming together. The class assignments, readings, discussions are all tying together. Cooper's book is informative, gives great examples and is in an easy to read format. Marzano's reading is on the simpler side with common sense examples that make for relatable reading. Harada is not any more difficult than the other readings but I'm finding it more difficult to get through. All together though everything is falling into place and I am looking forward to the last class to see if there is a final tie in.