Wow, so many powerful videos and information to process this week. Some of the key elements my classrooms needs are: believing in children, providing a broad spectrum of classroom experiences not limiting students to only math, science, and reading, and lastly investing in high caliber teachers is a strategy for rebuilding broken systems of education. These components may seem like a no brainer to most individuals, however the education system we have in place needs much support to reach its goals and these are some small changes educators can make.
Young students believe what they are told. If we tell them that we believe they can have a successful future eventually they will start believing it, too. Much like Adora said in her TedTalk video: isn't it strange that a children's publisher did not want to work with a child author? Should we not be celebrating the fact that a child had the moxie want her work to be published? There are a handful of books in my classroom library that are written by children and my students are always blown away that kids like them are writers. Similarly, if we strive to have well rounded students then we must have a well rounded curriculum. Some districts have put a major emphasis on STEAM. Students should be encouraged to show their knowledge on a variety of platforms, not just multiple choice or short answer essays. A well structured piece of art can have the same educational impact from a student as a solid essay if the student is able to explain their work. And technology should be playing a large role in our classrooms. Our students already know way more about phones and tablets for entertainment purposes then we did at their age. We need to use their technological strengths as a positive in the classroom. The last step is a tricky one. Data shows that students being taught by teachers with high quality educations perform higher than those who do not. I know that experience also plays into the quality of education a teacher is able to give. I feel much more confident in my classroom skills now than I do my first year of interning. As an intern the only experience I really had in the classroom was as a student. The students I had my first two years really did not benefit much from my presence other than having adult supervision. This year I really want to push myself to attend more professional developments and dig as deep into this program as much as I can while still saving time to be present for my students.
4 Comments
9/3/2018 12:43:52 pm
Catie,
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Catie Goldstein
9/15/2018 08:10:43 pm
Jona, thank you for your kind words! Implementing various assessments is going to be a little tricky, but we'll see how it goes.
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Caitlin Mitchell
9/15/2018 12:09:17 pm
Catie! I agree with what you said about harnessing their interest in technology and using it to help them thrive in the classroom. They are very good at using technology for entertainment purposes....but for academic purposes...not as much. That is what I am striving to accomplish this year as well. Wish me luck!
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Catie Goldstein
9/15/2018 08:12:27 pm
Hey Caitlin, I know I struggle with using technology for play and work, so I imagine the students might (hopefully not as much as me) struggle with that, too.
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Catie GoldsteinInnovative Learning Master's Student. Teacher. Napper. Dog Petter. Archives
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