Differentiation Reading 9-30-08

Teachers are taught to see possibilities over impossibilities. There are things we cannot change, but focus on what we can change. For example, I think that teachers are underpaid. I cannot change that. There are things that I can change that are rewarding in different ways other than a paycheck. I can change the learning environment in my classroom.

The five elements or ways for teachers to respond to students needs in a classroom make up affective teaching. They are invitation, opportunity, investment, persistence, and reflection. It is important for students to feel welcome and needed in a classroom just like it is for anyone else to feel welcome. I remember a time I was uncomfortable and unwelcome at a previous place of employment, and I could not wait to get out of there every day. A student will feel that same way in a classroom. After students feel welcomed to the classroom, they need the opportunity to learn that will help them achieve higher levels, and be all they can be. Teachers and students need to invest in learning. Frustration can be difficult for children when things do not go smoothly. I always felt good about myself and wanted to achieve higher levels when I was able to work through things and see my self excel. Teachers must always support children thought struggles and let them know that there are endless ways to learn. Last, we would be cheating our students and ourselves if we did not take the time to reflect upon what we have accomplished. This is where we can see what strengths we have and what we need to still work on. I like that they are displayed on a wheel in our text. They all turn and are in place at different sides of the wheel, but yet always there. Each one is important, and the wheel would not be complete with one missing. That is how learning is. You cannot achieve your best if the teacher does not provide the ways for you to do so.

I always remember admiring the displays my teachers would put up in my classrooms. They were friendly and inviting and made me want to be there. As a class, we contributed to them with the work we completed. This was the setting to a working and comfortable environment for me and my classmates. This added an affective climate to the students. Set an appropriate environment for your students and work towards getting to know them. Everyone will be able to become part of the community.

Differentiation reading for 9-23-08

Blackboard
The linguistic intelligence survey is a very non-intimidating way to gain information on how a child feels about different subject areas. Many students will feel stronger and more comfortable in different areas. Thus, they enjoy certain subjects more than they enjoy other subjects. This inventory is a good way for a teacher to gain the knowledge of how students feel in all the content areas. This also helps a teacher to know how he/she should plan lessons to meet the intelligences and interests that are best for the students. I like that they are simple questions that children can understand and relate to from things they have already experienced. (i.e. how they feel about singing happy birthday or playing outside.)

Fulfilling the Promise
I am intimidated by getting into a classroom and being responsible for 25+ children all day. I want them to feel comfortable and have fun learning in my class. So how do I get to know these kids so that I can teach for them? There are many ways to teach for students. For starters, you need to learn about them and find out what they like and what helps them learn. This About You Survey is a good starting place to learn about students’ backgrounds and interests so that a teacher can plan the lessons for the children specifically. I also think that since the curriculum is the same, but the students are not, that you could re-use lessons and revamp them each year according to your students. These surveys and other activities can let the children talk about themselves, and you get to know them. I would have the students present to the class what they have on their surveys.

For me
I hope that I have the chance to use these in my student teaching classroom so that I can get to know the students. I will be going into the class in the middle of the year and these children are already going to know each other. Using these inventories, I can see what the interests of the students are and make accommodations on my lessons for these children. They cover all areas of learning and interests in learning, and I am looking forward to using them for my benefit.

Differentiation Reading for 9-16-08

Chapters 1 & 2 Fulfilling the Promise

I think that the four student traits are very important areas for a teacher to focus on. (Readiness, interest, learning profile, and affect.) I like that readiness varies for each student. It puts their learning and the preparation on more of a personal level for the student. It also focuses more on topics and does not interfere with students’ readiness. Students can work on different levels, and learning will still take place.
Many teachers will teach according to student interests. That's a good way to engage students. The text points out that we should teach in the undiscovered interests of our students. Taking the time to help students learn and discover new interests is a great way to get to know them, and modify teaching for them.

Students are in a classroom for a long time. They have needs that need to be addressed in not only their learning, but also their self-esteem and self-efficacy, and personal well-being. Students need to know that they are safe, loved, that they make a difference, and are a part of the classroom. I know that I appreciate it when others around me know when I am gone, or that I know I am a part of the classroom discussions. Children are much the same. They need to be recognized for who they are. Something as simple as “we missed you yesterday” or a good job on something they have achieved in your classroom will help them to know that they are valued to you and valued in this classroom.

Differentiation reading for 9-9-08

I like Mrs. Johnson’s class of third graders. They are all so different in many ways from hobbies, language, background, and looks. The teacher is still able to follow the curriculum and meet the needs of all the students in her class. She finds time to incorporate her students’ interest into her curriculum. I like differentiated instruction for a class like Mrs. Johnson’s. Each child will have an opportunity to learn in a style that is good for them.The baseball camp is much like a classroom because you have different ranges in age, interests, talent, etc. Much like a classroom, they are responsible for there work and their “equipment”. We can’t control what strengths and weaknesses the children are going to bring with them, but we can empower them to make the best of what they have.In a classroom, your students need to develop cooperation, self control, and responsibility. A morning meeting group will help them to develop and master these skills. The group time allows for them to talk about exciting events, share something they are proud of, and sets a stimulating learning and listening environment for the rest of the day. Students are able to prepare their brains and bodies for the day, and transition into the days lessons. Most importantly, students have fun during a morning meeting.

Technology Interview

Interview School Technology Coordinator

Audrey Haas

Utah Valley State College

Talitha Hudgins

Instructional Media

Abstract

The use of technology in classrooms is advancing. Technology specialists feel that in order for technology to advance, people need to be educated in technology. The importance of educating teachers in technology is just as important as educating our students. There is much technology available that will enhance the learning of students. Using technology in lesson, we can give back more of instruction time to teachers.

I interviewed the technology specialist at West Jordan High School. This school is in West Jordan Utah in Jordan School District. They educate grades 10-12 at this school. I spoke with Jim Bernini, the technology specialist, to find out how this school operates technology. Jim has been a technology teacher/specialist for 27 years. He has a master’s degree in instructional technology. He retired from Granite district 2 years ago and got bored from not being able to occupy himself with technology. He did what many would do and started working again. This is his second school year at West Jordan High and he is happy with his choice to go back to work as a technology specialist. He and I discussed some questions together.

Jim said to me that the most important part of technology in schools is that students learn differently. Technology allows many different ways for students to learn. Technology is a natural state for children today, and we need to teach to that standard. We as teachers need to address the desire for students to use and learn with technology in our teaching. Luckily, the students at West Jordan have technology available for their use and with the help if Jim, they will have more over the course time. At West Jordan High, they have the use of a core information structure. They have a computer network available for all students at some point, printing, computer drives, overhead projectors, projectors, lap tops, DVD players, televisions, and many students have ipods. With these few tools, students learn to multi task. Many of the units are portable and can be moved from classroom to classroom for easy access. He hopes to permanently install some of these into the classrooms.

Technology is a big part of Jim’s life. Not only does he want his school fully equipped, he wants his home to be as well. In his home he has 3 computers, a palm pilot, a blackberry cell phone, and other entertainment technology such as televisions and DVD players. I noticed that he had 2 computers in his office at work too. He told me that if it is out there, he’ll get it. He enjoys having technology conveniently available to him, his family, and his students. He shared with me, a technology plant that he has for the school. He already planned and succeeded with the same plan previously at a school in Granite District before he retired from there. He made and presented a plan that would take place over the next five years. He wanted to have fully enhanced classrooms with computers, projectors, voice enhancement, etc. all built in. He plans to do the same thing at his current school over the next several years.

Not only does Jim have plans for the school, he has a plan for technology in the classroom instruction. He would like to improve practice with teachers, and have a webpage for each class providing assignments and due date, etc. Many teachers have a fear of technology, but he isn’t going to let that stop his plans. Many teachers fear they will break the equipment so he thinks that it’s very important to start educating teacher so that they can educate their students on technology. He feels that technology is important for everyone to learn because it enhances learning. Jim also feels that students can learn capitalization when using technology.

Time is an important part in a classroom. Many teachers do not have enough time to cover what they would like to. Many students learn at different levels and speeds. When a teacher uses technology, it allows for more time on instruction during class and time for homework. Students will work at their own speed and levels and eventually the teacher becomes more like a consultant and not a director. Jim keeps this in mind when he does his planning.

I enjoyed hearing what Jim had to way about his hobby and profession. He actually taught technology at my high school before he retired. Unfortunately, I never took any classes from him and missed out on what he has to offer. I was impressed with the 5 year plan he has for the schools and that he actually was able to complete it at the high school I attended. I have been college classrooms that have video projectors/camera projector in some classrooms and I really enjoyed when professor used it. It saved time to already have her notes typed up and she didn’t have to write them on the board. This classroom was too large to really use an overhead projector, so when we got the new projector, we were able to fit in other fun activities during lecture time instead of just taking notes.

I shared with Jim how much I benefited as well as my professor from this technology set up. While I was speaking with him, many of his colleges asked for assistance with something. One in particular that I liked to see was a teacher who had been sick and called him to help with her sub plans. She asked if he would be available to set up the needed equipment for the students to view a video. He agreed, and then proceeded to select an appropriate video for this teacher. Not only was he going to assist in getting her sub plans ready, he was going to see that they students weren’t entirely board with the substitute!

Jim is willing to help out the teachers and students whenever they call on him. He knows that many of them are uneducated and fear technology. He is at there side as soon as he can get to them to help assist their needs. He did comment to me that he often lets them fret over their technical difficulties for a bit before he ruches to them just so they can have a change to learn something on their own that may help them learn the technology.

We talked together about Jims’ thoughts on Google Apps in education. He told me that many of the teachers use Google in their classrooms as search engines, lesson ideas, and pictures. There is no problem having the students use Google Apps in school. In fact they already use hotmail regularly. The use of these tools does require supervision over the students, which he is willing to do.

I enjoyed speaking with Jim and envy his knowledge of technology. There is so much available now to enhance education and lessons when using technology. I hope to see more of it in classrooms when it’s my time to teach. I also hope that I have the convenience of a technology specialist just in case I need help.

References

Bernini, Jim. Technology Specialist, West Jordan High School. Personal interview November 19, 2007.

1

Classroom Parents

Parents,
I have a poll posted for some times that I need some extra help. Please take a moment to vote or comment with a time that is good for you!
Thanks!
Miss Haas

Field

Hey everyone! I hope you are all enjoying your field work. Im having a great time. Sonja and i teach our first lesson tomorrow and we can't wait. I like my cooperating teacher a whole bunch. It's her second year teaching and she is loaded with ideas. I am gettig lots of stuff and ideas to put in my journals. Let you know how my first lesson goes. Let me know how all of yours are going.