Sept. 22, 2008

What?
Today we talked about intelligence and different theories of intelligences. We talked about special education, Inclusion, IEPs, and watched a video on Tourettes Syndrome. we also had a debate on the pros and cons of classification.
So What?
This is extremely important in education. As a teacher we need to realize that each student is different and each student learns differently. We need to be able to teach and adapt lessons to reach all of our students. I also feel that teachers need to be aware of the different disabilities that they will have in their classrooms, so that they can involve them and adapt the lessons for these students as well.
Now What?
I feel very passionate about Special Education. I have worked in Special Education for four years and the debate on Classification had me very riled. I know as a teacher how beneficial it is for me to know each child's disability, by knowing this I can better communicate and teach the child. However, I also am aware that it would not be beneficial for all teachers or students. If the teacher doesn't care about adapting or changing things to help the child with the disability understand and learn, then it doesn't matter if they know the child's classification or not. It all depends on the teacher and how they personally feel or view the classifications, if they feel negatively towards them they will not be willing to try anything different or do the extra work for one student. If the student achieves better when their general ed. teacher is unaware of their disability then they would probably not want them to know. I also know that some students use their disability as an excuse to get out of work or something else they don't want to do. It really depends on both the teacher and the student. Personally as a teacher, and having worked with children with a broad range of disabilities, I know that I will do everything I possibly can to help that child succeed.

Learning Log Sept. 15, 2008

What?

Today we talked about group differences. We discussed Cultural and Ethnic differences, Multicultural classrooms, and Gender differences. There was also a group presentation on Gender differences and stereotypes.

So What?

This is very important in today's classrooms. The classrooms around the nation are becoming more and more diverse, as a teacher I need to be aware of these students and learn the best way I can interact with them and their families. I need to be aware of different customs so I know what is considered respectful and disrespectful in the cultures of my students. I also need to be aware of how I treat both boys and girls and make a consciesce effort to treat them equally.

Now What?

With this information I will learn about the cultures that are most prominate in this area. I will take the knowledge I gain and use it to make these students feel comfortable in my classroom. I will also make sure that I don't assume or delegate certain jobs or responsibilities to the boys or girls in my class. I will help them to know that they can do and achieve what ever they dream.

Intelligence Tests

The IQ test was very interesting. Some of the questions I didn't understand, like the pattern questions were there wasn't any real noticiable pattern. I have never taken an IQ test before and so I had no idea what to expect or where I might rank. I was also really worried about not finishing in time so I went through the test extremely quickly so I could finish. I would be very cautious about using these with children, because I wouldn't want a child to achieve less then they were able, just because of a number from an IQ test. I think it is a fun thing and I really don't put much stock in them.

The Intelligence test was really fun. I've taken them before and was already aware of what categories I am strong in. I liked the way this test was given, I liked how thy made the answers relateable to me, rather than just agree to disagree. I also really liked how the results graph was displayed after the test. I ranked very high in Musical, Visual/Spatical, and Logical. For the following categories they were all very close I ranked the lowest in Linguistics. For the most part they are all very close, so I guess that means I'm pretty well rounded. I would love to use this in my classroom. I feel it would be very benificial for myself and my students. If I know what their strengths are, I can better cater my lessons to each of my students. I can also explain things in a way they are more likely to understand. As a students it would be good to know how they learn so they can adjust their study habits accordingly.

Learning Log Sept 7, 2008

What?
Today we talked about the different types of research. We learned about Descriptive, Correlational, Experimental, and Action research and study groups. We learned what each study was and the pros and cons of each. We talked about reflective teaching and coustomizing lesson plans to fit our teaching styles, classes, and students.
So What?
This is important because it will help me as a teacher, when I am looking for information to understand where it came from and how ther research was optained. I can also do my own Action Research in my classroom. I can also reflect on how each lesson went and if I was able to reach all of my students.
Now what?
As I progress through the eled program I hope to use these studies and research types to help me choose and adapt lessons for my teaching style and my classroom.

Motivation Blog

Motivation

1. Why are you here?
I'm here because I love to teach. I love to share the things I'm passionate about with others, like reading. I love to be around children, they are so uplifting and I learn so much about my self while I am teaching them.

2. what motivates you?
I am motivated to finish assignments and projects, even if they are hard because I love the satisfaction I get when something is complete and I can step back to see what I've accomplished.

3. Why do you succeed?
I succeed because I want to. I try to do everything in my power to succeed. I work hard at everything I do and I really don't like to give up. When a task is more difficult than I had first thought I might stop to re-evaluate the situation. I also might ask for help. By re-examining the problem I often can see another way that the task can be accomplished.

4. Why do you fail?
I fail when I give up.

5. How do you need to change your perspective and/or motivations in order to succeed in the elementary education program and become a GREAT teacher? I need to plan ahead so that I use my time wisely. I need to be aware of the expectations for each of my classes so that I can meet them. I think my perspective and motivations will help me to become a good teacher. I want to teach my students to be able to motivate themselves so they can accomplish anything they can imagine.