Offically Student Teaching

Every teacher has a different style of teaching. Some educators believe group work is an essential part of learning because students are able to interact and work on their teamwork and cooperative skills. These teachers have their students sit in groups or bunches. On the other hand, numerous educators believe in independent learning. These teachers relay information to their students through lecture and worksheet and it is up to the students to grasp an understanding of the lesson and complete their assignments independently.

Now I have to imagine I was put in this scenario: I am a student teacher who is observing a teacher who has her students sit in rows, iterates information rather than enabling students to develop information for themselves, every subject is the same, and students struggle with vocabulary worksheets. It is my turn to teach now. WHAT SHOULD I DO?!?!?

There are many things I would change as a student teacher. First, I would want to talk with my cooperating teacher and tell her my plans so she is aware of the style of teaching/learning I plan on instituting in her classroom. I would want to try the students out in group seating and see if they cooperate with each other. Cooperative learning, I believe, is the best form of learning. I would want to incorporate group discussions and group activities. Also, the computer is an essential tool in advancing a students education. I would want to try and go to the computer lab to work on activities such as Study Island and other online resources that gives students a hands-on learning. Handing out worksheets is a good way for students to practice what they are learning. But simply handing them a worksheet and telling them to figure it out on their own is not effective. As a teacher I would want to hand out an assignment, go over the directions, ask for any questions, give them about ten to fifteen minutes to complete their assignment, and then go over it as a class.

These are just beginning points I would want to incorporate as a student teacher. Again, I would always want to talk to my cooperating teacher first to make sure it would be okay to do these types of lessons, because it is her class after all!

Staying on top of changing technology and education

It is scary to think about graduating from Susquehanna! However, the time has flown by already. Before I know it I will have a classroom of my own, writing my own lesson plans, and teaching elementary children in any way I can to enhance their education!

First, as a student, keeping up with education and technology changes all rely on being involved. Students need to be organized in their studies, attend class, and keep up with their assignments. As a student I attend speakers as well and read issues of the Crusader and newsletters SU offers to students. Also, online resources have been a huge help thus far in the semester. I see myself using Google docs in the future. Blackboard is also a great way to stay on top of education in technology. Blackboard gives you an opportunity to view classmates work and generate ideas from their thoughts.



To stay in line with the latest trends of education and technology require a teacher to become a student again. This might sound confusing at first but here, I will explain! When an education major graduates from college, it is not the end of their learning, as in many other majors. We continue on to earn our masters and other degrees. We are learning from our peers as well! New technological advancement are always appearing in new school systems across the country. Smartboard for example has reached many schools. Having friends who are teachers is also a good way to learn because you can get ideas from them to relay to your adminstrators about things that can benefit your school. Attending conferences and workshops I believe will be greatly beneficial to keeping upwith technology and education.

Resources I can use both as a student/teacher:
1. Google Docs
2. Blackboard
3. Blogs with other teachers
4. http://www.onteenstoday.com/2008/03/16/7-ways-teachers-can-use-online-tools-to-keep-students-interested/ (this website lists "7 ways teachers can use online tools to keep students engaged)
5. ESchoolNews keeps teachers in the loop of education
6. http://www2.scholastic.com/browse/article.jsp?id=6758 (teachers guide to making student movies)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fhnWKg9B2-8

The video our class just watched created new ideas in my head about our world. Our world is a changing place, everyday. New technological advances happen not only in the society we surround ourselves with, but in foreign countries as well. I used to think the United States was the ultimate powerhouse and reigned over many other countries. However, that is not the case. Countries such as India and China are doubling the United States population as well as job opportunities and other economic factors. The video also showed that the United States should spend more time and money on education. Research showed that the US spent more time on the advancement of Nintendo then we did on education and that should not be acceptable. Kids are our future and if they are not properly educated they will not benefit and prosper in our changing society.

Today, the role of a teacher has gained many more responsibilities. Parents are working longer hours and schools have begun to assist more with the needs of children. For example, Kindergarten has become a full day program in some school systems. Breakfast is being served in schools because parents go into the office at earlier hours. Schools are picking up the responsibilities that society is beginning to lack. Teachers may also feel threatened by other countries through technology. Advancements are being developed in many other countries besides the United States. Teachers should teach technology in a safe and proper way to students so they can be fully emerged in new innovative tools.