Entry 12: Due: November 23, 2010
Guiding Prompt: Reflecting and drawing on all of your postings, class discussions and course readings, address this final question: Why should we study history?
“Whoever wishes to foresee the future must consult the past; for human events ever resemble those of preceding times. This arises from the fact that they are produced by men who ever have been, and ever shall be, animated by the same passions, and thus they necessarily have the same results” (Machiavelli). Machiavelli’s quote says it all. How and why did we get to where we are today? The answer is all in one word… history. Without history, we wouldn’t be where we are today. Although dates, names, and locations are important, the most important aspect of studying history lies within the values and lessons. Without knowing history and the past, one would have a hard time understanding the present. It is also important to study history to prevent future mistakes. We are able to learn from past mistakes to better our future. Studying and knowing history informs while bettering future generations at the same time.
Works Cited:
Machiavelli. Quotes about history. Retrieved from http://hnn.us/articles/1328.html
Wednesday, November 17, 2010
Monday, November 8, 2010
Week 11- November 11, 2010
Entry 11: Due: November 11, 2010
Guiding Prompt: Respond to this quote by Litner (2005) "A fundamental objective of social studies instruction is to link students’ lives and experiences to the lives and experiences of others." Agree? Disagree? Why?
I agree with Litner’s quote that “A fundamental objective of social studies instruction is to link students’ lives and experiences to the lives and experiences of others.” Many students find social studies boring. The history of information tends to be detailed and lengthy. Often times, social studies/history consists of dates, names, and facts. Because of this, students find the material hard to relate to, thus, making it hard to understand and retain. If teachers were able to find a way to allow students to link the lives and experiences of others to their own lives and experiences, I believe individuals would digest and retain the information much better. Students become more engaged in class material when they are able to relate it to their personal lives; they are able to see how it applies to their own lives. Although many teachers don’t make this link evident in their teaching lessons and plans, I believe it is imperative that educators strive to make the link between students’ lives and experiences to the lives and experiences of others.
Guiding Prompt: Respond to this quote by Litner (2005) "A fundamental objective of social studies instruction is to link students’ lives and experiences to the lives and experiences of others." Agree? Disagree? Why?
I agree with Litner’s quote that “A fundamental objective of social studies instruction is to link students’ lives and experiences to the lives and experiences of others.” Many students find social studies boring. The history of information tends to be detailed and lengthy. Often times, social studies/history consists of dates, names, and facts. Because of this, students find the material hard to relate to, thus, making it hard to understand and retain. If teachers were able to find a way to allow students to link the lives and experiences of others to their own lives and experiences, I believe individuals would digest and retain the information much better. Students become more engaged in class material when they are able to relate it to their personal lives; they are able to see how it applies to their own lives. Although many teachers don’t make this link evident in their teaching lessons and plans, I believe it is imperative that educators strive to make the link between students’ lives and experiences to the lives and experiences of others.
Tuesday, November 2, 2010
Week 10- November 3, 2010
Entry 10: Due: November 3, 2010
Guiding Prompt: One of the integrated assessments described in your reading this week was, "Search for Meaning." Share this week about what you are learning in EDU 358 that is meaningful to you
In my opinion, one of the most important integrated assessments is “searching for meaning” in the material. If students don’t find meaning to the information they are learning, they will most likely become disengaged and lose interest. On the other hand, if students are able to apply what they are learning to their life and see how it relates, they will probably play closer attention and gain more from the lesson. In EDU 358, we are learning a lot of information that is meaningful to me. As an educator, it is crucial to know the information and material that is being taught. EDU 358 is a great teaching tool for learning how to know, understand, and teach the information. For example, in chapter 6 of “Teaching and Learning Elementary Social Studies” I read about the mechanics and substance in planning lessons and activities. I also learned how powerful motivation is in the amount of transference and level of retention for students. I really liked chapter 10 in the class textbook as it showed me how projects are an effective way to create integrated learning models. From this, I was able to see how group projects put the SOCIAL into SOCIAL studies. This class has also opened my eyes to diversity and how important it is to include this in my future classroom; 4 ways to teach diversity are contributions approach, additive approach, transformational approach, and social action approach. Learning how to implement diversity in my future classroom was very interesting and meaningful to me. Overall, EDU 358 has been a great experience for me. I have learned a lot of meaningful information that I will be able to apply to my future profession as an elementary teacher.
Guiding Prompt: One of the integrated assessments described in your reading this week was, "Search for Meaning." Share this week about what you are learning in EDU 358 that is meaningful to you
In my opinion, one of the most important integrated assessments is “searching for meaning” in the material. If students don’t find meaning to the information they are learning, they will most likely become disengaged and lose interest. On the other hand, if students are able to apply what they are learning to their life and see how it relates, they will probably play closer attention and gain more from the lesson. In EDU 358, we are learning a lot of information that is meaningful to me. As an educator, it is crucial to know the information and material that is being taught. EDU 358 is a great teaching tool for learning how to know, understand, and teach the information. For example, in chapter 6 of “Teaching and Learning Elementary Social Studies” I read about the mechanics and substance in planning lessons and activities. I also learned how powerful motivation is in the amount of transference and level of retention for students. I really liked chapter 10 in the class textbook as it showed me how projects are an effective way to create integrated learning models. From this, I was able to see how group projects put the SOCIAL into SOCIAL studies. This class has also opened my eyes to diversity and how important it is to include this in my future classroom; 4 ways to teach diversity are contributions approach, additive approach, transformational approach, and social action approach. Learning how to implement diversity in my future classroom was very interesting and meaningful to me. Overall, EDU 358 has been a great experience for me. I have learned a lot of meaningful information that I will be able to apply to my future profession as an elementary teacher.
Wednesday, October 20, 2010
Week 9- October 27, 2010
Entry 9: Due: October 27, 2010
Guiding Prompt: FREE POST! Use this week to post on any educational topic of your choice. Found an article? Love a blog or resource? Have an in-depth discussion with family/friends on education? Share your thoughts!
This semester I have been fulfilling a field experience for my Young Adult Literature (English 949) class at Hunter Elementary. This school is located on E. Davies street in downtown Raleigh. For my field experience, I am working with a sweet kindergartner who struggles with reading. In order to work with her speech, reading, and competency skills, I go read with her once a week. I read her books from the MeredithREADS (MotherREADS) selection and go prepared with different activities to further her understanding. In my EDU 255 class sophomore year (with Dr. Duncan), I also fulfilled this field experience at Powell Elementary. I have loved doing the MeredithREADS program; it has taught me so much. Not only does it require me to come prepared with a lesson, objective, and activities, it also gives me hands on experience with children who really seem to struggle. I am looking forward to taking the EDU literacy course in the spring; I believe I will be able to use these field experiences in order to better understand the material. In comparing these two different experiences with MeredithREADS, it is neat to see how differently children learn. The little boy I worked with at Powell last year was very hands on and struggled focusing throughout the story (when it was read), whereas the little girl I work with at Hunter is very attentive throughout the reading, however, struggles to sit still throughout the reflection and activity. Working with different children at different schools has showed me the importance of tailored learning; every child should be given the chance to learn in a way that best suits their learning styles and needs. I have also seen the importance of early reading in a child's life. Those who are read to at home and have the required resources tend to develop a better vocabulary and are better able to express their feelings, emotions, and thoughts. Knowing and remembering these things will help me become best educator I can be.
Guiding Prompt: FREE POST! Use this week to post on any educational topic of your choice. Found an article? Love a blog or resource? Have an in-depth discussion with family/friends on education? Share your thoughts!
This semester I have been fulfilling a field experience for my Young Adult Literature (English 949) class at Hunter Elementary. This school is located on E. Davies street in downtown Raleigh. For my field experience, I am working with a sweet kindergartner who struggles with reading. In order to work with her speech, reading, and competency skills, I go read with her once a week. I read her books from the MeredithREADS (MotherREADS) selection and go prepared with different activities to further her understanding. In my EDU 255 class sophomore year (with Dr. Duncan), I also fulfilled this field experience at Powell Elementary. I have loved doing the MeredithREADS program; it has taught me so much. Not only does it require me to come prepared with a lesson, objective, and activities, it also gives me hands on experience with children who really seem to struggle. I am looking forward to taking the EDU literacy course in the spring; I believe I will be able to use these field experiences in order to better understand the material. In comparing these two different experiences with MeredithREADS, it is neat to see how differently children learn. The little boy I worked with at Powell last year was very hands on and struggled focusing throughout the story (when it was read), whereas the little girl I work with at Hunter is very attentive throughout the reading, however, struggles to sit still throughout the reflection and activity. Working with different children at different schools has showed me the importance of tailored learning; every child should be given the chance to learn in a way that best suits their learning styles and needs. I have also seen the importance of early reading in a child's life. Those who are read to at home and have the required resources tend to develop a better vocabulary and are better able to express their feelings, emotions, and thoughts. Knowing and remembering these things will help me become best educator I can be.
Wednesday, October 13, 2010
Week 8- October 20, 2010
Entry 8: Due: October 20, 2010
Guiding Prompt: Some people feel that social studies becomes watered down when it is incorporated into integrated teaching and learning. Do you agree? Why or why not?
I agree that social studies becomes watered down when it is incorporated into integrated teaching and learning. Because social studies is full of so much information and many details, it tends to be watered down to some extent in the first place. Thus, when social studies weaved into other subjects, topics, and curriculum's, I believe that the focus on it is lessened and ‘watered down.’ I feel as though this is the way it is with all subjects. Whenever things become integrated or incorporated into one, the focus on each topic/subject area is reduced by at least a small amount. However, I don’t believe this is always a bad thing; I think it is important to integrate teaching and learning from different subject areas. For example, I feel as though using math in a physical education course is very beneficial and useful. Students can calculate their heart rate, speed, body metabolic rate, and many others through different math equations. Although math is incorporated and used into the PE class, it is evident that the primary focus is not on it (thus it is watered down to some extent). This is the way it is with social studies as well. I believe it is important to get students engaged in social studies and give them a thirst for the information. Because social studies tends to be ‘boring’ to many students, it is that much more important to come up with interesting activities and presentations to capture and maintain their attention. In order to achieve this, I believe we cannot afford to lose any valuable information or time spent on social studies (it can’t be watered down). At the same time, I believe integration in a classroom is very important; students should work together and gain insight from each other. In chapter 10 of “Teaching and Learning Elementary Social Studies”, John Goodlad once wrote “students come to school to learn alone in groups” (254). This ironic quote is a good reminder of this (and the purpose/value of school). Dewey was a big advocate for the social aspect of school. A classroom should model a democracy: children should collaborate with one another in order to gain insight from different perspectives and viewpoints. While I believe integration is important in many aspects, I believe the watering-down of subjects such as social studies is a problem and should be fixed.
Guiding Prompt: Some people feel that social studies becomes watered down when it is incorporated into integrated teaching and learning. Do you agree? Why or why not?
I agree that social studies becomes watered down when it is incorporated into integrated teaching and learning. Because social studies is full of so much information and many details, it tends to be watered down to some extent in the first place. Thus, when social studies weaved into other subjects, topics, and curriculum's, I believe that the focus on it is lessened and ‘watered down.’ I feel as though this is the way it is with all subjects. Whenever things become integrated or incorporated into one, the focus on each topic/subject area is reduced by at least a small amount. However, I don’t believe this is always a bad thing; I think it is important to integrate teaching and learning from different subject areas. For example, I feel as though using math in a physical education course is very beneficial and useful. Students can calculate their heart rate, speed, body metabolic rate, and many others through different math equations. Although math is incorporated and used into the PE class, it is evident that the primary focus is not on it (thus it is watered down to some extent). This is the way it is with social studies as well. I believe it is important to get students engaged in social studies and give them a thirst for the information. Because social studies tends to be ‘boring’ to many students, it is that much more important to come up with interesting activities and presentations to capture and maintain their attention. In order to achieve this, I believe we cannot afford to lose any valuable information or time spent on social studies (it can’t be watered down). At the same time, I believe integration in a classroom is very important; students should work together and gain insight from each other. In chapter 10 of “Teaching and Learning Elementary Social Studies”, John Goodlad once wrote “students come to school to learn alone in groups” (254). This ironic quote is a good reminder of this (and the purpose/value of school). Dewey was a big advocate for the social aspect of school. A classroom should model a democracy: children should collaborate with one another in order to gain insight from different perspectives and viewpoints. While I believe integration is important in many aspects, I believe the watering-down of subjects such as social studies is a problem and should be fixed.
Thursday, September 30, 2010
Week 7- October 6, 2010
Entry 7: Due: October 6, 2010
Guiding Prompt: On the way home this evening, I was listening to a talk radio show and the topic was how technology was crippling college students. Needless to say, I was intrigued by the callers who were responding. A business professor from a Texas university, rated number one by her students she claimed, stated that she does not allow any form of technology in her classroom because she wants to force students (emphasis added) to interact and communicate. She uses Socratic teaching methods and believes that students today rely too heavily on technology and are disconnected socially, as well as, have zero writing skills due to their interactions with texting and social media. I'll have my own blog response, so feel free to hop on over to read my opinions on this matter. Quite simply...I want to know your thoughts. How would you respond to this professor if you were the next caller in line to talk to the radio host? BTW- he agreed whole heartedly with her efforts and hoped that others in the profession would follow suit.
I beg to differ with the business professor’s negative view of technology. Although I agree that it is important to implement conversation and social skills, I disagree that “students rely too heavily on technology and are disconnected socially, as well as, have zero writing skills due to their interactions with texting and social media.” As a citizen in society, as well as a future educator, I believe it is imperative for people to keep up with ‘the times.’ I actually believe we need MORE teachers to incorporate technology in the classroom. We are in the 21st century; this time is loaded with technology and social media. Due to this, it is important to teach students (and future generations) how to effectively use technology; it is a part of our everyday lives. Technology tends to be seen as a distraction: cell phones, texting, Skype, ‘tweeting’, facebooking, etc. I believe instructors should USE these technologies and turn them into a lesson or activity. For instance, turn Skype into an international project. For a social studies class, it would be neat to Skype someone from a different culture to see a different lifestyle and culture. In reality, this Texas professor’s stance on technology really frustrates me. I believe her classroom rules and regulations (banning technology) truly hinders the education of her students; they are missing out on learning how to effectively use one of the biggest piece tools in today’s society (technology).
Guiding Prompt: On the way home this evening, I was listening to a talk radio show and the topic was how technology was crippling college students. Needless to say, I was intrigued by the callers who were responding. A business professor from a Texas university, rated number one by her students she claimed, stated that she does not allow any form of technology in her classroom because she wants to force students (emphasis added) to interact and communicate. She uses Socratic teaching methods and believes that students today rely too heavily on technology and are disconnected socially, as well as, have zero writing skills due to their interactions with texting and social media. I'll have my own blog response, so feel free to hop on over to read my opinions on this matter. Quite simply...I want to know your thoughts. How would you respond to this professor if you were the next caller in line to talk to the radio host? BTW- he agreed whole heartedly with her efforts and hoped that others in the profession would follow suit.
I beg to differ with the business professor’s negative view of technology. Although I agree that it is important to implement conversation and social skills, I disagree that “students rely too heavily on technology and are disconnected socially, as well as, have zero writing skills due to their interactions with texting and social media.” As a citizen in society, as well as a future educator, I believe it is imperative for people to keep up with ‘the times.’ I actually believe we need MORE teachers to incorporate technology in the classroom. We are in the 21st century; this time is loaded with technology and social media. Due to this, it is important to teach students (and future generations) how to effectively use technology; it is a part of our everyday lives. Technology tends to be seen as a distraction: cell phones, texting, Skype, ‘tweeting’, facebooking, etc. I believe instructors should USE these technologies and turn them into a lesson or activity. For instance, turn Skype into an international project. For a social studies class, it would be neat to Skype someone from a different culture to see a different lifestyle and culture. In reality, this Texas professor’s stance on technology really frustrates me. I believe her classroom rules and regulations (banning technology) truly hinders the education of her students; they are missing out on learning how to effectively use one of the biggest piece tools in today’s society (technology).
Thursday, September 23, 2010
Week 6- September 29, 2010
Entry 6: Due: September 29, 2010
Guiding Prompt: Discuss each of the social science disciplines in a way that helps you identify/remember/analyze what makes each important. What are your areas of weakness in regards to these topics? What are your areas of strength? Did you learn SOCIAL STUDIES or SOCIAL SCIENCE in your elementary school days?
In his textbook “Teaching and Learning Elementary Social Studies”, Albert Ellis discusses the different social science disciplines: anthropology, economics, geography, history, sociology, and political science. “Anthropology is the study of culture or the scientific study of human beings” (Ellis). In order to remember this term, I find it helpful to draw a Venn Diagram. In this illustration, I would include different values and types of behaviors, beliefs, traditions, and cultures; this helps me visually see the similarities and differences between individuals and cultures, etc. Economics is the “study of how people choose to use resources” (Ellis). I apply this area of social science to real world situations and experiences in order understanding its significance; for example, I face decisions everyday where I have to decide how to deal with my monetary spending. In doing this, I am deciding what I have to gain and give up. Geography is the “science of place and space” (Ellis). Using maps and visual representations help me to see relationships among areas and locations as well as understanding relativity of specific areas. History “can be defined as the discipline that studies chronological records of events using analytical methods in an attempt to explain their causes” (Ellis). Reading books and textbooks allow me to understand key concepts of the past. I also try and keep up with the news to focus on the present as well. These actions allow me to keep track of the time, continuity, and change of our world. Sociology is the “study of life, social change, and the social causes of human behavior” (Ellis). In simply observing life and how it effects and occurs to different individuals, I am able to understand and analyze sociology’s importance. From these observations, I am able to see different characteristics that distinguish individuals and how these make them different and unique. Lastly, political science is “the study of governments, public policies, and political processes, systems, and political behavior” (Ellis). Through politics taking place in our nation, I am able to understand the fundamental ideas of our American constitutional democracy. Through watching leaders such as Presidents, I am able to see how important power, authority, and governance are. The fundamental values (common good, liberty, justice, equality, and individual dignity) are vital to our successful country. Personally, my strengths include anthropology, sociology, governance, and economics. I find that I am good with understanding and appreciating different people and their different ways of life. I find it easy to understand and remember the importance of power, leadership and authority. I find myself struggling more with the actual area of history and geography. It is difficult to understand and retain the large amount of information read/learned about the past and how we have gotten to where we are. I also need to spruce up my geography skills and learn where locations are in relation to one another. As a teacher, I believe these two areas are vital to successful teaching; thus, I will strive hard to improve my areas of weakness. In my elementary school days, I learned social STUDIES. My teachers really focused on ideas and topics of culture, people, change, civic ideals, etc. The content was really focused on human society, family, and the community. Although the content had potential to be interesting and engaging, I feel as though the elementary school social studies teachers I had lacked enthusiasm which rubbed off on the students. I have always had the mental idea of history and social studies to be boring.
Guiding Prompt: Discuss each of the social science disciplines in a way that helps you identify/remember/analyze what makes each important. What are your areas of weakness in regards to these topics? What are your areas of strength? Did you learn SOCIAL STUDIES or SOCIAL SCIENCE in your elementary school days?
In his textbook “Teaching and Learning Elementary Social Studies”, Albert Ellis discusses the different social science disciplines: anthropology, economics, geography, history, sociology, and political science. “Anthropology is the study of culture or the scientific study of human beings” (Ellis). In order to remember this term, I find it helpful to draw a Venn Diagram. In this illustration, I would include different values and types of behaviors, beliefs, traditions, and cultures; this helps me visually see the similarities and differences between individuals and cultures, etc. Economics is the “study of how people choose to use resources” (Ellis). I apply this area of social science to real world situations and experiences in order understanding its significance; for example, I face decisions everyday where I have to decide how to deal with my monetary spending. In doing this, I am deciding what I have to gain and give up. Geography is the “science of place and space” (Ellis). Using maps and visual representations help me to see relationships among areas and locations as well as understanding relativity of specific areas. History “can be defined as the discipline that studies chronological records of events using analytical methods in an attempt to explain their causes” (Ellis). Reading books and textbooks allow me to understand key concepts of the past. I also try and keep up with the news to focus on the present as well. These actions allow me to keep track of the time, continuity, and change of our world. Sociology is the “study of life, social change, and the social causes of human behavior” (Ellis). In simply observing life and how it effects and occurs to different individuals, I am able to understand and analyze sociology’s importance. From these observations, I am able to see different characteristics that distinguish individuals and how these make them different and unique. Lastly, political science is “the study of governments, public policies, and political processes, systems, and political behavior” (Ellis). Through politics taking place in our nation, I am able to understand the fundamental ideas of our American constitutional democracy. Through watching leaders such as Presidents, I am able to see how important power, authority, and governance are. The fundamental values (common good, liberty, justice, equality, and individual dignity) are vital to our successful country. Personally, my strengths include anthropology, sociology, governance, and economics. I find that I am good with understanding and appreciating different people and their different ways of life. I find it easy to understand and remember the importance of power, leadership and authority. I find myself struggling more with the actual area of history and geography. It is difficult to understand and retain the large amount of information read/learned about the past and how we have gotten to where we are. I also need to spruce up my geography skills and learn where locations are in relation to one another. As a teacher, I believe these two areas are vital to successful teaching; thus, I will strive hard to improve my areas of weakness. In my elementary school days, I learned social STUDIES. My teachers really focused on ideas and topics of culture, people, change, civic ideals, etc. The content was really focused on human society, family, and the community. Although the content had potential to be interesting and engaging, I feel as though the elementary school social studies teachers I had lacked enthusiasm which rubbed off on the students. I have always had the mental idea of history and social studies to be boring.
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