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.
Thursday, September 16, 2010
Week 5- September 22, 2010
Entry 5: Due: September 22, 2010
Guiding Prompt: Tonight's topic was on diversity. We had some pretty uncomfortable, but very real, moments in our discussions of stereotypes, prejudices, and biases. How did this make you feel? Were you surprised at all by the class responses to my questions? Reflecting on your own thoughts, ideals, and practices, where do you go from here? Did the conversation make you stop and ponder? How do you handle this type of discussion in your own classroom?
Last night’s class was very uncomfortable. With honesty, each student shot out her thoughts on a topic given by Dr. Duncan. Although this activity was awkward, I believe it was very valuable. It gave students a chance to realize their own prejudices and stereotypes towards different races, genders, social classes, and ethnicity. In all honesty, I was surprised at how honest we all were in response to Dr. Duncan’s questions. I expected people to remain quiet (embarrassed to express their true thoughts). If this occurred, the lesson would have been much less valuable (if valuable at all). From honest thoughts throughout the conversation, I think many students in the class realized how bad we (as human beings) stereotype others. I think the thing that most surprised me was that no one (including myself) said “smart” when Dr. Duncan said “teachers are __________.” This alone proves a big point. As a future educator, it is important to become aware of my own prejudices and judgments; this will help me figure out what I need to work on before teaching students of my own. I hope to teach my students to appreciate and respect diversity in the classroom, society, and world. In order to instill this in my future students, I will make sure my lessons incorporate many different aspects of Banks & Banks 2009 model: contributions, additive, transformation, and social action approaches. It is important to really allow students to see things from another person’s perspective. Although we have different skin colors, gender, ethnicities, and cultures, we are all human beings underneath the skin we wear.
Guiding Prompt: Tonight's topic was on diversity. We had some pretty uncomfortable, but very real, moments in our discussions of stereotypes, prejudices, and biases. How did this make you feel? Were you surprised at all by the class responses to my questions? Reflecting on your own thoughts, ideals, and practices, where do you go from here? Did the conversation make you stop and ponder? How do you handle this type of discussion in your own classroom?
Last night’s class was very uncomfortable. With honesty, each student shot out her thoughts on a topic given by Dr. Duncan. Although this activity was awkward, I believe it was very valuable. It gave students a chance to realize their own prejudices and stereotypes towards different races, genders, social classes, and ethnicity. In all honesty, I was surprised at how honest we all were in response to Dr. Duncan’s questions. I expected people to remain quiet (embarrassed to express their true thoughts). If this occurred, the lesson would have been much less valuable (if valuable at all). From honest thoughts throughout the conversation, I think many students in the class realized how bad we (as human beings) stereotype others. I think the thing that most surprised me was that no one (including myself) said “smart” when Dr. Duncan said “teachers are __________.” This alone proves a big point. As a future educator, it is important to become aware of my own prejudices and judgments; this will help me figure out what I need to work on before teaching students of my own. I hope to teach my students to appreciate and respect diversity in the classroom, society, and world. In order to instill this in my future students, I will make sure my lessons incorporate many different aspects of Banks & Banks 2009 model: contributions, additive, transformation, and social action approaches. It is important to really allow students to see things from another person’s perspective. Although we have different skin colors, gender, ethnicities, and cultures, we are all human beings underneath the skin we wear.
Wednesday, September 8, 2010
Week 4- September 15, 2010
Entry 4: Due: September 15, 2010
Guiding Prompt: In reading Ch. 2, Ellis (2010) stated: Children today are connected to the world. A generation ago, pen pals wrote to each other using "snail mail." Today they correspond instantly through the various avenues of the Internet. News is instantaneous. I remember talking to an elderly woman who told me that when her great grandmother was a child living in Oregon, the family received the news of Abraham Lincoln's assassination several days after it happened. Today we know immediately about earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, and other events taking place around the globe (p. 46-7). Respond to the following question based on this statement: How does the media affect our lives? decisions? beliefs? perceptions about the larger world?
Media plays a huge role in our lives. People are instantly informed of things occurring and happening around the world through a variety of medias: internet, televisions, radios, and cell phones. Without these resources, our society would be less informed and educated. Lack of media would also inhibit our quick ability to communicate, etc. If it weren’t for the media, I believe our society and generation wouldn’t be anywhere near where we are today; not as many things would have been accomplished. Technology and media sources have made things easier, more accessible, and available. These advances have allowed people to become more involved and ‘in-tune’ which effects their beliefs; thus, producing better citizens in decision making processes. An educated society is vital to success and improvements. Media sources provide insight into local, national, and worldly issues; these allow people to consider events occurring in other areas of the world that they wouldn’t otherwise know about. Overall, it is clear that media plays a huge role and affects our lives.
Guiding Prompt: In reading Ch. 2, Ellis (2010) stated: Children today are connected to the world. A generation ago, pen pals wrote to each other using "snail mail." Today they correspond instantly through the various avenues of the Internet. News is instantaneous. I remember talking to an elderly woman who told me that when her great grandmother was a child living in Oregon, the family received the news of Abraham Lincoln's assassination several days after it happened. Today we know immediately about earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, and other events taking place around the globe (p. 46-7). Respond to the following question based on this statement: How does the media affect our lives? decisions? beliefs? perceptions about the larger world?
Media plays a huge role in our lives. People are instantly informed of things occurring and happening around the world through a variety of medias: internet, televisions, radios, and cell phones. Without these resources, our society would be less informed and educated. Lack of media would also inhibit our quick ability to communicate, etc. If it weren’t for the media, I believe our society and generation wouldn’t be anywhere near where we are today; not as many things would have been accomplished. Technology and media sources have made things easier, more accessible, and available. These advances have allowed people to become more involved and ‘in-tune’ which effects their beliefs; thus, producing better citizens in decision making processes. An educated society is vital to success and improvements. Media sources provide insight into local, national, and worldly issues; these allow people to consider events occurring in other areas of the world that they wouldn’t otherwise know about. Overall, it is clear that media plays a huge role and affects our lives.
Wednesday, September 1, 2010
Week 3- September 8, 2010
Entry 3: Due: September 8, 2010
Guiding Prompt: Reflect on your own thoughts about how children learn. Address the following issues: interest, motivation, activity, exploration, and collaboration. What does that mean for you as a future educator of social studies?
I believe children are very concrete learners. Because young children have a hard time thinking abstractly, it is important to provide information to them in a fun, creative, and hands-on way. I have also observed (in field placements) that young students have an easier time learning and retaining information when they are able to relate to it. In order for students to learn they must first be engaged. Students will become engaged if they find some level of interest in the lesson. Thus, as a future educator of social studies, I will make sure I always begin my lesson with an interesting activity, statement, or idea that will draw students’ attention and engage them from the get-go. If students are not engaged from the beginning, it is likely that they will miss a good portion (if not all) of the material. Motivation is extremely important in order for students to learn at their full potential. If students lack this key characteristic, they will zone in and out and miss important information. As a future educator of social studies, I plan to motivate my students in a variety of ways: rewards (such as class parties, candy & games), verbal encouragement (“you’re doing a great job!” “keep up the good work!”), and relative information (information and activities that students can relate to). Young children learn very well through collaboration with peers (and sometimes teachers too!) In order to provide this in my future classroom, I will come up with activities that require group/team work and collaboration. For example, in studying different geographic areas, I will form groups of three or four students and have each group come up with a list of locations that have different types of geography and explain their characteristics. In this activity, students will explore different areas and locations while working with their peers at the same time. As a future educator of social studies (and any subject for that matter), I believe it is extremely important to engage students by capturing their attention and interest level through motivation, activity, exploration, and collaboration. Teachers need to provide different modes of learning in order to cater to a variety of students’ learning styles.
Guiding Prompt: Reflect on your own thoughts about how children learn. Address the following issues: interest, motivation, activity, exploration, and collaboration. What does that mean for you as a future educator of social studies?
I believe children are very concrete learners. Because young children have a hard time thinking abstractly, it is important to provide information to them in a fun, creative, and hands-on way. I have also observed (in field placements) that young students have an easier time learning and retaining information when they are able to relate to it. In order for students to learn they must first be engaged. Students will become engaged if they find some level of interest in the lesson. Thus, as a future educator of social studies, I will make sure I always begin my lesson with an interesting activity, statement, or idea that will draw students’ attention and engage them from the get-go. If students are not engaged from the beginning, it is likely that they will miss a good portion (if not all) of the material. Motivation is extremely important in order for students to learn at their full potential. If students lack this key characteristic, they will zone in and out and miss important information. As a future educator of social studies, I plan to motivate my students in a variety of ways: rewards (such as class parties, candy & games), verbal encouragement (“you’re doing a great job!” “keep up the good work!”), and relative information (information and activities that students can relate to). Young children learn very well through collaboration with peers (and sometimes teachers too!) In order to provide this in my future classroom, I will come up with activities that require group/team work and collaboration. For example, in studying different geographic areas, I will form groups of three or four students and have each group come up with a list of locations that have different types of geography and explain their characteristics. In this activity, students will explore different areas and locations while working with their peers at the same time. As a future educator of social studies (and any subject for that matter), I believe it is extremely important to engage students by capturing their attention and interest level through motivation, activity, exploration, and collaboration. Teachers need to provide different modes of learning in order to cater to a variety of students’ learning styles.
Friday, August 27, 2010
Week 2- September 2, 2010
Entry 2: Due: September 2, 2010
Guiding Prompt: Reflect on your thoughts from the text readings this week (i.e. Ch. 13). What stood out to you as a learner? As a future educator of social studies content? Any surprises?
As a whole, I found that our assigned reading from this week was somewhat of a review. Last fall, I took EDU 255 (Child Lit.) with Dr. Duncan. In our class, we focused on the importance of reading in the lives of children. I was truly able to take the information I read in chapter 13 of our social studies text and relate/connect it to my prior knowledge from EDU 255. This chapter talked a lot about the importance of literacy and gave it a ‘social studies twist.’ I also was reminded that being literate doesn’t mean just being able to read and write. According to the Merriam-Webster online dictionary, the first part of the definition of literate is “educated, cultured.” It then goes on to say “able to read and write” (http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/literate). From this, one may see the importance of education and knowledge in being “literate.” As a future educator of social studies content, I hope to really give my students a thirst for knowledge in history. History information has a tendency to be boring, lengthy, and well….boring. In order to change this, I hope to provide the information to my students in a fun way that will make them coming back for more! For example, picture books can be used often to help students (and adults) understand history in a fun, easy, and creative way. Another fun activity for older students (3rd-5th grade) would be a scrapbook project. In this year long project, students would have different dates throughout the year for certain pages due. This would require students to go out into the world and find different history related items. For example, one page would be a “famous historical site.” For this page, students could visit The Governor’s Mansion, Historic Oakwood (Victorian neighborhood in Raleigh), and many more. In this assignment, each student would take a picture of his or her location/item and write a paragraph on it (history, description, and facts). I think this would be a great assignment in that it requires students to go out and learn about history first-hand (rather than a book or worksheet). Because social studies was my least favorite subject in elementary school, I am determined to make it different for my future students! I hope to produce literate students that are bursting at the seams with knowledge.
Guiding Prompt: Reflect on your thoughts from the text readings this week (i.e. Ch. 13). What stood out to you as a learner? As a future educator of social studies content? Any surprises?
As a whole, I found that our assigned reading from this week was somewhat of a review. Last fall, I took EDU 255 (Child Lit.) with Dr. Duncan. In our class, we focused on the importance of reading in the lives of children. I was truly able to take the information I read in chapter 13 of our social studies text and relate/connect it to my prior knowledge from EDU 255. This chapter talked a lot about the importance of literacy and gave it a ‘social studies twist.’ I also was reminded that being literate doesn’t mean just being able to read and write. According to the Merriam-Webster online dictionary, the first part of the definition of literate is “educated, cultured.” It then goes on to say “able to read and write” (http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/literate). From this, one may see the importance of education and knowledge in being “literate.” As a future educator of social studies content, I hope to really give my students a thirst for knowledge in history. History information has a tendency to be boring, lengthy, and well….boring. In order to change this, I hope to provide the information to my students in a fun way that will make them coming back for more! For example, picture books can be used often to help students (and adults) understand history in a fun, easy, and creative way. Another fun activity for older students (3rd-5th grade) would be a scrapbook project. In this year long project, students would have different dates throughout the year for certain pages due. This would require students to go out into the world and find different history related items. For example, one page would be a “famous historical site.” For this page, students could visit The Governor’s Mansion, Historic Oakwood (Victorian neighborhood in Raleigh), and many more. In this assignment, each student would take a picture of his or her location/item and write a paragraph on it (history, description, and facts). I think this would be a great assignment in that it requires students to go out and learn about history first-hand (rather than a book or worksheet). Because social studies was my least favorite subject in elementary school, I am determined to make it different for my future students! I hope to produce literate students that are bursting at the seams with knowledge.
Wednesday, August 18, 2010
Week 1- August 25, 2010
Entry 1: Due: August 25, 2010
Topic: What are your reactions to the design of this course? Excited, nervous, apprehensive, overwhelmed? What are your goals for yourself as a learner of social studies this semester?
I attended my first class of EDU 358 tonight. In all honesty, I left the room very overwhelmed; there was a lot of information to take in. History has always been my least favorite subject which makes me nervous in taking this course. However, I am excited to learn how to teach this material in a fun way for my future students. I want to inspire children to have a thirst for history and knowledge. I really like the design of this course. I like how there are assignment options to choose from; the layout inspires independence and creativity. Being able to choose which assignments to complete allows each student to pick a project she is most passionate about. As a learner of social studies this semester, I want to be able to identify all the states of the United States of America on a map. As a future educator, I believe it is imperative to know where places are located. I also want to be fully engaged and interested in the material rather than simply memorize it long enough to earn a good grade. Overall, I am excited to take this course and have another chance in learning and appreciating social studies in the elementary level.
Topic: What are your reactions to the design of this course? Excited, nervous, apprehensive, overwhelmed? What are your goals for yourself as a learner of social studies this semester?
I attended my first class of EDU 358 tonight. In all honesty, I left the room very overwhelmed; there was a lot of information to take in. History has always been my least favorite subject which makes me nervous in taking this course. However, I am excited to learn how to teach this material in a fun way for my future students. I want to inspire children to have a thirst for history and knowledge. I really like the design of this course. I like how there are assignment options to choose from; the layout inspires independence and creativity. Being able to choose which assignments to complete allows each student to pick a project she is most passionate about. As a learner of social studies this semester, I want to be able to identify all the states of the United States of America on a map. As a future educator, I believe it is imperative to know where places are located. I also want to be fully engaged and interested in the material rather than simply memorize it long enough to earn a good grade. Overall, I am excited to take this course and have another chance in learning and appreciating social studies in the elementary level.
Subscribe to:
Comments (Atom)