I just read this article on MSN about alternative certification. I think it's a great way to get people from other professions into the teaching field. With different backgrounds and experiences outside the classroom, maybe they can add a little something different than teachers who go through the normal certification process.
http://spotlight.encarta.msn.com/Features/encnet_Departments_eLearning_default_article_NewWaystoEducation.html?GT1=27001
Tuesday, April 29, 2008
Monday, April 28, 2008
Classroom Environment
Just a little something related to what we talked about on outside factors affecting the students...
Even in our short lessons we did in class, we can see how much the environment factors the students. Whoever went first usually had it easiest (as far as the behaviors on the cards), and as the class went on, each teacher had to deal with more elaborate problems from the students. In our actual classrooms, we may have to be prepared with more motivational techniques for the earlier classes, and towards the end of the year. Once the weather gets nice, the students (and some teachers, haha) would much rather be outside than in the classroom. Maybe we can somehow incorporate the nice weather into our lessons. In my science classes in high school, we usually did some sort of hands-on experiment outside, which allowed us to enjoy the class when we did not really want to be there. I didn't realize until now what a good idea that was for our teachers to do that with us, and it will be something that I'll have to remember in the future.
Even in our short lessons we did in class, we can see how much the environment factors the students. Whoever went first usually had it easiest (as far as the behaviors on the cards), and as the class went on, each teacher had to deal with more elaborate problems from the students. In our actual classrooms, we may have to be prepared with more motivational techniques for the earlier classes, and towards the end of the year. Once the weather gets nice, the students (and some teachers, haha) would much rather be outside than in the classroom. Maybe we can somehow incorporate the nice weather into our lessons. In my science classes in high school, we usually did some sort of hands-on experiment outside, which allowed us to enjoy the class when we did not really want to be there. I didn't realize until now what a good idea that was for our teachers to do that with us, and it will be something that I'll have to remember in the future.
Friday, April 18, 2008
Teacher vs. Friend
Today in class when Dr. Luongo was talking about the need to be a teacher, and no longer a friend in the classroom reminded me of one of my high school teachers. I had the same math teacher for two years, and both years it was the same deal. The first day of class he explained the week to us:
Monday--no teaching since it was a Monday, so we would just talk.
Tuesday--some work, but not much.
Wednesday--a little more learning than Tuesday, but not really.
Thursday--getting ready for the weekend, so we'll either have quizzes or hang out.
Friday-- since he didn't have class on Fridays in college, he didn't think we should have them in high school.
I was a little bit of a nerd in high school, and actually liked math. In 8th grade I was pushed up a level so my sophomore and junior years in his math class, I was with juniors and seniors who were fine with this schedule. So I took advantage the days we did work. I was the only student who understood the material, and would answer whenever he asked a question, and was the only one to do so. The days that we didn't have class, I would do the homework, or some extra work from the textbook. Eventually, he told me to stop raising my hand because he wanted the rest of the class to have a chance to answer. But why would the rest of the class do their work, when he didn't do his? That marking period he told me to stop raising my hand, I gave up and got a C, after getting A's in math every other quarter ever since I can remember.
The students who wanted a friend rather than a teacher benefited from his classroom, since they didn't have to do anything. But it hurt the students who were actually in school to learn (imagine that...). So that's just another example of why teachers have to teach, because there are actually students who want to learn.
(P.S. Sorry for the rambling, I guess I have some repressed anger about my only C in math, lol)
Monday--no teaching since it was a Monday, so we would just talk.
Tuesday--some work, but not much.
Wednesday--a little more learning than Tuesday, but not really.
Thursday--getting ready for the weekend, so we'll either have quizzes or hang out.
Friday-- since he didn't have class on Fridays in college, he didn't think we should have them in high school.
I was a little bit of a nerd in high school, and actually liked math. In 8th grade I was pushed up a level so my sophomore and junior years in his math class, I was with juniors and seniors who were fine with this schedule. So I took advantage the days we did work. I was the only student who understood the material, and would answer whenever he asked a question, and was the only one to do so. The days that we didn't have class, I would do the homework, or some extra work from the textbook. Eventually, he told me to stop raising my hand because he wanted the rest of the class to have a chance to answer. But why would the rest of the class do their work, when he didn't do his? That marking period he told me to stop raising my hand, I gave up and got a C, after getting A's in math every other quarter ever since I can remember.
The students who wanted a friend rather than a teacher benefited from his classroom, since they didn't have to do anything. But it hurt the students who were actually in school to learn (imagine that...). So that's just another example of why teachers have to teach, because there are actually students who want to learn.
(P.S. Sorry for the rambling, I guess I have some repressed anger about my only C in math, lol)
Tuesday, April 15, 2008
Teachers vs. Educators
My aunt sent me a slightly education based joke I thought I would share. I got a chuckle out of it...
According to a news report, a certain private school in Aberdeen was recently faced with a unique problem. A number of 12-year-old girls were beginning to use lipstick and would put it on in the bathroom. That was fine, but after they put on their lipstick they would press their lips to the mirror leaving dozens of little lip prints. Every night the maintenance man would remove them and the next day the girls would put them back. Finally the principal decided that something had to be done.
She called all the girls to the bathroom and met them there with the maintenance man.
She explained that all these lip prints were causing a major problem for the custodian who had to clean the mirrors every night. To demonstrate how difficult it had been to clean the mirrors, she asked the maintenance man to show the girls how much effort was required. He took out a long-handled squeegee, dipped it in the toilet, and cleaned the mirror with it. Since then, there have been no lip prints on the mirror.
There are teachers, and then there are educators...
According to a news report, a certain private school in Aberdeen was recently faced with a unique problem. A number of 12-year-old girls were beginning to use lipstick and would put it on in the bathroom. That was fine, but after they put on their lipstick they would press their lips to the mirror leaving dozens of little lip prints. Every night the maintenance man would remove them and the next day the girls would put them back. Finally the principal decided that something had to be done.
She called all the girls to the bathroom and met them there with the maintenance man.
She explained that all these lip prints were causing a major problem for the custodian who had to clean the mirrors every night. To demonstrate how difficult it had been to clean the mirrors, she asked the maintenance man to show the girls how much effort was required. He took out a long-handled squeegee, dipped it in the toilet, and cleaned the mirror with it. Since then, there have been no lip prints on the mirror.
There are teachers, and then there are educators...
In the Classroom
Today when I actually did my teaching, it made me excited to be in the classroom. I had so much fun when I was in front of the room, even dealing with some of the mock problems of the students. I really hope when I do my Junior Field next month I'll have the opportunity to teach, since I didn't have that chance with my Sophomore Field Experience. Thank you for all being wonderful students today, and I hope you enjoyed my lesson! =)
Thursday, April 3, 2008
State Requirements
Today in Principles and Techniques, we were talking about having a whole course just on assessment, as they do for the Elementary majors, but for the Secondary level. Since state testing is so big right now, I think it would be a really good idea. Also, Dr. O'Brien asked about having a course for Special Education, even though a lot of it is covered in Ed. Psych. I thought it would be a great idea especially since one of our neighboring states, New York, requires it for certification. After gradution I'm not sure if I would like to teach in New York or New Jersey, since I live on the border, but I would like to have the option of New York, just as back up. But what I don't really understand is why the certification process is so different throughout the country. Shouldn't all teachers in all states meet the same requirements, so that the students will (ideally) be taught almost the same, and meet their same requirements? Wouldn't national certification be a good idea? I don't really see why not. Just a thought, though.
Wednesday, March 12, 2008
Going Back to School
Over the weekend, I was talking with my boyfriend about him going back to school. One of his mother's friends chimed in and said that it would obviously be great for him to get his degree, but he should do it soon since "he's not getting any younger". I was surprised she said that, since he's only 21, turning 22 in July. I've always been under the impression that it's never too late to go back and get a degree.
Afterwards, I was thinking about it, and I guess she was right. She went on to say that soon (not too soon) he'll be married and have kids and have a full time job, and not have time to go back. So here's the question: can it ever be too late to get your degree? I would still like to think no. My uncle was in the Navy for six years after he graduated high school, worked after that and didn't graduate college until this past May. He took night classes after working a full time job, and even though it took several years, he was still able to do it, with a 3.98 GPA. So yes, I think it is best if students get their degree as soon as possible, but if it is necessary, it is always possible to go back and get it even after getting a full time job, a family and unlimited responsibilities.
Afterwards, I was thinking about it, and I guess she was right. She went on to say that soon (not too soon) he'll be married and have kids and have a full time job, and not have time to go back. So here's the question: can it ever be too late to get your degree? I would still like to think no. My uncle was in the Navy for six years after he graduated high school, worked after that and didn't graduate college until this past May. He took night classes after working a full time job, and even though it took several years, he was still able to do it, with a 3.98 GPA. So yes, I think it is best if students get their degree as soon as possible, but if it is necessary, it is always possible to go back and get it even after getting a full time job, a family and unlimited responsibilities.
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