In the article Sage on a Stage it discusses the pros to being a direct instructor. It breaks down lecture based verses problem solving style teaching. After years of collecting data the article states that students learn 1 to 2 months more information in a lecture based classroom. The reason why is that students are given the core knowledge needed for the subject matter. They do not have to create their own knowledge from an assumption of information, they can use information that is given to base their knowledge. Another reason why direct instruction has been more successful in the classroom setting is because teachers who try and use problem solving style teaching are not efficient in the style.
I plan to use direct instruction in my classroom. The reason why is because I feel my students need to have core knowledge on the subject matter. Without a base of information students will build their own assumptions. This could lead to students to having the proper understanding on a subject. By giving them the information lecture style you are not only able to know the information they are learning but you are able to create a classroom environment that is consistent and allows for students to understand the class expectations and procedures.
Sunday, April 24, 2011
Education Weekly #15
In the article A Better Way to Teach Math John Mighton explains that for kids to understand math you need to break down each idea into multiple little steps. While your breaking down each step you take a quick second to asses each student to make sure they are on the same page. He believes by breaking down math into very small steps and assessing them on their performance, will help them succeed and give them confidence. Once his students start to understand math they ask to be challenged with harder questions. When a student has confidence you will see that student thrive.
I work everyday with students who are struggling with math. They have little to no confidence in themselves to succeed in the subject. When I grew up I learned math through the 'Jump' style. My teacher was able to break down each step into micro steps. This allowed me to relate what I already knew about basic math, then apply it to the advanced stuff we were learning that day. I try everyday to replicate this style of math to my students. I have seen tremendous results similar to John Mighton and his 'Jump' program. I also believe in what John Mighton says, confidence is key to school, especially math. I make it a goal to show my students everyday what they have accomplished to help give them a sense of achievement. As teachers we are here to educate not to follow word for word curriculum.
I work everyday with students who are struggling with math. They have little to no confidence in themselves to succeed in the subject. When I grew up I learned math through the 'Jump' style. My teacher was able to break down each step into micro steps. This allowed me to relate what I already knew about basic math, then apply it to the advanced stuff we were learning that day. I try everyday to replicate this style of math to my students. I have seen tremendous results similar to John Mighton and his 'Jump' program. I also believe in what John Mighton says, confidence is key to school, especially math. I make it a goal to show my students everyday what they have accomplished to help give them a sense of achievement. As teachers we are here to educate not to follow word for word curriculum.
Friday, April 15, 2011
Education Weekly #14
It has been brought to my attention that you can buy almost anything on Craigs list. In Lancaster a man was charged for writing term papers for academic submission. In 1972 the state passed a law saying that you may not sell tern papers or written works that will be submitted for academic credit.
Having the ability to access the world and all the information that goes with it in the click of a mouse has created a world with very few barriers. Creating laws that would prohibit or at least punish people from plagiarism would need to be enforced. If people don't have strong enough morals to not cheat then the laws and their consequences should help motivate them not to. This could be a double edge sword in that creating laws you could have issues with siting papers to people limiting the amount of information on the Internet. That would not be productive. So the question is then were has morality gone?
Having the ability to access the world and all the information that goes with it in the click of a mouse has created a world with very few barriers. Creating laws that would prohibit or at least punish people from plagiarism would need to be enforced. If people don't have strong enough morals to not cheat then the laws and their consequences should help motivate them not to. This could be a double edge sword in that creating laws you could have issues with siting papers to people limiting the amount of information on the Internet. That would not be productive. So the question is then were has morality gone?
Education Weekly #13
In Chicago their are schools that have decided to ban lunches brought from home. The reasoning is that kids are not eating healthy. Kids are bringing foods that are high in sugar and fats. The schools feel that by eliminating the option to bring lunches from home they can provide a much healthier choice for lunch.
I feel like taking away the option to bring lunches from home can be seen as negative in many ways. For example you have families that are not on free and reduced lunches that will now have to pay $2-3 a day for their child's lunch. If you were to make a sandwich or provide them with left overs it can be done for much less than 3 dollars a day. This can put families in a tough spot finacially. Another issue that is not mentioned in the article is how are they educating the children on proper eating. I feel that taking the time to educate the child on proper ways to eat and how to eat is more sustainable in the future. By doing this you can create a culture of children that know how and what to eat and why eating that way is better for them and their bodies. Without education of the proper way to eat children will revert back to their old habits of eating unhealthy foods.
I feel like taking away the option to bring lunches from home can be seen as negative in many ways. For example you have families that are not on free and reduced lunches that will now have to pay $2-3 a day for their child's lunch. If you were to make a sandwich or provide them with left overs it can be done for much less than 3 dollars a day. This can put families in a tough spot finacially. Another issue that is not mentioned in the article is how are they educating the children on proper eating. I feel that taking the time to educate the child on proper ways to eat and how to eat is more sustainable in the future. By doing this you can create a culture of children that know how and what to eat and why eating that way is better for them and their bodies. Without education of the proper way to eat children will revert back to their old habits of eating unhealthy foods.
Education Weekly #12
In The Education Masters Degree Factory article, it states that in Florida they have considered eliminating extra pay for teachers who have furthered their education. The reasoning for the cut is strictly for monetary reasons. It will save the state of Florida 3% of their teaching personnel costs. The first question that comes to mind is where will they allocate this money when the economy returns to previously seen levels. Will they use it for extra curricular activities, school renovations, or spend the money elsewhere. In my opinion the money should be pumped back into education for student's benefits.
I am pursuing my masters as we speak in Education. I believe that no matter what they do as a state or nation on the this subject will not deter me from teaching. I would be willing to say that most teachers have 2 reasons for attaining a masters, one for monetary purposes and obtaining necessary professional development to grow in ones career. As teachers we are always changing and adapting our style and curriculum to better educate our students. So I don't think that eliminating extra pay for being highly qualified will deter people from bettering them selves with more education. However if we look at the surveys taken by teachers that are currently negotiating their contracts, they have stated that the one thing they would not give up is their step increase. In any other profession when you further your education or professional development you are compensated for it. So the question arises will teaching still be considered a profession in the coming years?
I am pursuing my masters as we speak in Education. I believe that no matter what they do as a state or nation on the this subject will not deter me from teaching. I would be willing to say that most teachers have 2 reasons for attaining a masters, one for monetary purposes and obtaining necessary professional development to grow in ones career. As teachers we are always changing and adapting our style and curriculum to better educate our students. So I don't think that eliminating extra pay for being highly qualified will deter people from bettering them selves with more education. However if we look at the surveys taken by teachers that are currently negotiating their contracts, they have stated that the one thing they would not give up is their step increase. In any other profession when you further your education or professional development you are compensated for it. So the question arises will teaching still be considered a profession in the coming years?
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