While some lectures put me right to sleep, there are some that keep me waiting to learn more. I get to experience this every other day of the week in my theory class.
Even though there is much theory talk during the hour, there are activities incorporated with the discussion. We get to sing, play on the piano, and listen to the people who like to be difficult have arguments with our professor...It is quite the class.
I really enjoy it overall for several reasons:
1. My professor is super awesome. She truly loves theory and loves teaching it to her students. She also has a really funny sense of humor....theory humor...it's the best!
2. I have friends that are in the class, and we get to have theory discussions. Well, mostly they have theory discussions and I pretend that I know what is going on.
3. The class is not just lecture based. There are always examples that go along with everything that is taught.
So there can be lectures that engage people. Most of the time, it depends on what the topic is and how much that interests each individual student.
Sunday, December 5, 2010
Lecture #1
I believe that if the time goes by relatively fast during a lecture, then I must have found it somewhat engaging if not slightly enjoyable at points. I often times don't really care for lectures unless they pertain to a topic that I find interesting.
Every Tuesday and Thursday afternoon, I sit in class and listen to my professor lecture for an hour and a half. I just want to die some days. Ok, maybe I am being a bit dramatic. But I will honestly say that I do not enjoy going to that class. It's not because the teacher doesn't know her stuff, it is just that she doesn't present it in a way that is at all engaging.
Sometimes professors don't realize that they are not engaging their class with the lecture because it is a subject that they know so much about themselves, and so they are interested in what they are teaching.
While I don't always care for participating in class, I think that if this professor were to incorporate some sort of activity to go along with the lecture, it would keep my mind from wandering so much.
Lectures don't have to be a bore. Maybe being open for feedback about the lectures would give professors some insight into what they could possibly change to keep their students from zoning out.
Thursday, November 18, 2010
Humility
Who likes to be wrong?? Umm, not me. When was the last time I was wrong? Never. Hahaha just kidding. But really, I can honestly admit that I was wrong at some moment today.
Even to this day, I am not a huge fan of answering a question in class. Why, you ask? Well, I am afraid to be wrong. Being wrong in front of the class is just downright embarrassing. Often times I actually know the answer, I just don't want to be "that" person who answers in class all the time, or someone else beats me to it. Sometimes I say the answer I think it right, and it actually turns out to be wrong....oops. Hence why I just sit back and listen to the same people time after time answering the questions asked.
I think there is a general fear instilled into student's minds that if they don't say the right answer in front of the class, they will be criticized by their peers. While this is not always the case, we are human after all. Yes, I judge people who say the wrong answer out loud. Why? Mostly because I am glad it wasn't me.
While some teachers are good about not making a student feel any more embarrassed than they already are, there is that one teacher who will call you out for making a mistake. I really do not care for those kind of teachers. Teachers should try and instill a sense of confidence into their students to participate in class. Encouraging students to try to contribute to the class even if they might say something wrong. Having this encouragement all throughout one's schooling would really help in their self-confidence...at least, it sure would have helped me!
Even to this day, I am not a huge fan of answering a question in class. Why, you ask? Well, I am afraid to be wrong. Being wrong in front of the class is just downright embarrassing. Often times I actually know the answer, I just don't want to be "that" person who answers in class all the time, or someone else beats me to it. Sometimes I say the answer I think it right, and it actually turns out to be wrong....oops. Hence why I just sit back and listen to the same people time after time answering the questions asked.
I think there is a general fear instilled into student's minds that if they don't say the right answer in front of the class, they will be criticized by their peers. While this is not always the case, we are human after all. Yes, I judge people who say the wrong answer out loud. Why? Mostly because I am glad it wasn't me.
While some teachers are good about not making a student feel any more embarrassed than they already are, there is that one teacher who will call you out for making a mistake. I really do not care for those kind of teachers. Teachers should try and instill a sense of confidence into their students to participate in class. Encouraging students to try to contribute to the class even if they might say something wrong. Having this encouragement all throughout one's schooling would really help in their self-confidence...at least, it sure would have helped me!
Thursday, November 11, 2010
Efficacy
Self-awareness, confidence, persistence, work ethic, and belief in one's ability. Wow, that sure is quite a list. But a list of what? A list of different characteristics a teacher should have perhaps? I think yes.
All of these characteristics should be seen in all teachers. Why? Well let's think about each one.
Number 1: Self-awareness
I would hope that my teachers are aware of how they are teaching, how their teaching is affecting the students, what they can personally do to make their teaching better, etc.... This is a very important concept a teacher should be aware of. If they are not aware of themselves, how can they be aware of their students? Just saying.
Number 2: Confidence
A teacher that lacks confidence will be eaten alive. Seriously. Even if a teacher shows the tiniest bit of doubt in themselves, their students will pounce. I personally witnessed this in several of my teachers throughout high school. One in particular came to our school right out of college. She was very quiet and didn't know how to take control of the classroom in the beginning, and so was unable to really gain that control with the students without being challenged by the students. It was a sad sight to see, but it is a tough world out there in those public schools.
Number 3: Persistence
This is definitely something that a teacher should have. Being persistent that your students are learning the material that you are trying to teach will hopefully make an impact on them. Lots of times teachers just give up trying to teach a certain idea because either their students just aren't getting it or they don't really care. Don't give up!!!
Number 4: Work Ethic
Why be a teacher if you don't have a good work ethic? It is not always fun and games when teaching; there is work involved. I think that having a good work ethic doesn't mean you have to stick to your lesson plan entirely, but diverging away from the topic all the time can be pretty annoying and just make some things harder to learn. I also think that a good work ethic entails going to school to teach because you love it. I really dislike when teachers get to school as the bell rings in the morning and rush out of the school right as the bell rings to end the day. What kind of work ethic are you teaching your students to have? Not a very good one.
Number 5: Belief in one's ability
This is a major part of teaching. If you don't believe in your ability to teach, how do you expect your students to believe in your teaching? You really can't. So you better believe in yourself. :)
I know it kind of sucks to say, but if you don't already have most of these characteristics naturally, then time will hopefully help one to develop them. That is surely easier said that done, but once these attributes are a part of a teacher, there is really no reason why they shouldn't be successful!
All of these characteristics should be seen in all teachers. Why? Well let's think about each one.
Number 1: Self-awareness
I would hope that my teachers are aware of how they are teaching, how their teaching is affecting the students, what they can personally do to make their teaching better, etc.... This is a very important concept a teacher should be aware of. If they are not aware of themselves, how can they be aware of their students? Just saying.
Number 2: Confidence
A teacher that lacks confidence will be eaten alive. Seriously. Even if a teacher shows the tiniest bit of doubt in themselves, their students will pounce. I personally witnessed this in several of my teachers throughout high school. One in particular came to our school right out of college. She was very quiet and didn't know how to take control of the classroom in the beginning, and so was unable to really gain that control with the students without being challenged by the students. It was a sad sight to see, but it is a tough world out there in those public schools.
Number 3: Persistence
This is definitely something that a teacher should have. Being persistent that your students are learning the material that you are trying to teach will hopefully make an impact on them. Lots of times teachers just give up trying to teach a certain idea because either their students just aren't getting it or they don't really care. Don't give up!!!
Number 4: Work Ethic
Why be a teacher if you don't have a good work ethic? It is not always fun and games when teaching; there is work involved. I think that having a good work ethic doesn't mean you have to stick to your lesson plan entirely, but diverging away from the topic all the time can be pretty annoying and just make some things harder to learn. I also think that a good work ethic entails going to school to teach because you love it. I really dislike when teachers get to school as the bell rings in the morning and rush out of the school right as the bell rings to end the day. What kind of work ethic are you teaching your students to have? Not a very good one.
Number 5: Belief in one's ability
This is a major part of teaching. If you don't believe in your ability to teach, how do you expect your students to believe in your teaching? You really can't. So you better believe in yourself. :)
I know it kind of sucks to say, but if you don't already have most of these characteristics naturally, then time will hopefully help one to develop them. That is surely easier said that done, but once these attributes are a part of a teacher, there is really no reason why they shouldn't be successful!
Collaboration
Group work. Two words I often cringe at when spoken. I know I know, dramatic much? Well having been part of many group projects or activities in and out of the classroom, I know very well that there is always uneven contributions from each group member. While I am not always the one to necessarily take charge of the group, I make sure that I do my part in contributing to the group rather than just sit around and let everyone else do it.
What makes a group or team effective is when it truly is a group effort to get the project or assignment done. When everyone chips in and throws out ideas, rather than just letting one or two people take the reins and go with the flow. I think that is one big difference between group work and collaboration is that being collaborative to me means that everyone is willing to work together and pull their own weight. In group work, there always tends to be that pushover who takes control of the group and bosses everyone around. It's ok when you get to be the pushover, but sometimes it gets old being told what you are going to do and you better like it.
My overall view on being collaborative is that everyone is a piece of the puzzle. Each person gathers the information they are suppose to and once it is brought together, everything connects and the big picture finally makes sense. I know that this should be the case while in doing group work as well, but it never seems to work that way. It seems that people can be both collaborative and work in the group setting when they are with people they are comfortable with. I know I don't always like to speak up while in group settings for the fear of being wrong and being judged because of it.
While I say I don't really care for group work, I often times am thankful when there is group work while learning a particular idea that I don't understand. Being in a group and working together is a good way to learn from your peers and get their perspective about things.
Group work....I guess it is always going to be there. I suppose in the future I just have to make sure that I do my part in making it as collaborative and pain free as possible....we'll see how that works out!
What makes a group or team effective is when it truly is a group effort to get the project or assignment done. When everyone chips in and throws out ideas, rather than just letting one or two people take the reins and go with the flow. I think that is one big difference between group work and collaboration is that being collaborative to me means that everyone is willing to work together and pull their own weight. In group work, there always tends to be that pushover who takes control of the group and bosses everyone around. It's ok when you get to be the pushover, but sometimes it gets old being told what you are going to do and you better like it.
My overall view on being collaborative is that everyone is a piece of the puzzle. Each person gathers the information they are suppose to and once it is brought together, everything connects and the big picture finally makes sense. I know that this should be the case while in doing group work as well, but it never seems to work that way. It seems that people can be both collaborative and work in the group setting when they are with people they are comfortable with. I know I don't always like to speak up while in group settings for the fear of being wrong and being judged because of it.
While I say I don't really care for group work, I often times am thankful when there is group work while learning a particular idea that I don't understand. Being in a group and working together is a good way to learn from your peers and get their perspective about things.
Group work....I guess it is always going to be there. I suppose in the future I just have to make sure that I do my part in making it as collaborative and pain free as possible....we'll see how that works out!
Thursday, October 28, 2010
~InVeNtIvEnEsS~
Creativity and imagination seem to be things of the past these days. Many kids don't know how to use their imagination anymore. When I was younger, I was always outside with my sister making up silly games and stories that would last us hours.
It seems to me that as we grow older, our imagination and creativity is stifled by rubrics, specific guidelines, and grading. How does a teacher go about grading one's creativity and imagination? A lot of times, students grow discouraged when they turn in their work and they receive a lower grade than expected because it goes on the opinion of the teacher.
Encouraging creativity should be a vital part of teaching. Students should not have to follow as many guidelines as are required. By this, I am saying that there shouldn't always be step by step instructions on how to do every little project, assignment, or paper that is assigned. From personal experience when guidelines for any type of assignment to be handed in are typed out, I would only do what was required and not try to use my imagination to come up with anything elaborate.
By encouraging the use of one's imagination and being creative, you as a teacher are teaching students how to use these. While there is no way to teach creativity and the use of imagination, letting students come up with their own ways to do something will get their minds working. While all the ideas that students may come up with may not be what you would have said, there should always be encouragement. Even if there are silly ideas presented, calling a student out in front of their peers will lead them to stop using their imaginations and creativity.
Creativity is an essential skill to have in the 21st Century. Without creativity, life would be pretty boring. I know I wouldn't want to live in a world where people weren't creative, it would get old real fast.
“Imagination is the beginning of creation. You imagine what you desire, you will what you imagine and at last you create what you will.” ~George Bernard Shaw
Saturday, October 9, 2010
Reflectiveness
Why do most teachers and students find it so hard to reflect? Hmmm....that is a very good question.
Reflection is not something that everyone knows how to do. It is not something that is taught, but should be. Everyone should take some time, maybe not everyday, but once in awhile to really look back on what has been going on in their life. Often times we are so busy with our everyday lives that we don't give ourselves the chance to just stop and think; to ask yourself "why did I do that" or "how could I have made that situation better."
I know that it is often hard for me to reflect on my academics because I don't always like what I find. For example, if I get a mediocre score on a quiz and I take the time to reflect on why that may be, it is usually because I found something more important to do....This usually includes socializing until all hours of the night, cleaning my room, or just putting off my studies because I just need a break. Reflection often makes me more upset with myself when I see how my priorities are most often not in the right order.
In my opinion, reflection is highly essential in teaching. Teachers need to be able to look back on how their day went and be able to really find out what worked or didn't work. Reflection is a key way to improve one's teaching in their classroom. Reflection is also essential for students as well. Having them take the time to look at their academic path could very well help many to make changes necessary for good academic growth.
When you take the time to stop and really think about your previous actions, you may notice that not everything may be going in the direction that you want. If this becomes a habit, it may help one to become more sure about their decisions and what direction they want any aspect of their life to go.
Reflection is not something that everyone knows how to do. It is not something that is taught, but should be. Everyone should take some time, maybe not everyday, but once in awhile to really look back on what has been going on in their life. Often times we are so busy with our everyday lives that we don't give ourselves the chance to just stop and think; to ask yourself "why did I do that" or "how could I have made that situation better."
I know that it is often hard for me to reflect on my academics because I don't always like what I find. For example, if I get a mediocre score on a quiz and I take the time to reflect on why that may be, it is usually because I found something more important to do....This usually includes socializing until all hours of the night, cleaning my room, or just putting off my studies because I just need a break. Reflection often makes me more upset with myself when I see how my priorities are most often not in the right order.
In my opinion, reflection is highly essential in teaching. Teachers need to be able to look back on how their day went and be able to really find out what worked or didn't work. Reflection is a key way to improve one's teaching in their classroom. Reflection is also essential for students as well. Having them take the time to look at their academic path could very well help many to make changes necessary for good academic growth.
When you take the time to stop and really think about your previous actions, you may notice that not everything may be going in the direction that you want. If this becomes a habit, it may help one to become more sure about their decisions and what direction they want any aspect of their life to go.
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