Common Core in Action, 20

Edutopia posted an article a few days ago on how two science teachers have been implementing common core into their classroom. These teachers have used a model called Literacy Design Collaborative (LDC), which focuses on reading text and writing about them. The LDC has Common Core already implemented into them, and Katie Abole has been using this method for her science class in New York. She had her class read an actual journal article and used graphic organizers and outlines to analyze the article. After doing so, the children were asked to write an argumentative piece on the question. She claims that balancing literacy with traditional science activities is the key to keep students engaged. Katie claims that because the topic was interesting and relevant to the students they wanted to argue and engage in conversation. I think that Katie's reasoning for balancing literacy with traditional science activities is a great approach for the classroom. Students are going to stay engaged and attentive when every lesson is different. Also, like Katie suggested, picking topics that relate particularly to students in the classroom will help keep them engaged and wanting to participate and learn. I think that Katie's advice to start small should be everyone's approach to the new Common Core Standards that are being implemented. There is no rush to implement all this at once. I think by gradually implementing these standards, students, parents, and teachers are more likely to be open to changes and understand the real goal and purpose.

Evolving Classroom Education, 19

In this article, Matthew Lynch addresses the fast developments of technology and how it is being implemented in the classroom. One way is known as BYOD or bring your own device day. This provides an affordable approach to implement learning through technology in the classroom. Not every student always has a mobile device or tablet; however, Lynch claims this will shift learning control from school officials to the hands of the students. The second initiative is NUI or natural user interfaces. This uses body movement to provide learning outcomes. He claims this is particularly useful for children with disabilities. Lastly, he discusses personal learning environments, in which children get to pick their own resource of learning. This will help students achieve goals that fit their own style and pace. As far as getting the resources in the classroom, it may take awhile for the budget approval, but it is a working progress. As a future educator, I think technology is vital for children's learning. However, BYOD day prohibits schools from blocking certain sites to be blocked. Several things could lead to disruption in the classroom. What happens when only one person does not bring in a device? Who is responsible when devices break or are not working properly? It's a hard line to draw. I do believe that children with disabilities can learn better with certain devices such as an iPad. If provided by the school, they should be used as a learning tool in the classroom.

Voki,18

Bully, 17

The movie Bully was a very emotional and eye opening movie for me.  In only the twenty minutes we watched in class, I was emotionally attached to these victimized children and families.  It is hard for people to understand what these children go through; however, I think this documentary helped me truly realize the daily life of a child being bullied.  I have seen a fight or two in high school, but never experienced the bullying that was shown in this movie.  Whether it was not happening or I just did not know, I am now more aware of how many students really are victimized.

I found this documentary to be very inspiring, and think that all children should be shown this movie.  I think schools could dedicate a month or week to address the issues and awareness of bullying.  Schools could have a speaker come in, in which they show a few clips of this movie.  I think that most students could benefit from this movie.  Also, promoting diversity and celebrating differences in the classroom can also help prevent bullying.  I think, as a future educator, it is important to teach students about diversity and the importance of being unique in culture, background, race, or ethnicity.  Students should feel comfortable being themselves, and should not have to worry about fitting in.  Although, bullying may never fully be stopped, there are several small things that teachers and parents can do to help prevent bullying.

Augmented reality, 16

Laura Devaney writes an article addressing augmented reality and how it is really used in the classroom. She claims that augmented reality is a way to blend real life objects with interactive content. An augmented reality app can bring pictures and images to life. In the article one activity was done where they looked at famous paintings to analyze up close the different techniques used.  Laura believes that this 3d reality can help stir students curiosity and interest in the classroom. 

I found this article to be very interesting.  I think that augmented reality could be useful in engaging students in the classroom.  It gives students a visual of what they are learning, and demands their attention and interaction. Students are active learners, which is a good reason why I think this would be effective in a classroom.

Five essentials to create connected students,15

Vicki Davis writes this article to express the need of connecting to the world through technology.  She claims it is a life skill that all children should be learning in school. Teaching them to find their voice and ultimately find themselves is of high importantance. Vicki also places value in discipline. Students need to know and understand how to put down their phones when necessary. 

After reading the first paragraph to this article I was very frustrated. Technology today is the center of most peoples lives. Teens can barely last one class period without looking at their phones or checking Facebook. However, as I kept reading, I liked how Vicki did mention how important it is for students to have a well rounded life. I also agree with her. I think connecting is important in this day  and age, yet being able to discipline yourself is even more important and much harder. Technology and phones are a huge temptation for not only students but for teachers and parents as well. It makes procrastination much easier for everyone, which is why I think discipline is so vital.

21st Century Skills, 14

The excerpt, 21st Century Skills: Why They Matter, What They Are, and How We Get There, explains the new skills students need to be learning in school in order to prepare them for college and careers in this millennium.  The vision developed by the Partnership for 21st Century Skills incorporates a unified framework that includes creativity, critical thinking, and problem solving.  The excerpt goes on to explain how schools and students today have not adapted to the changing world, and being able to work with constant change is an essential skill for succeeding.  Organizations today place more value in collaborate working and less value in structured management.  People are expected to manage their own health, finances, and personal life.  Imagination, willingness to respond positively, taking on leadership roles, and interacting with others are all skills that set people apart.

After reading this excerpt I found that most of the claims being made were very relative to education today.  I especially liked when they stated, "Students need both knowledge and skills to apply and transform their knowledge for useful and creative purposes and to keep learning as content and circumstances change."  Being able to answer factual questions will not get you far in society today.  It is important to be able to use knowledge and apply it to new situations, as well as, devise approaches to solve complex problems.  All of this is going to require a deeper level of thinking and understanding, which the framework supposedly offers. 

Why Tough Teachers Get Good Results, 13

Joanne Lipman wrote an article about one of her teachers a long time ago, and how his method of teaching was beneficial and effective.  She claims that we need to revive the old methods of teaching.  These eight principles that she talks about explain why education should revert back to the strict discipline it once was.  The eight principles she mentioned were: 1) A little pain is good for you, 2) Drill baby drill, 3) Failure is an option, 4) Strict is better than nice, 5)Creativity can be learned, 6) Grit trumps talent, 7) Praise makes you weak, and 8)... while stress makes you strong.  Throughout these principles, the main focus is on discipline, and how much it can effect a student's life.  She refers to William Klemm of Texas A&M University's argument that the U.S. needs to reverse the bias against memorization.  She claims that drilling students is necessary for improvement.

After this article, I found several principles that I thought were necessary and some that I did not agree with.  For instance, I do think that memorizing times tables may be important; however, learning to think independently and critically is just as important, if not more important.  I found that  most of the things Joanne was promoting was the complete opposite of what the Common Core Curriculum is starting to develop and incorporate into the classroom.  She claims that drilling students is so important and that they learn best when they are stressed. However, I found that a lot of her principles could be effective if and only if there is a balance in the classroom.  Too much stress for a student will overwhelm them to the point of quitting; just as, too much memorization will hinder a student's ability to think on their own and use their own reasoning.  Finding a balance in your classroom is the key to successful teaching.  Each and every class will be different, which is why knowing your students is so important for a teacher.