About Me
Here you will learn about my educational beliefs. I will explain how I feel parents, teachers, students, administration, and community have to play integral roles in order to have day to day learning experiences maximized.
Educational Philosophy
My educational philosophy is based on the constructivist model. Several elements are involved. One is the learning space. The space students will learn in should be rich with their own personal work displayed, as well as the tools required to help them complete these tasks. I feel the idea of learning how to learn is most important for students today. As educators we have to provide students the tools and resources to accomplish what they set out to master. It is important that they recognize certain behaviors will influence how well they master skills they want and need to learn. They need to understand that persistence, listening, creating, questioning, communicating and taking risks as well as Costa’s other Habits of Mind are necessary elements in helping them to be successful. I want students to be in control of their learning. Learning has to have meaning and be authentic in nature. I believe students learn more when they have to construct their own meaning. In order to achieve this they have to be able to discuss topics, ask questions, and create new ideas. This is accomplished nicely using a collaboration group or cooperative group. When these important factors are apparent in the classroom meaningful learning can be achieved.
Technology Application
Technology is a tool for both teachers and students alike. It has immense capabilities that need to be taken advantage of in the classroom. Technology can now be used on a daily basis if a computer, projector and screen are in the classroom. First, PowerPoint slides can be used to show homework and a “Do Now” as students enter the class. Next, an overview of the day’s lesson or activities can be presented not only in the verbal form, but in written form as well, to assist visual learners. Then, video, websites or images, can be viewed to gain more insight into a current topic, or to practice skills that need to be reinforced. I am a sixth grade Inclusion teacher. The types of technology I have been able to use this year included video, image scanning, word processing and websites. The websites have been used to engage learners who are writing poetry, listening to life stories, drawing images to put include on a website, or to practice skills learned in math lessons. They also use websites to gain information about topics that are not available in the classroom library. These are some ways technology has been used in my classroom.
Digital Photographs