Reflecting upon my years of formal education (particularly middle and high school) evokes memories of classrooms with a matrix of desks facing one considerably larger desk and a chalkboard, listening to seemingly endless hours of instruction, completing in class assignments, and sometimes being fearful of being called upon to answer a question. Being a student was my job. While at “work”, I was expected to listen to the teacher, follow directions, and thoroughly complete my assignments in a timely manner. This format of learning is known as “Teacher Directed” or “Teacher Centered” instruction and was fairly standard in classrooms during that era. I vividly recall my struggles and triumphs and numerous days asking myself “When will I ever have to use this as an adult?”, “Why are they assigning so much homework?”, “Why are these exams 3 hours in length?”, and “How can I possibly read 100 pages in this book when I have so much other work to complete tonight.” It often seemed extremely overwhelming. Fast forward to me as an adult...A few years after college, I decided I wanted to become a teacher (heavily influenced by my aunt who was an English professor for over 30 years). I fulfilled the course and student teaching requirements for obtaining a license to teach in California (learning seemed so much easier than during my youth), and began my teaching career. As an educator, professional development is paramount in order to stay energized and be an effective instructor to your students. I learned from my mentor teacher. I learned from my experiences each year with different classroom dynamics. I learned from co-workers, and I learned from colleagues I interacted with at conferences, seminars and workshops. During my first few years of teaching, I began to truly understand the benefits of continuous learning and decided to become a lifelong learner outside of my profession. Being a lifelong learner should not be limited to bolstering your professional skill set. It can also contribute to personal development. I enjoy learning new things via blogs, magazine articles, webinars, etc. I have started guitar lessons (I began as a child, but tackle football took precedence), and I recently completed an excellent online course via edx.org titled “Effective Thinking Through Mathematics”. The focus of the course was to understand the elements of thinking effectively in order to become a better problem solver in any facet of one’s life. As a result of completing this course, I now have greater knowledge to share with clients to help them become better thinkers. I addition, I can also implement those thinking strategies in my personal life. Here are five significant benefits I think will result from lifelong learning: 1. Excellent communication skills - Despite society being saturated with electronic communication, it is still imperative to be able to effectively communicate face to face. 2. Initiating a positive change in one’s life - The more you know will enable you to efficiently deal with any dilemmas you may encounter in your life. You may also be able to help someone with a difficult situation in which they are involved. 3. Becoming a more confident person altogether - Many people are confident within the workplace but are the opposite in their personal lives. Lifelong learning can help one become more confident in their personal lives. For example, a person who is not outgoing would greatly benefit from a class on public speaking or one that requires collaborating with others. Perhaps joining a book club which would require providing and reacting to others thoughts. 4. Learning beyond your comfort zone - You may have a narrow scope of interests, but taking a chance at doing something you always thought was silly or something you were afraid to do for fear of failure is a great way to discover new interests and learn in the process. 5. Being comfortable during a discussion of any subject matter - One never knows what topics may arise in various social settings. Possessing a broad knowledge base enables one to intelligently contribute to a conversation that would otherwise be uncomfortable. Only a wise person can solve a difficult problem. ~ Akan proverb Are you a lifelong learner? If so, post a comment and share what you are learning!
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Most students are not typically excited about summer reading assignments. Thinking of doing anything remotely related to school work during summer vacation is not at the forefront of their minds. However many teachers are aware that this is the time when the achievement gaps widens. “Summer Slide” is known to rear its ugly head during the summer and doesn’t contribute to growth with respect to reading. Reading is a skill that requires continuous practice in order to improve. These are eight ways to pique students’ interest in reading during the summer and perhaps at other times during the year.
1. Let them choose - Aside from any required reading, let kids choose what books they would like to read. They are more likely to finish a book they selected than one you select for them. Most kids typically choose books within their favorite genre. That’s okay because they will get exposure to different genres during the school year. 2. Read outdoors (weather permitting) - Find a comfortable, shady area to do so. It is good to read in a non controlled environment. Also reading outside requires one to concentrate better as there are many sounds of nature to contend with. Parents: Reading to your child (emerging readers) outside will help them learn to concentrate as well. It also allows for you to extend the reading with an activity related to the storyline. 3. Join a Summer Reading Club - Many local libraries offer summer reading clubs for elementary, middle and high school students. Barnes & Noble also offers a summer reading club for kids. Formats for reading clubs may vary but typically students log their reading minutes and in turn periodically receive rewards for their efforts. 4. Set a goal, and reward yourself - Decide on a reasonable number of books/minutes to read for the summer, and reward yourself when you accomplish your goal. This requires a lot of discipline. 5. Read while “on the move” - With Kindles, eReaders, smartphones and tablets it is easy to literally have several books with you at all times. You can read in the car, read while waiting to see the doctor, etc. No pressure...reading at your leisure. 6. Parents can serve as reading models - Parents who read often are more likely to have children that do the same. 7. Go beyond the book - Visit locations where the book(s) take place (if possible/reasonable). If not, you can visit those places virtually via the Internet. This provides an opportunity to learn so much more and integrates social studies, geography, and math. 8. Complete a non-traditional book report - Think outside of the box, and create an innovative alternative to the written book report. Examples include (but aren’t limited to) creating a cartoon version of the book, creating a short video clip about the book, or creating a movie poster. Here are some other suggestions regarding incorporating reading into the summer months: A. Cooking and Reading - Preparing meals together and having your child read the directions aloud (math can be a part of this as well) B. Turn off the television - It is very important to limit/monitor the number of hours of television children watch. C. Establish scheduled reading times - Make this time a part of your child's daily summer routing D. Book vsMovie - Most kid movies are based upon books (e.g. Because of Winn-Dixie). Have your child read the book and watch the movie then have a discussion comparing and contrasting the two. This is also a great way to encourage unenthusiastic readers to read. Do you have any ideas to share? If so, post a comment! Without a doubt, technology is no longer a minor part of education. My experience with computers as a high school student (early to mid 80s) simply involved using one to type a paper for English class and creating flow charts in computer class on Wang computers. Since then, technology has become a fundamental part of our daily lives as well as education at every level. As a result of an insatiable thirst for instant information in our society, it’s become paramount that schools “keep up”. Often times, this means altering and/or adopting methodologies that will best harness technology as an instrument to enrich and support learning opportunities. I have read and heard discussions with the prevailing thought of computers inevitably replacing teachers. I think a lot of people underestimate the value of teachers and the influence they can have on their students. “Teachers affect eternity; No one can tell where their influence stops.” ~Henry Brooks Adams These are six reasons why I don’t think computers will ever fully replace teachers. 1. Relationship Building - Teachers will take interest in their students as people and learn about their activities outside of the classroom. I made sure to periodically talk with students about their lives away from school. It allowed me to get to know them better (learning things I would not have ever known) and in turn for them to know more about me aside from being their teacher. When invited, I would also attend plays, athletic competitions, recitals, etc. It was truly amazing to see those students in different environments. Often times, they seemed the complete opposite of their school persona. 2. Teaching To Multiple Learning Styles - Everyone learns and thinks differently. Regardless of the modality of learning (auditory, kinesthetic or visual) teachers will provide differentiated instruction to accommodate the needs of their students. Examples of this can be using a math game to reinforce basic math skills, varying delivery style for a lesson (hands-on activity for kinesthetic learners), or group activities (grouping students to allow for success based upon their skill set). 3. Field Trips/Special Events - Teachers spend an inordinate amount of time planning lessons and experiences for their students. The kids will have fond memories these experiences when they reflect upon their time as your student. This is definitely true as I have experienced it. Some of the experiences my former students recall are team building activities, field trips and musicals they performed as a grade level. I still remember them too! Technology is not able to provide these type of experiences. 4. Role Model/Mentor - Teachers serve as role models every minute of every day. It is a major element of who they (we) are and what they undertake. Many students learn from their teacher(s) simply through observation while others learn more directly. This is a responsibility the majority of teachers take seriously. 5. Flexibility - A major part of teaching is having the ability to be flexible. Most teachers will give great effort to do what is necessary for their students to succeed. Every teacher creates lesson plans, but anyone who has taught (in any capacity) knows that things don’t always go as planned. Teachers must be cognizant of times when their students are experiencing difficulty (give students a short break or end the lesson and continue the next day) as well as when concepts need to be covered in more depth. I think being flexible also includes doing something different every now and then. For example, when I taught fourth grade I would read to the class after lunch each day for 15 - 30 minutes. We would periodically change our location. Sometimes we stayed in the classroom. Sometimes we would go outside and sit under a shade tree, or go to the Storytelling Room adjacent to the library. As much as students like routine and predictability, they enjoy a change of pace and appreciate it when it happens. 6. Leadership - Great teachers inspire students to undertake leadership roles, accept academic challenges, become confident in their academic abilities, and become agents of change. They recognize strengths and encourage kids to reach their full potential as students and as individuals. In elementary school, this is often accomplished by giving students appropriate opportunities to develop as leaders (typically, but not limited to, classroom jobs). At any level, taking time to work with a student one on one, covering a concept they are having difficulty with, exhibits genuine concern about that student’s success. An example of this is having a one on one conversation with a student that is having social, academic and/or issues at home. In order to provide effective leadership, one has to gain the respect and trust of their students. Once that is accomplished, you will be amazed at the positive influence a teacher can have. Technology is a powerful tool that can facilitate student learning.Teachers that are resistant to effectively incorporating technology into their curriculum risk hindering their students’ development into a 21st century learners. |
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June 2023
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