Not Your Typical Introductions

Day 1:

Coming into class on my first day of social studies methods I was extremely nervous. Simply looking at my schedule was enough to get me flustered; after all, why would there be education course taking place in Aquinas Hall? Besides this, I had heard a lot of intimidating rumors about this course. This course is said to be the "hardest of all the education courses". If this wasn't scary enough, the professor is also in charge of Kappa Delta Pi, an education honor society of which I am a member. Gulp.
 

Typically, education classes commence with ice-breakers that we could utilize in our classrooms in the future. After being in these similar courses for a few semesters, we students have become accustomed to this routine. These become so repetitive that I always have a speech ready to introduce myself in class. 

“Hi, my name is Madison Turner. I am a commuter from Goshen, NY. My major is mathematics with certification in childhood and special education.”

 I always come prepared with this line up for the first day of class; however, Dr. Smirnova switched the routine up immediately. As soon as we walked into class we were told to make nametags and then write about our ideas of social studies. What is social studies? How should it be taught? How should it be learned? Recall your favorite social studies teacher... what were his/her strategies? In answering these questions I was already learning... that I have a lot to learn.

Instead of sharing a prepared introduction to the entire class, partner discussion was implemented. The big twist came in when the instructor asked us to share information about our partner’s views on social studies. I think this a great lesson in learning how to listen as a teacher. Teachers need to be great listeners as their communication skills are vital. Teachers can listen to each other to improve their instructional techniques and teachers can listen to students and their parents to optimize student success.

 

Day 2:

 It was only the second day and already our routine has been altered. Ms Tiffany Davis, the curriculum librarian, introduced herself with a welcoming introduction. I was extremely excited to learn about resources that I never knew about in the library. I visit this library more than any other location on campus and it was on this day that I learned how clueless I was to the resources right in front of me.
 

The best and most useful information I learned on this day was, by far, the existence of the Kidspiration Program. This program is truly a gift to all teachers who strive to create a well-made visual presentation for young students. It could also be a great tool for students with learning disabilities or English language learners due to the programs allowance to visually express ideas. From the moment Ms. Davis introduced the program to the class, I could not stop trying different subjects and formats I could create. I was so excited about this program that I researched videos on its operation and came across this video that I hope will help other people who are new to the program:



 

Day 3:

Technology overload! Today several students presented projects that introduced themselves while, at the same time, utilized a different program. I really enjoyed viewing everyone's presentations... all of my classmates did a great job! I created a Google doc PowerPoint presentation to introduce myself to the class. This was really fun to make. It was easy to learn how to use because it has the same capabilities of Microsoft PowerPoint. What makes Google doc better than Microsoft PowerPoint is the fact that Google doc PowerPoint saves your progress automatically. You will no longer have to worry about saving a document. Additionally, wherever you can access your Google drive, you can access Google PowerPoint. Being that this program is so convenient, it was a pleasure for me to be able to use it and learn about its many capabilities.  Click here to view my About Me project.

 

My favorite program that I learned about and have now used is the online graffiti creation. I think it's so cool and can be used to display many pictures with various effects and backgrounds. It would give students a lot of room to discuss their image and its meaning. Students would have fun creating this just as I did. :)