I Touch the Future. I Teach.

I cannot believe that I am already writing my final blog for this course! The time has truly gone by extremely fast. In completing this survey, it is amazing to notice all the progress I have made. Though this course was a lot of work, it was worth all of the long nights and weekend meetings with my fieldwork group. I learned so much and am truly thankful of Dr. Smirnova for providing all of the resources and materials that led to my success. She was always willing to answer my questions and elaborate on ideas. My original goal for the semester was to, “develop a better understanding of teaching methods and incorporating technology into my lessons”. I have definitely achieved my goal. My exposure to the various technological programs such as Quizlet, QR codes, JogNog, Cacoo, Prezi, and Googledoc presentation have all enhanced my ability to create exceptional lesson plans. During fieldwork, I used them to present information to students and assess their knowledge. They could also be used for students to practice information in a way that is comfortable and more engaging.

My professional growth in the course has been substantial. Experiencing teaching a whole class and watching it myself has been helpful for my growth as a teacher. I was able to notice what went well and what needed changes. One of the most important concepts I have learned through watching my own teaching is my language in the classroom. I never realized how informal my language was when instructing students. I used to shorten my words and say “guys” when addresses the young ladies and gentleman of the classroom. I am on my way to perfecting my language. This course has also helped me get into a routine of staying on top of my assignments. This experience has taught me to time manage as well as creating my own deadlines and setting goals for my own progress. My new self-monitoring skills will allow me to problem-solve and become more independent in lesson planning. This course has well-prepared me for student teaching. I feel ready to teach, differentiate instruction, and use technology in the classroom.

Social studies is more than teaching history and important dates and figures. After surviving this course, I have learned it is more about creating our future. My blog title, "Socializing Our Future Leaders", reflects this idea. Our job as teachers is to create an environment where students can interact with one another, build relationships, and develop social skills necessary for the future. Students need to learn history to understand how the nation has come to be the way it is and the origins of our beliefs and values. Once this is established, the teacher should encourage different views from students. Every student should have his/her voice in the classroom, which will demonstrate their future role in society. Speaking up and expressing their thoughts will be practice for them to become respectable citizens. Our job is to provide them with situations in which they can introduce and express their individuality.  

 

I have provided the links to my fellow future teacher's blogs on which I have commented:

 

Alex Hercules' blog: Changing Tides and the Wave of Education

Lindsay Panko's blog: Keep Calm and TEACH ON

Ericka Knox's blog: Changing the World, One Student at a Time

James Welsh's blog: Social Studies Bloggersphere

 

"I have come to believe that a great teacher is a great artist, and that there are as few as there are other great artists. Teaching might even be the greatest of the arts since the medium is the human mind and spirit."
--John Steinbeck