Concept Development!

I really enjoyed Wendy and Whitnee's lesson that they presented to us. Even though I couldn't teach that exact lesson in a high school English class, I immediately was able to start thinking of lessons and concepts that I could share through using that model. One of the concepts that I think can be a difficult one is discovering the reasons characters in literature do the things they do and the thought processes behind those actions. Some students can really struggle with putting themselves into a book, but it is a necessary thing to be able to do when talking about voice, tone, character analysis, and many other components of literature as well. In talking about the concept of relating the text to self, many discussions can arise about other parts of the students' lives that they find relation to in the book. They are able to not only understand the characters we are studying in literature, but also the books as a whole as well as the authors intentions in writing the way they did (when you get to more advanced classes involving literary criticism).

Differentiation

Let me start by saying I really loved reading and studying the Hallmarks of a Differentiated Classroom! I love how you broke it down for us and covered all of the bases for creating that effective differentiated classroom. I have really enjoyed learning about the Learner- Centered style of teaching and number five really stuck out to me as being that type of instruction for us as teachers to give up some of our responsibility and power. Obviously I know it is important for us to stay in control of our classrooms and to be the leader that is in charge, but giving the students freedom to become a true component in their learning is so important. I loved the wording "students come to know their strengths and limits, as well as the strengths and limits of their classmates as they gain greater autonomy for their learning". It was in a more open and less limited classroom my seventh grade year, when I was helping a classmate understand a topic that I decided I really wanted to help people learn for the rest of my life. I felt so fulfilled and helpful to my friend when I was able to help him, and I knew that I could be an effective educator.

Direct Instruction Review~

I think the most difficult step for teachers is the seventh and final step. We as teachers have so much ground to cover in any given subject and grade level that taking the time to go back later on and review material in an enjoyable way can be nearly impossible. Unless we give cumulative tests at the end of units or semesters there isn't a true assessment of that knowledge that they learned previously. We have already moved on from that material and it's almost a guarantee that the students have forgotten it. It is our job as teachers to make that step a priority and to create fun ways to show the students that the material that was covered in the past is important and that it is still pertinent to them and applicable (without giving them a written test).
For me, personally, the most unnatural step in the direct instruction model is stating the objective. It feels to me that is similar to stating at the beginning of one's essay, "In this essay I will talk about..." I have always been taught that this is not how you write an effective and good essay. I know there are better ways to state one's objective in a classroom like an attention grabbing activity or demonstration, without actually saying, "today you're going to learn about..." That step could be difficult for me if I don't make it an interesting instructional step rather than a blatant statement.
For the students, reviewing and assessing their previous knowledge can feel like a total waste of time. Reviews can always feel tedious and useless, especially when done in a boring, unengaging way. Unless this first step is done with enthusiasm and treated as something fun rather than a straight review and or assessment then the rest of the lesson will feel the same. You don't always have to do an extensive activity that is fun and exciting, but you do need to grab the attention of the students and make them interested in what you're about to teach them.

Our Classroom Community

After reading through most of the first blog posts I have to say how impressed I was! So many of the blogs were so fun to read and we all are so different in every way. There are so many different grade levels, subjects and backgrounds that we come from and are involved in. I feel very lucky to be in this cohort with so many intelligent, fun and great people. I think the most important thing to have a cohesive classroom is to allow each student to play a role in every one else's education. Giving us the opportunity to share with one another about our teaching experiences as well as our hopes, goals and dreams as a teacher will help one another to improve upon our abilities as educators. I think that embracing the differences in each other will bond us as a class and create a community of learning that everyone can be a part of.
For my own self, I know I have much to learn and therefore I am very open to suggestions of all kinds. I am so excited to learn more about this field and I trust the people in this class to help me learn as well as you as a professor. I think that is a big part of us working well together as a class. Being able to listen to one another is a crucial key to getting along and creating a classroom community. This class is already one that I do not want to miss, but creating bonds with my classmates increases that desire to come to class daily. When you enjoy spending time doing something or being with certain people then you are going to want to continue to expose yourself to those things. It is important for us to learn and to be taught and while that is reason enough to come to class, wanting to come to class is different then feeling obligated. Allowing us as students to share our thoughts and ideas about teaching methods and teaching in general really allows us to open up to one another and to get to know one another on a deeper professional and personal level. For me as a learner, I am taught best through example and from passion in my teachers. We are all teachers in this classroom and having an excellent professor leading the way and directing us, we become better able to educate ourselves and our students.

Snapshot of Me as a Teacher~

I just graduated from the University of Utah with my English degree. I do not have any real experience as a teacher in charge of a classroom and responsible for the learning of 150 students at a time. I will be working on receiving my teaching certificate this coming Fall semester here at UVU while working on achieving my M. Ed. as well. At the U it is not required of those who are majoring in any sort of teaching emphasized studies to receive their teaching license in order to graduate and it requires another year and a half of school in order to do so. I have always known that I wanted to teach, it was just a question of how I would get to that point in my life where I would feel like I could effectively teach. After talking with my advisor about the differences between the English Teaching major and the English major he pushed me towards receiving my BA in English and then continuing on to get my Master's rather than continuing in school and just gaining my certificate. I couldn't be more happy with the route I have taken so far. I feel like I have a fresh outlook on education, and although I am still naive about it to some extent, I know that I will be so well prepared to enter a classroom and teach students in a way that they will actually be educated. I have always loved helping others, and more specifically educating them about something that I am knowledgeable and passionate about. I have become passionate about literature and the beauty that can be the English language. I am so happy to be in this program now and I cannot wait to learn more and then finally to teach and be taught with my students.

Grad School~

Well, I never thought I would give into this blogging craze that my mama and sister have been sucked into but it looks like I have no choice now! :) I'm excited to do this though and I think it is a fun and different way to get the class involved with one another online as well as in the classroom.