Due Thursday, December 17th - Chapter 23-26

The major reason for giving a test is to find out if the students have accomplished the objectives of the assignment. What two things should a test do? How does an effective teacher write and use tests within the classroom? If the concept is not mastered how does the teacher correct the situation?

Cooperative learning refers to a set of instructional techniques whereby students work in small, mixed-ability learning groups. In the simplest form what does cooperative learning look like? List at least three ways you can encourage cooperative learning in your classroom.

The professional teacher recognizes that the classroom is a complex environment; the most successful teacher is the one capable of making decisions and solving problems in that environment. How will you achieve success, happiness, and effectiveness as a teacher?

All three of the above should have well written responses, include at least three quotes, three links, and one picture.

Due Thursday, December 17th.

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Due Friday, December 11th - Chapter 21 - 22

The role of a teacher is not to cover. The role of the teacher is to UNCOVER.
If students know what they are to learn, you increase the chances that they WILL learn. Research suggest that the one doing the work is the ONLY one doing the learning. As a teacher we must understand why our students do not complete assignments and how to help our students understand our expectations for learning. Mr. Wong discussed how to increase student learning and achievement and how to test for understanding in Chapters 21 and 22.

Using at least 4 quotes from the chapter, 2 links, and a picture answer the following questions.

1. What are some of the reasons that all students do not complete their assignments?
2. What is the difference between asking yourself, "What am I going to cover?" and, "What do I want my students to learn?"
3. Where does the textbook fit into learning?
4. Who benefits from using objectives, the student or the teacher? Explain. What should be included in an objective?
5. What is the goal of a test?
6. Define mastery
7. How important are grades to student learning and achievement?
8. Write an objective for your grade.
9. Write a test question that fits your objective
10. What are your thoughts on testing within the classroom and standardized state testing?

Due Friday, December 11th

Due Friday, November 20th!

I found this segment in chapter 18 particularly impactful: 

“Consequences are what result when a person abides by or breaks a rule… Every action results in a consequence. Consequences are not punishments. It is simply what happens when a person does something… A consequence is the result of a person’s chosen action.”

How do you feel about the Wongs' suggestions for setting up an effective discipline plan? In particular, what do you think about their proposal to use “choice” to instill a sense of personal responsibility in students when it comes to managing their own behavior? Do you agree with the argument that “the number one problem in the classroom is not discipline; it is the lack of procedures and routines?”

November 13th - Picture book month

Summarize the packet from picture book month on why picture books belong in our classrooms. Choose a picture book and coordinating activities that would be useful in your classroom or subject and add to your post. Include at least two links and one picture to your post. 

November 6th - Classroom Management

Before reading Harry Wong's ideas on classroom management and discipline share your thoughts on how you think classroom management and discipline should look. Share your past and present experiences with different teachers approaches to classroom management and discipline within the classroom. What has worked and what has not worked? What are some issues as a future teacher that you will do or not do when it comes to classroom management and discipline? Due on Friday, November 6th. Include a picture and link.

Due October 30th

Why is the welcoming of students to the classroom important? What ideas from the book do you think would work for you in your own classroom someday? Use at least 3 direct quotes. See previous blog post for example.

Remember that you aren't answering the questions but are actually writing your own blog about the topic while including the answers to the questions. 

Due October 30th

Give an example of a teacher's reputation that has preceded them. How did it make you feel going into the class? Did it make you behave differently? How can you protect your reputation as a teacher?

Due October 23rd

Define and Describe the most important factor governing student learning according to Mr. Wong. Make sure to include preparation for minimizing problems. All of this information can be found in Part C. Make sure to use at least 3 direct quotes from the book and include a picture, link, etc.

Quote example: According to Mr. Wong, "the most important factor governing student learning is classroom management" (p. 82). 

What a WONDERFUL idea!!!!!!!!

Sticky Ball Toss

Check out this parents way of teaching site words in a fun and interactive way!!

Field Site Experience Due Friday, October 9th

On your blog write about your experiences at sites. This can be funny or serious. DO NOT use names of any student, teacher, school, etc. You may use fake names but please put a disclaimer at the bottom of you post.

You do not need to link to an article or video but please add a picture.
Thanks!
Due October 9th!!!

Educational Blog Resources Due Friday, October 16th

On your blog link to five educational blogs that you have chosen to follow. Give a quick review and summary of the blog stating why you chose this blog and how it will help you.

Due Friday, August 16th.

Harry Wong's The First Day of School

Read Unit  A and B:

Here is the first discussion question for the Teacher Support Program's book study of Drs. Harry and Rosemary Wong's The First Days of School...
The Wongs share that "the greatest asset of a school is its people." Have you found this to be true? Who ARE these people and how can you create an environment that allows you to capitalize on the successes of these people and create a learning environment in the first weeks/months of school that fosters positive, respectful relationships with these "people?" 

Have you found success in forming cohorts of support at your campus? How are you planning on utilizing the tools provided to nurture and support you through your year?


Blog your answers to these questions in the comments below. And respond to two of your classmates comments.

Due Friday, October 16th.

Top Ten Things I wish I had known as a First Year teacher

Read the article and then post the top ten things you wish you had known as a first year future educator
OR, for those that are in their first year, find other teachers that have made similar lists and compare  them.

You need to link back to the original post and include a picture.

21st Century Teachers

What does it take to be a teacher in the 21st Century? With all of todays technological advances how can we as teachers make sure that we are giving our students the information they need in the format in which they understand? Is using technology in the classroom going to far? With kids being bombarded with technology outside of school do we really need it in school? 

Read the following article on 21st Teacher Skills. Write your thoughts and opinions on the article, while answering some of the questions above.

http://www.edutopia.org/discussion/15-characteristics-21st-century-teacher

You need to link to the article and include at least two other pieces of information that support your thoughts. For example a video, article, picture, etc. Please make sure you are using the tools available to link video, etc.

Post is due on Friday, September 25th.

Do teachers make a difference?

Last week we watched the documentary TEACH, a very moving movie on the lives of four teachers during a school year and the transformation of their approaches to teaching. At the end of the year, teachers ask themselves "What difference did it make?" I would argue that to those students whose lives were impacted and changed it made a significant difference.

Here is a a video that may help you answer the questions posed below, or motivate, inspire, or set your passion for teaching on fire.

Video: What do teachers make?

For your blog post this week, imagine that this same question was posed to you by a family member at a get together or someone you just met. How would you reply?

Support your response with evidence, such as statistics, anecdotes, testimonials, interviews, etc.

Your blog must contain two media sources, such as: a link to support the material, and embedded video or audio, images, documents, etc.

Due Friday, September 18th.

Title: Here's where I find the treasure in teaching

Due September 11th.Create a post that demonstrates the following skills and answer the title of your post. You will need to find examples that reflect YOU and what you like.1. Type in a favorite quote about teaching.2. Link to one educational site or your student organization.3. Insert a picture.

A teacher takes a hand, opens a mind, and touches a heart.

www.educatorsrising.org

COMMENTING:
Other times I will ask for a COMMENT.  You will comment directly on my blog.  A comment is exactly what the name implies.  It is short and to the point.  It gives your opinion in a short amount of words.  In many cases, it may be a sentence or less. 

GUIDELINES:
All posts and comments must be concise, contain meaningful content, avoid the use of inappropriate language or content, and make attempts to use proper writing mechanics - grammar, spelling, capitalization and punctuation.  

All interns will need to cite the reference material on which they are commenting.

All interns will need varied sources of media that include related pics, videos, links, etc.

Here is the rubric showing how you will be assessed.

Criteria	Points	Score
Quality of Writing, Organized Interesting style and voice Informative and reflective Organized	10
Writing Mechanics Grammar Punctuation Spelling Capitalization Construction	15 -1  for each error
Presentation Formatting Font Background Use of color Title	5
Multimedia - 3 different sources 1 should link to blog assignment 1 should link to reference article At least 1 pic, video, or additional link Adds perspective	10
Deadlines – Blog is posted by deadline (no late grades).	10
TOTAL	50

Assignment:

http://www.problogger.net/archives/2005/12/30/tens-tips-for-writing-a-blog-post/After you have read the linked article and reviewed the rules, make a comment on this blog.
Pick out the rule from the "10 Tips" article that you think is most important, and tell why.  Review the blog rubric and identify which area you feel you will have the most difficulty.

Welcome!!

This is the official blog for EAT student interns. This blog will help you expand your intellect through writing exercises that challenge your mind and thinking. Use it as a forum to express thoughts and feelings about the world and education.

It is your responsibility to check this blog regularly so that you can meet all deadlines. Blogs not finished in class will need to be completed on your own time.