According to an article called Learning and Thinking Styles, Hoagies’ Gifted Education there is a estimated 127 different factors that contribute to an individual’s learning style. This article further explains how the concept of an individual’s learning style can be misunderstood.
A learning style is a way that a person “prefers” to learn. This does not mean that an individual cannot gain knowledge through an alternate route. This idea is applied to thinking styles as well. Thinking styles consist of verbal and imagery, while learning styles are listed as audio, visual, tactile, and kinesthetic.
This article really made me look at what type of learning and thinking styles that I most prefer. I took an online learning style quiz and I found that I am very much a tactile learner. I like to learn with a “hand-on approach. With this type of learning I can easily remember how things are done, but I have difficulty remembering what I saw and heard in the process. I found this article to provide a lot of interesting information, however I enjoyed taking the online quiz more, go figure.
Tuesday, August 12, 2008
Monday, August 11, 2008
A Statement of Teaching
In the article How to Write a Statement of Teaching Philosophy, Gabriela Montell takes the reader through the process of finding a teaching philosophy. This is can be a difficult task for some so Motell suggests breaking the components of a teaching philosophy down. For instance, asking questions like, “What do I believe about learning” or “What don’t I like in a teacher?”
Another crucial aspect of forming a teaching philosophy is becoming educated and understanding the expectations of an institution. Elements such as, size of classroom or background of a school can impact how a teacher should operate.
Montell further emphasizes how the foundation of a teaching philosophy is a key aspect of grabbing the attention of an audience. Using empty statements that have no grounding in your teaching discipline will create a false atmosphere. Montell’s last advice is to “Just Be Yourself.”
I found this article very helpful and I really enjoyed how Montell broke it down and made writing a teaching philosophy less intimidating. Whenever I am presented with a similar question pertaining to a teaching philosophy I feel myself go into anxiety mode. Having read this has encouraged me and helped me face my fear of addressing my own teaching philosophy.
Another crucial aspect of forming a teaching philosophy is becoming educated and understanding the expectations of an institution. Elements such as, size of classroom or background of a school can impact how a teacher should operate.
Montell further emphasizes how the foundation of a teaching philosophy is a key aspect of grabbing the attention of an audience. Using empty statements that have no grounding in your teaching discipline will create a false atmosphere. Montell’s last advice is to “Just Be Yourself.”
I found this article very helpful and I really enjoyed how Montell broke it down and made writing a teaching philosophy less intimidating. Whenever I am presented with a similar question pertaining to a teaching philosophy I feel myself go into anxiety mode. Having read this has encouraged me and helped me face my fear of addressing my own teaching philosophy.
Saturday, August 9, 2008
Technology and Learning
An article published by PublicTechnology.net highlighted a new study performed by Becta that revealed that technology is a key element to educational improvement. Becta, a government agency who focuses on learning through technology, found that presenting students with a higher level of technology will dramatically improve student’s performance.
The four year study called The ICT Test Bed Project was performed on 23 primary schools, five secondary schools, and three colleges. Further results showed that technology not only helped students, but teachers as well. Technology allowed for better time management, lessened work load, and allowed for students and teachers to work more closely together in setting goals and performing assessments.
This article displays some very interesting and positive results about technology in the classroom. Technology can be a very useful tool when used appropriately. As a student and as a future teacher I see where I can easily make mistakes when using technological tools. Errors such as age appropriate technology, overuse, student interactivity, and usability are all concepts that I would look at before I presented technology in my classroom. I have spent too many hours listening to a boring PowerPoint presentation, watching outdated movies, and working with challenging educational-based programs. I love technology and I believe it will only get better and better. The responsibility placed on schools and teachers is how to use it.
Additional Links:
Becta
ICT Test Bed Project
The four year study called The ICT Test Bed Project was performed on 23 primary schools, five secondary schools, and three colleges. Further results showed that technology not only helped students, but teachers as well. Technology allowed for better time management, lessened work load, and allowed for students and teachers to work more closely together in setting goals and performing assessments.
This article displays some very interesting and positive results about technology in the classroom. Technology can be a very useful tool when used appropriately. As a student and as a future teacher I see where I can easily make mistakes when using technological tools. Errors such as age appropriate technology, overuse, student interactivity, and usability are all concepts that I would look at before I presented technology in my classroom. I have spent too many hours listening to a boring PowerPoint presentation, watching outdated movies, and working with challenging educational-based programs. I love technology and I believe it will only get better and better. The responsibility placed on schools and teachers is how to use it.
Additional Links:
Becta
ICT Test Bed Project
Top Worst Things?!?!
In the article Top 10 Worst Things a Teacher Can Do, author Melissa Kelly has compiled a list of mistakes that new and veteran teachers should avoid making. She advises that teachers will have a harder time controlling his/her class if two or more of these mistakes are made. Problems such as, loss of student’s respect or self-esteem are consequences of these mistakes.
After reading this article I found some of the items on the list out-dated or close-minded. I look at some of these mishaps like, “avoid smiling or being friendly to a student,” as a way to gain a students attention and respect not a way to lessen a student/teacher relationship. I would be interested to see where she came up with these "10 worst" items.
After reading this article I found some of the items on the list out-dated or close-minded. I look at some of these mishaps like, “avoid smiling or being friendly to a student,” as a way to gain a students attention and respect not a way to lessen a student/teacher relationship. I would be interested to see where she came up with these "10 worst" items.
Monday, August 4, 2008
When Education Crosses the Line
The “misuse” or “offensive use” of the internet is a growing trend that has forced lawmakers to revise laws and create new ones to protect innocent people from becoming victims to internet crimes. According to an article found on MSNBC.com, students at the University of Oxford are getting a rude awakening from campus officials.
Disciplinary officials at Oxford snoop through students Facebook accounts to look for pictures or documentation of students breaking campus regulations. If officials find something incriminating they send an e-mail fine of $80 to $200 for breaking campus rules. The student union advised students with Facebook accounts to change their privacy setting to prevent staff and faculty from viewing their profiles and photographs. In response to these accusations, Alex Hill, an Oxford student rebutted against the actions of the campus officials. An e-mail stated that her photos proved “disorderly” conduct and linked to photos of Hill with shaving cream on her. She felt that it was a ridiculous reason to receive a fine and felt wrongfully accused.
This incident is difficult to categorize, but the damage that is caused by the use of the internet are apparent. I feel that there could be a possible misuse from the students end, but I feel that the way campus officials are using the internet is offensive. The degree of impact on the students is higher compared to the degree of impact on the University. A fine can be given out for just an implication or what looks to be disorderly conduct. The University is handing out fines from just what they see in a picture. This could hurt the reputation of the student and put them in financial debt because of a photo. I feel that this is an invasion of privacy and if the University feels that there is a misuse in the internet by the student they should contact the users of Facebook.
Disciplinary officials at Oxford snoop through students Facebook accounts to look for pictures or documentation of students breaking campus regulations. If officials find something incriminating they send an e-mail fine of $80 to $200 for breaking campus rules. The student union advised students with Facebook accounts to change their privacy setting to prevent staff and faculty from viewing their profiles and photographs. In response to these accusations, Alex Hill, an Oxford student rebutted against the actions of the campus officials. An e-mail stated that her photos proved “disorderly” conduct and linked to photos of Hill with shaving cream on her. She felt that it was a ridiculous reason to receive a fine and felt wrongfully accused.
This incident is difficult to categorize, but the damage that is caused by the use of the internet are apparent. I feel that there could be a possible misuse from the students end, but I feel that the way campus officials are using the internet is offensive. The degree of impact on the students is higher compared to the degree of impact on the University. A fine can be given out for just an implication or what looks to be disorderly conduct. The University is handing out fines from just what they see in a picture. This could hurt the reputation of the student and put them in financial debt because of a photo. I feel that this is an invasion of privacy and if the University feels that there is a misuse in the internet by the student they should contact the users of Facebook.
Wednesday, July 30, 2008
To Blog or Not to Blog
Blogging has opened many doors for teachers to disperse educational information online. Along with these opportunities arise responsibilities and consequences. Many schools have found it necessary to place ground rules for teachers and their blogging habits. In the article Blog Rules, David Warlick lists independent teacher bloggers, professional teacher bloggers, and instructional teacher bloggers as the different categories that educational bloggers fall within. The power that blogging has can be detrimental to a school and can hinder the overall mission. There is little a district can do, however there are legal ramifications that are related to blogging that teachers should be familiar with. According to Warlick, when dealing with these types of bloggers, schools should first understand what they’re communicating and set guidelines accordingly. Warlick also suggests providing teachers with specific goals for blogging to promote a positive atmosphere within the school site.
In addition, schools are not the only ones to carry the responsibility of blogging. In the article To Blog or Not to Blog, Jeanne Kimball outlines some safety tips for teachers to consider before posting children’s work or educational content. These safety tips provide beneficial information to assist those who plan to blog and give information to those who are weighing the importance of posting educational information online.
As a person who is not familiar with blogging, I have found a new appreciation for this technological tool. I feel that my profession as a teacher can be greatly enhanced by professional teacher blogging. Professional teacher blogging focuses on teacher’s abilities within a school setting or district. As a new incoming teacher I would have another resource for finding the right school for me and also have an outreach to help me with my problems I face as a teacher. Having a grade school focus I don’t really find it necessary to use other blogging categories such as, independent teacher blogging or instructional teacher blogging.
In addition, schools are not the only ones to carry the responsibility of blogging. In the article To Blog or Not to Blog, Jeanne Kimball outlines some safety tips for teachers to consider before posting children’s work or educational content. These safety tips provide beneficial information to assist those who plan to blog and give information to those who are weighing the importance of posting educational information online.
As a person who is not familiar with blogging, I have found a new appreciation for this technological tool. I feel that my profession as a teacher can be greatly enhanced by professional teacher blogging. Professional teacher blogging focuses on teacher’s abilities within a school setting or district. As a new incoming teacher I would have another resource for finding the right school for me and also have an outreach to help me with my problems I face as a teacher. Having a grade school focus I don’t really find it necessary to use other blogging categories such as, independent teacher blogging or instructional teacher blogging.
Embrace Multiple Intelligence
Howard Gardner fosters the idea that people’s minds consist of multiple intelligence. These include; verbal-linguistic, mathematical-logical, musical, visual-spatial, bodily-kinesthetic, interpersonal, intrapersonal, naturalist, and existential. With these intelligences, humans have the ability to strengthen or can weaken different areas of their multiple intelligences. A quick interactive self-assessment can help you discover these areas of intelligence and displays what areas you are comfortable in.
To embrace the idea of MI teachers need to realize that not every student learns exactly the same way. In order to reach all of her students a teacher should present a lesson plan by touching on the different intelligences. For example, to help all students exercise their different intelligences, a teacher might create a lesson plan that requires students to perform a project, listen to an instructional video, and write a report about the specific topic. Fostering this idea can be very beneficial to students and teacher. All students will have the ability to become more active and avid learners if they can find their intelligent strengths, while teachers will have a better opportunity to reach every student who may or may not be struggling in their class.
To embrace the idea of MI teachers need to realize that not every student learns exactly the same way. In order to reach all of her students a teacher should present a lesson plan by touching on the different intelligences. For example, to help all students exercise their different intelligences, a teacher might create a lesson plan that requires students to perform a project, listen to an instructional video, and write a report about the specific topic. Fostering this idea can be very beneficial to students and teacher. All students will have the ability to become more active and avid learners if they can find their intelligent strengths, while teachers will have a better opportunity to reach every student who may or may not be struggling in their class.
Planet PDF
Planet PDF was created in 1998 to assist people with all of their PDF needs. Planet PDF provides tools to help create, publish, and edit PDF files. In addition, users can join the forum to obtain help form other Acrobat users or developers or search the archives for other answers to questions.
This site is an avenue that teachers or educators can use to improve the information exchange within a classroom or university. Instead of textbooks, teachers could easily create PDF files that can be sent over the internet or posted on particular sites such as, a social networking site. In addition, students will not have to buy expensive textbooks at the university level or high school students won’t have to share a limited amount of textbooks.
This site is an avenue that teachers or educators can use to improve the information exchange within a classroom or university. Instead of textbooks, teachers could easily create PDF files that can be sent over the internet or posted on particular sites such as, a social networking site. In addition, students will not have to buy expensive textbooks at the university level or high school students won’t have to share a limited amount of textbooks.
Virtual Library
The WWW Virtual Library is a vast information website packed with various topics that range from agriculture and the arts to social behavior and society. Each site is operated and funded by a sponsor and is very much academically centered. However, once funding is no longer provided the site appears to be disconnected until another sponsor can replace the site. This does make it frustrating to click on a topic and realize that it has been disconnected or request that you provide more information to be subscribed.
The layout of the site allows for an educator to start with a broad topic and further narrow down a search to fit within what they are teaching. Once a topic is selected an educator has available links to accurate websites, information about educational projects, lectures, university studies, and many more news information or resources to aid in creating a lesson plan. As an upcoming teacher I feel that this site could be very beneficial to an educator at any level. This site could help one get acquainted with a new topic or raise awareness in a university classroom. However, the website tends to lead to some dead ends and seems to be outdated. I expected more from this site since it is supported by sponsors.
The layout of the site allows for an educator to start with a broad topic and further narrow down a search to fit within what they are teaching. Once a topic is selected an educator has available links to accurate websites, information about educational projects, lectures, university studies, and many more news information or resources to aid in creating a lesson plan. As an upcoming teacher I feel that this site could be very beneficial to an educator at any level. This site could help one get acquainted with a new topic or raise awareness in a university classroom. However, the website tends to lead to some dead ends and seems to be outdated. I expected more from this site since it is supported by sponsors.
The Furl
Furling is a way for groups to share information online. There are three types of groups, which include private groups, invite groups, and public groups. These groups can be formed by a specific interest such as cooking or they can form by a personal connection, such as a co-worker. This site could provide an optional connection between teachers within a specific field of study or grade level. By creating a group, teachers could share educational articles, provide help to fellow teachers, or share a great link for an interesting workshop. By being part of a particular group, teachers would have a filtered resource of information to help them with their profession.
There are many different groups to join and there seems to be something for everyone!
There are many different groups to join and there seems to be something for everyone!
iToddle with iGoogle
Google has found a new way to personalize its webpage. A rebranded Google IG has come out as iGoogle, a one-stop homepage. According to MSNBC, iGoogle was a tool designed to encourage more people to log in to its Internet-leading search engine more frequently. In 2006, tens of millions of users had created a profile on iGoogle and today more and more are signing up each day.
Once you sign-up iGoogle allows you to customize your page with themes, tabs, and add-ons. I found the homepage very user friendly and enjoyed browsing through the various gadgets to add on to each of my pages. I feel that iGoogle could be a very useful tool to help me organize my daily tasks and keep me updated on my personal interests. Within 10 minutes I had a homepage with 3 additional tabs of interest. I really don’t see myself using this as a tool to help with my teaching career. This was more of a fun customization that brought information of my choice to me.
Once you sign-up iGoogle allows you to customize your page with themes, tabs, and add-ons. I found the homepage very user friendly and enjoyed browsing through the various gadgets to add on to each of my pages. I feel that iGoogle could be a very useful tool to help me organize my daily tasks and keep me updated on my personal interests. Within 10 minutes I had a homepage with 3 additional tabs of interest. I really don’t see myself using this as a tool to help with my teaching career. This was more of a fun customization that brought information of my choice to me.
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