Blog Assignment #1

Being an Education Major makes me wonder on a daily basis what it is going to be like to be in my own classroom. I plan to teach 6th-8th grade Math and I am already contemplating what methods will I use? How will I spark the interest of the students everyday and make them want to learn the material? This often makes me drift into thought about what it would be like if by chance I became a millionaire overnight and was able to open a school. After reading the blog post "If I Built A School" by Krissy Venosdale, I found myself inspired(or should I say "Venspired"). In many ways the school she describes is like the school I envision in my head. However, I have some new ideas now after watching the Sugata Mitra video "Build A School In The Cloud." My ideal school would be one where the students immediately feel comfortable being there the moment they walk into the building. A school where the walls are lined with artwork from students and there are no plain white walls. The cafeteria will be and indoor courtyard where it feels like you are having a picnic everyday. The classroom will all have lounge areas where students can go to study and be comfortable while doing so. The desk won't be regular desk, they will be something comfy and with definitely with cushions. There will classes offered for students to start exploring future careers and seeing what they are interested in. The building will be technology friendly with labs for the students to use and definitely wifi, and art classes offered daily. The outside of the building will be covered in painted phrases of inspirational quotes to encourage the students to always be creative.

What do you want your students to know?

I would love for all my students to know how to use and Ipad or computer. Technology is becoming a major part of the learning process and I believe it also makes things a little more interesting for the students in middle school or high school seeing as how teens spend a majority of their time on the internet, etc. Being able to use computers and/or Ipads will enable me to explore other ways of teaching rather than just a pencil and paper. There are so many programs and even games now that can be downloaded to practice Math skills that I believe can be very useful in the classroom. Most of all I want my students to know that everything they learn in my class will be useful to them in outside of school in the "real world" as well.

What do you want your students to be able to do?

I want my students to be able to work in groups effectively; preferably the class as a whole. Being able to work together and learn together is going to be an important quality for the students to have, especially considering the classrooms of the future. Students are becoming more and more independent, and I want my students to be able to learn from each other. Also, having knowledge of how to use a computer, Ipad will be very useful and ideal in order to incorporate technology into the classroom. I want my students to know how to just get together and "Brain Storm," where everyone can just get in a group and come up with the solution.

What will be your primary way of teaching your students what you want them to know and to do?

I am a huge fan of the group discussion method. As I have mentioned, having the students all have their desks in a group and learn from each others ideas is an excellent way to keep their interest while still teaching them the material. I also plan to incorporate as many computer programs and learning activities I can find. I know many students get bored sitting in a classroom all day, so anyway I can hold their interest and make the material seem interesting is a winner to me. I also believe projects are a fun and effective way to teach new material. I consider myself more of a creative person, so projects were always my favorite in school. Having study session days before tests are something I would like to be able to do in my classroom; giving the students a day where they can get together in class and just have a study session to prepare for the test, or to clarify anything they might not clear on.

What tools will you use in your classroom?

I plan to use a Smartboard, Ipads, computers, calculators, a whiteboard, everything! I want to incorporate many different tools that way if maybe one student does not necessarily learn as well from the use of the Ipads and computers, then we can also use the trusted method of pencils , paper, and a whiteboard. Switching things up every now and then will keep the students on their toes and not get them too set on just one way and also help them to figure out which methods work better for them as a student.

What role will students play in your classroom, i.e. how will they participate in the learning process?

Students will play a major role in my classroom. After all, at the end of the day it is all about them right? My hopes are that the students will be not only students, but teachers and tutors as well. I want them to be included in the discussions at all times. If one student is having trouble I think having a peer tutor will be very effective because they can put it into terms they will understand for them. Keeping the students hands on in the learning process will help to hold their interests and also give them the self satisfaction of knowing they had a hand in learning and helping to teach others something new.