My third week in my GLTP class was very interesting and informative. This week we concentrated on the idea of creativity and how a teacher should use it to make his or her lessons more memorable and effective.
After reading Dr. Ambrose's article, it became clear how many of the theories and ideas that we have been discussing in class relate to one another. For example, a teacher who practices constructivism will need to be creative. He/She must realize that their class is made up of individuals who can fall anywhere on the learning continuum. Therefore flexibility in teaching and the ability to change directions in order to meet the students' needs is essential. Also, while doing research for my group project, I able to make a connection between the creative teacher and differentiate Instruction.
The class period was very busy. First we had a guess speaker, who just happens to be my best friend, explaining to us about Taskstream a new program that is being implemented in the School of Education. The interesting thing about this program is that it can be used as a digital portfolio and at the same time, make it easier for the administration to prepare for their accreditation through NCATE.
Next, we separated into our project groups so that we could discuss our projects. I have to say I'm a little bit nervous about this presentation because at this point we have so many questions and nothing concrete written or discussed. I hope by my next posting that this will no longer be a problem.
We then took a break and when we got back we discussed metaphorical Analysis. This is both good and bad at the same time. By using these analogies it becomes easier to remember certain facts, but at the same time this type of exercise can trap you into a certain way of thinking. Dr. Ambrose then showed us quite a few examples that made it more clearer. One example is teaching as cooking. The teacher is the chef, the cookbook is the curriculum, spices are the teaching modules, student learning is the entree, discrepant event is the appetizer and even the idea that some kids enjoy gourmet, while others like the greasy spoon.
During the last 40 minutes of class, we were asked to write a reflection paper discussing Dr. Ambrose's article on creativity and the NJ core curriculum. What I learned from this experience is that I'm a little rusty in my time management skills. I couldn't believe how fast the time went and how much stuff I wanted to discuss. I truly hope I did well on it. I guess we will see next week.
Monday, February 22, 2010
Thursday, February 18, 2010
Week2
February 1, 2010
During the week leading up to this class, I read the require texts and learned a lot of information about child development and their individual styles of learning. As a mother of both a special needs son and a typically developing daughter, I found these readings very pertinent. It was fascinating to be able to compare my own children's development versus those of Piaget's and Vygotsky. I'm convinced in certain areas they both hit it on the head. I especially agree with Vygotsky's theory of social interaction and learning. Our social situations definitely have an impact with our learning. Another area I found interesting was the models of the mind. It is amazing how many different theories researchers have developed on how the child thinks and what is the best way to reach them.
At the beginning of class, Dr. Ambrose spoke about creativity and how it is imperative in successful teaching. He told us of a man named Grubert, who went through Darwin's notebooks. He noticed that Darwin had many sketches with labels on them which indicated he was having trouble understanding his own notes. Therefore he invented a visual metaphor which actually enabled him to leap to higher level of learning. Dr. Ambrose explained, that he used this strategy himself in Graduate School to help him study and understand what was being taught.
Next, we broke into groups and did an activity called Jigsaw with the topic being leadership. Dr. Ambrose handed out two cards randomly that indicated a Home Group (what we know about he topic) and the Expert Group discussing what we learn from our research and reading. In our Home Group, we came up with words that describe what leadership means to us. Next we separated into our Expert Group and read and article about a famous leader, and discuss it later. Lastly, we went back to our Home Group and taught the other members what we had learned. I was really impressed by the entire process and how much we learned in such a short amount of time.
Lastly, we broke up into our project groups that we were emailed late last week. My group is doing our presentation on How to Differentiate Instruction in Mixed - Ability Classrooms.
I am very excited to say that I am learning so much in this class and I'm looking forward to what I'll learn during this week of readings and class next week.
During the week leading up to this class, I read the require texts and learned a lot of information about child development and their individual styles of learning. As a mother of both a special needs son and a typically developing daughter, I found these readings very pertinent. It was fascinating to be able to compare my own children's development versus those of Piaget's and Vygotsky. I'm convinced in certain areas they both hit it on the head. I especially agree with Vygotsky's theory of social interaction and learning. Our social situations definitely have an impact with our learning. Another area I found interesting was the models of the mind. It is amazing how many different theories researchers have developed on how the child thinks and what is the best way to reach them.
At the beginning of class, Dr. Ambrose spoke about creativity and how it is imperative in successful teaching. He told us of a man named Grubert, who went through Darwin's notebooks. He noticed that Darwin had many sketches with labels on them which indicated he was having trouble understanding his own notes. Therefore he invented a visual metaphor which actually enabled him to leap to higher level of learning. Dr. Ambrose explained, that he used this strategy himself in Graduate School to help him study and understand what was being taught.
Next, we broke into groups and did an activity called Jigsaw with the topic being leadership. Dr. Ambrose handed out two cards randomly that indicated a Home Group (what we know about he topic) and the Expert Group discussing what we learn from our research and reading. In our Home Group, we came up with words that describe what leadership means to us. Next we separated into our Expert Group and read and article about a famous leader, and discuss it later. Lastly, we went back to our Home Group and taught the other members what we had learned. I was really impressed by the entire process and how much we learned in such a short amount of time.
Lastly, we broke up into our project groups that we were emailed late last week. My group is doing our presentation on How to Differentiate Instruction in Mixed - Ability Classrooms.
I am very excited to say that I am learning so much in this class and I'm looking forward to what I'll learn during this week of readings and class next week.
Week 1
January 25, 2009
Today, I attended my first college class in over 20 years. Walking into the classroom, I was both excited and terrified. The thoughts running through my head ranged from exhilaration to wondering if this was a good idea.
The class began with a brief introduction of Dr. Ambrose to his students and then in turn we introduced ourselves to at least three people and form a group. Once our group was compiled, we were asked to use our imaginations and brainstorm ideas about a picture that was given in class. This was a fascinating activity because it forced us to go beyond our obvious answers and delve further and come up with more creative and original ideas. Through this exercise, I began to feel more comfortable within my surroundings and the butterflies that were driving me crazy were gone.
Dr. Ambrose also used the class to review the syllabus and the projects that would be due during the semester. He introduced the group project to the class. He asked us to look at our choice and decide what the top three topics that excited us and he said that he would put us into groups.
I have to say by the time I left Rider University, I was very excited about starting a new part of my life.
Today, I attended my first college class in over 20 years. Walking into the classroom, I was both excited and terrified. The thoughts running through my head ranged from exhilaration to wondering if this was a good idea.
The class began with a brief introduction of Dr. Ambrose to his students and then in turn we introduced ourselves to at least three people and form a group. Once our group was compiled, we were asked to use our imaginations and brainstorm ideas about a picture that was given in class. This was a fascinating activity because it forced us to go beyond our obvious answers and delve further and come up with more creative and original ideas. Through this exercise, I began to feel more comfortable within my surroundings and the butterflies that were driving me crazy were gone.
Dr. Ambrose also used the class to review the syllabus and the projects that would be due during the semester. He introduced the group project to the class. He asked us to look at our choice and decide what the top three topics that excited us and he said that he would put us into groups.
I have to say by the time I left Rider University, I was very excited about starting a new part of my life.
Introduction
Hi! Welcome to my blog. My name is Tammy Ranello and I am returning to school after attaining my Bachelors in Communication from Florida State almost 20 years ago.
The purpose of this blog is to reflect on the learning in my certification program in elementary education at Rider University. In the coming months, I will be charting my learning and development progress through this blog.
The purpose of this blog is to reflect on the learning in my certification program in elementary education at Rider University. In the coming months, I will be charting my learning and development progress through this blog.
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