Reflection # 10

After taking this class I have to say I have learned a variety of helpful pointers towards becoming a teacher. It has also really influenced my way of thinking when becoming a teacher. For starters, becoming a teacher is not as easy as it may seem; it requires hard work and a lot of devotion to your work. One of the essential parts of becoming a teacher involves being organized. Organization plays a big role when it comes to coordinating your curriculum for the lesson, this way you are always prepared for the next day. In addition, I have also learned that one of the most key ingredients in becoming a teacher is understanding your students for example, identifying their strengths and weakness. All students learn in a different way and style. Some students may be more advanced than others or some just might learn with a different style. Another important factor I learned from this class was the type of educational philosophy I fall under. I learned that in order to obtain a well developed classroom you should follow your philosophy. This class has also prepared me with the knowledge on how technology can be very helpful and essential in a classroom for teachers. Computers can help you with your organization with grades and in lesson planning. You can incorporate computers into your lesson plan for a more cooperative lesson, this way students are able to interact more with one another. However, one of the main things I really learned from this class was how to construct a variety of lesson plans. For example, there is the Behavioral, Constructivist, telecollaborative or transpersonal lesson plan. My favorite has to be the Constructivist lesson plan because it is more cooperative and the class gets to interact more with students as well as with the teacher. In conclusion, I believe that after taking this course I have gotten a feel for what my future as a teacher might entail. I will certainly be using all the tips and knowledge I have gain from this class to my teacher career. Overall, I enjoyed this class very much and has influenced me as a future educator. I hope that I can make a difference in my students by planting a seed of knowledge in them from what I have achieved.

Reflection # 9

Technology has changed and influenced the world in general. As a future educator I believe technology is a great source for the delivery of instruction. Technology has exposed us to new things we have never thought could exist. It has opened the door to teachers as well as students. When we mention technology we refer to computers. Computers have really been a big aid to both teacher and students in the process of delivering instruction. This type of technology allows students to be exposed to the internet were they can collect, gather and retain information on anything they are researching. They are also able to communicate with other students around the world. For example, technology has influenced in the tellecolabrative lesson plan, were students are open to communicate with other students across the world via internet. Technology gives students the advantage of becoming a prepared individual in the real world we live in today which is revolved around technology.As a teacher, I believe technology is very useful especially with the organizing of student’s information and grades. Technology allows us teacher to work more effectively.Teachers need to make sure they give students the opportunity to take advantage of what technology has to offer in the educational world.Teachers should know what is better for the student by being open minded to new ideas and changes in a classroom dealing with technology. One way teacher can incorporate technology is to assigning students a group research project that involves them to gather and search information on a topic by using the computer. In conclusion, I personally think that technology has evolved into the next big thing in the instructional process. In my opinion, technology should be used on an everyday bases both in the classroom and at home. Technology is the future in which we are headed to. Therefore, we as future educator should keep in mind to apply technology in our daily curriculum in order to prepare and provide students with a better comprehension. Overall, I certainly will be applying technology in my classroom. Without applying technology students won’t gain the knowledge needed to prepare them for the future that awaits them.

Reflection # 7

When it comes to a Digital story you have capability’s that are at the palms of your hands. It is a form of technology that is used for storytelling but, instead of an actual person telling a story face to face it is told via a digital image with both video and audio outputs combined. Digital stories are usually not very long and include a narrated section written by a person telling the story. Digital stories not only include a story but also include images, graphics and animations for a visual understanding, music for audio in the background so that your audience gets a better feel for what is being expressed and also include web publishing. Digital stories are very beneficial in education. In the educational world, these digital stories are provided to increase the student’s attention as well as knowledge to new technology. Digital stories allow students to show and learn the way in which they learn (Learning style). It also let students share their work assignments to a larger audience other than a classroom, which promotes collaborative learning. Digital stories also provide motivation to students due to the fact that they can relate to any pass experience or interest they meant have in regards to the digital story. However, digital stories get very easy to crate it requires time, media tools and a good story to write and tell.
In my opinion I believe that these Digital stories are very educational for students. Not only does it open the minds to new things but allows students to share their work with other audiences all over the world. Overall Digital stories provide great benefits which are need in the everyday classroom. As a future educator I personally will be using this method of technology in my classroom. Hopefully in a near future teacher use this method so that every students gets the benefits they are missing.

Extra Credit Event

The event of poems and music was one I really enjoyed attending, all performances were great. In the beginning of the event there was a prayer made to bless the event in which made me feel as if I were being blessed by the spirit gods. It was pretty interesting hearing a language I had never heard before. As the event went by the poems presented were are all very deep and moving. One of my favorite poets had to be Donna known as “Aza”. Her poems really touched my inner soul. The poems she read were very inspirational. I enjoyed the poem dedicated to her brother and how no matter what she would be waiting for him until he came back home. What love can do! As for the music Kiki Sanchez was awesome. His African Peruvian mix reminded me of some my Latin rhythms. He really expresses himself through the way he plays the piano. In addition something that really grabbed my attention and put me in a state of shock throughout the event was the African priest performance. He had me on the edge on my seat. I have to say I was a bit scared of him but, the part of him putting the rocks on fire in his mouth was spectacular. I wonder how he is able to do that. Overall, the event was extravagant. This event made me feel great and part of something new. I personality felt cleansed by all the spiritual love surrounding me. This is one event I will certainly remember.

Extra Credit "Poems"

#1 " When a Boy falls in love"
This poem in my opinion is trying to explain when a young boy falls in love. When boys fall in love they are scared to admit it. Boy's fell that when they do fall in love they are vulnerable to the girl. It's funny because there is a saying that goes " let the man fall in love with you first, than you first" it is all a sense of security. Overall , it is a good poem!

#2 "loving spirt"
I really liked this poem. It may me feel loved by that special someone. It's that feeling of being in love and the way that person holds and wraps you with their big arms. It's that sensation of being in love with one another


# 4 "What do you see in him?"
This poem was very interesting. It's talks about a situation in which women go through all over the world. The poem describes a man who is comparing himself to the women he desires how he is different than the man she is with. He ask's her what is it that she see's in this man that has all these negative facts and is not good for her. However, I believe sometimes wome are so deep into a relationship they can't surpass all these negative things the man they are with has, so they stay.

# 6 "Amour Mortelle "
This poem was pretty scary but it is something that could happen in real life situations. The poem is about a love that is very deadly. A women who become obessesed with this man, which she wants all for hereslf. She explains that if she can't have this man then no one would, therefore she ends up killing him by causing him a mortal wound. By the way the qoute by billies blue is really strong yet interesting

# 8 " I Lost You"
I have to say this was a deep one. It's very true what they say love moves in mysterious ways. You fall in love and see that person grow as a person with the love you share. However, one day you loose that special someone. Sad but at the end of the day I am a strong believer that everything happens for a reason

Reflection # 6

After reading the article on Telecollaborative projects I have a better understanding of what it is and how teachers can use this method in there daily lesson. Telecollaborative projects are activities in which students can collaborate by using the internet. These telecollaborative projects can be used in any subject or grade level. They are very effective to students when it comes to exposing them to the internet world. Usually telecollaborative projects involve students to connect with other students in different locations around the world such as South America, India, Europe, and so on. This way student’s are able to use tools and resources off the internet to work together. For instance, when teachers want students to collect information in a dissimilar location, by communicating via internet with real live audience, students will use an imagery gadget such as a web camera and also operate text through emailing. The benefits of using this strategy are that students will be able to be introduced to different opinions, beliefs and perspectives. They will also be able to expand their global awareness. For example, in the article it explains how a teacher used this type of telecollaborative project with her students. The Canadian students were assigned a project which entailed them to connect with students from Israel, were they would exchange emails to each other back and fourth with information on activities that 13 and 14 year olds do there such as sports, music, and fashion. However, to there surprise the students over there were all they spoke about was the terrorist attacks happening there. The student in Canada were shock to here this was happening there yet; they gain knowledge and were able to learn something they had no clue was happening. The students know understood how safe their country was and were aware of the happening in Israel. Overall, telecollaborative projects are one of the many strategies teachers can utilize in their classroom to provide students with internet knowledge and exposure. I personally like these telecollaborative projects, this way students are open to learn a number of things like other cultures, customs, and occurrences that happen around the world.

Reflection #5

When it comes to cooperative and collaborative learning is a method in which involves students to intact with each other. For example having students work together in groups on a project or helping one another with class work or homework. So far I have learned that there are a number of methods and techniques used to teach a classroom. Collaborative learning is a technique teachers used so that students team up together to search for questions or creates significant assignments. In Collaborative learning students work in a group discussing a shared task. They usually work in small groups and are reasonable for their own individual work as well as their group work, which will be reviewed. However, in collaborative learning students don’t really interact on one to one bases, they work together with students from other schools or with students on the internet in which they share a project together. On the other hand, Cooperative learning is more of a face to face method were the groups work and learn as a team. In the cooperative there are three important things that need to be included. First the students require feeling secure but at the same time feeling like it’s a challenge. Second, the students should be divided into small groups, this way each student is able to contribute to the project. Last, the assignment given to the groups should be without a doubt understood and defined.
In addition, both cooperative and collaborative learning provide a number of benefits not only for the students but for the teacher. These learning techniques allow students to participate frequently. It also gives the opportunity for teachers to learn something new from the students. It can also offer students to interact with each other and share there own experiences and knowledge. In all the benefits of collaborative and cooperative learning is that it can be utilized in every subject matter. It is essential that teachers are able to use these types of technique in their classroom so that students are allowed to network together to cater to diverse learning habits. Overall, I believe that both of these methods are very useful fro teachers. I personally like the fact that the students are graded each for their own work even though they have worked in collaboration with each other. Finally, I as a teacher will certainly be implementing these methods of learning to my classroom.

Reflection # 4 EME2040

When it comes to Inquiry based learning I believe it is a process that is essential for a well taught lesson. Inquiry based learning main focus is to engage students so that they get an understanding of the lesson. In the readings they define inquiry as searching for facts, knowledge or information by asking questions. This type of learning entails students to have a quest for answer to questions as well as interaction with the classroom expanding the students mind. Once the students start inquiring they are already in tone with the topic or subject, making them curious as to what they are learning .When interaction is being made in the classroom along the students this opens there minds as to what other classmate point of view is so they can compare. As a teacher when taking this type of learning approach you first start by making a situation for students so that calls for answers to questions they might have. This causes a chain reaction which involves students to work together in search of the answers. This is a good method so that students are Igor to solve the situation, making them more ready for future scenarios. In all the teacher opens the doors by exposing them to a challenge in seek of answers to the situation. In addition, Inquiry based learning is a method of learning in which allows students to develop questions. For example, students might ask questions like show me or tell me so that they can remember and relate to the situation this have been given. This inquiry entails participation which leads to understanding. In result, of the students participating they develop possessing skills allowing them to search for resolutions to questions they might have while obtaining new knowledge. Questions leads to the urge of wanting to learn what is being taught in the classroom. This benefits of this form of inquiry based learning is that students will be able to observe, analyze and collect data to construct a conclusion by using there problem solving skills. This allows the teacher to see how well the students are learning about the topic as a classroom as well as an individual student. There are many types of learning methods but over all this form of learning offers developmental habits of the mind that can last forever in a child; guiding them through the learning experience and using creative thinking. I personality like this method of learning and it is one that I would definitely incorporate in my classroom in the near future as an educator.

Reflection # 3

A constructive lesson plan to my understanding is a method in which teachers can utilize to incorporate to have more interaction with the classroom. The method allows students to work together in groups with each other as well as with the teacher. The curriculum is based on a more hands on learning environment. When using the constructive lesson plan you are able to test your students to find out what they already know so that you can make a connection to the lesson you are trying to convey. This way teachers are aware of were their students stand in the classroom. It is important for a teacher to know the level of knowledge the students acquires. Therefore by applying this method of lesson planning you can achieve a better learning environment. However keep in mind that the lesson should be expressed in a reasonable stand point mainly if you are teaching at a lower grade level like kindergarten.
In addition the constructive lesson plan follows 6 elements, in which are designed to motivate teacher planning and reflect on the process of student learning. The first element is a Situation, where the teacher assembles a circumstance for students to clarify. The second element is Grouping, where the teacher find a way to arrange the students in a group and identify the materials that will be in use. The third element is the Bridge, which teacher use to construct a connection between what the students know and what they will gain knowledge of from the lesson. The fourth element is Questions, where teacher put together guiding questions to get across the situation and keep the classroom active. The fifth element is Exhibits, where the students have to display to other students their understanding of the situation. The last element is Reflections, where the students have to reflect on what they have gained from the exhibits of other students. All of these elements are essential to conduct a constructivist lesson plan and should be applied in order to test the students in everyway you possibility can. I believe that this lesson plan is a great way of getting the class more motivated to learn. Overall it’s all about learning and planting a seed of knowledge in every student. I personality like this method of lesson planning and will be use it in my teaching career.

EME 2040 Reflection #2

When it comes down to Behaviorist and Constructive lesson planning they both aim for the same goal in teaching a lesson; which is providing an organized work ethic for there students. Although Behaviorist and Constructive lesson planning might seem similar they have there differences in the format they use to present the lesson. They have a diverse approach on how to give out the class. Behaviorist lesson planning is based on an 8 element design created by Madeline Hunter. Mrs. Hunter states that for teachers to offer an effective lesson they should incorporate the 8 element design. The purpose of this lesson plan design is to increase the utmost learning quality of the students, despite the grade level or ethnicity the student may be. The format contains the following elements, objective /purpose, anticipatory set, input, modeling, guided practice, checking for understanding, independent practice and a closure. Behaviorist lesson plans carries out an objective and purpose so that the students fulfill the activity. When using this cycle of various elements you will be able to see if the students has developed in the learning.
As for a Constructive lesson plan the format is quite different. A constructive plan follows a six element design. The format is designed to incite educators so that they can reflect on the progression of student education. It’s based on a teacher to student communication as well as student to student. The structure of a constructive lesson plan consist of the following element :situations, grouping, bridge, questions, exhibits and reflections. Grouping helps students interact with each other. This way the students are able to learn different strategies and styles another student may use. A Constructive lesson has more availability for an open classroom relation being more flexible for students to progress in the learning environment. However, it all depends on the grade level and the way you consider the class will learn best. Overall, students will learn with either of the two lesson plans. If the proper elements are followed correctly students should gain knowledge of the lesson despite the format you use. I personally like both because they apply different strategies for students to learn. Let’s see which format of lesson plan I incorporate in my teaching career, hopefully I use both so that I can see the various results they offer.

EME 2040 - Reflection #1

After reading the various definitions on a lesson plan, I have come to understand that a lesson plan is an outline of a lesson in which the teacher is planning on teaching the classroom. In this lesson plan the teacher writes in detail what the lesson entails. The lesson plan serves as a guideline to the educator so that they have an idea what to do on weekly or daily bases. The lesson plan usually explains in a step to step form the procedures of the lesson, the materials required to conduct the lesson and indicates the objectives the students will obtain once the lesson has been completed. When making a lesson plan you should always keep in mind that the time you have in teaching the lesson is vital. You ought to make sure that the material is appropriate for the objective and age group. Make sure the activity engages the student. It’s important that the activity is presented in such a way that the child clearly understands the procedures. The way a teacher can do this is by incorporating various materials, be creative and think outside the box. Always remember that not all students learn in the same way or pace, keep in mind the different learning styles when planning your lesson. Also lesson planning acquires time and dedication. Therefore, teachers need to manage there time wisely when planning there lesson whether it’s daily or weekly.
I also read about the different forms of lesson planning. There are Behaviorist lesson planning, Constructivist lesson planning and Transpersonal. A Behaviorist lesson plan is designed to acquire the student’s attention from the second they start the class. It is followed by 8 steps that keep the students focused on the material the teacher is deliberating. A constructivist lesson plan in based on an open classroom, students being able to work together with each other. Is also is followed by a set of six elements, allowing a teacher student interaction. As for the transpersonal planning deals with the teacher itself, basically the knowledge and comprehension we have towards our students. Overall, I believe lesson plans are important for an educator; it is a guideline that helps you conduct the daily activities. I also think that a lesson plan is a good source so that you do not get back tracked in your day to day job duties.

A Welcome Note

Hello My name is Stephanie Venegas. Happy New Year! I'm excited to be back in your class again for the second time. It's pretty cold outside but I'm all wrap up! Can't wait to learn more about how to incorporate computers in my furture teaching career. Hoping for a great semester.