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.

Reflection #20

When it come to understanding what intersexuality is I believe its when either a male or female looks like it’s original origin sex but internally carries other organs that can pertain to another sex. I also have an understanding that this can happen in 1 out of a thousand people and there can be a wide selection of these types of intersexuality’s. After reading the stories on the different intersexual cases, I am pretty shocked to see how many cases there really are around the world. For example, the cases that really catch my attention was the one on Berdache Jordan. Bardache was born with two birth certificates. The parents gave it a female and a male name because they really couldn’t identify the right sex. As Berdache grow older was faced with the decision to choose whether to be male or female? Berdache’s choice was male. Although as a child he was abused and used for scientific matters he actually enjoined being the center of attention. However, all his life wasn’t that bad he in fact he was happily married twice to two good looking women. It’s nice to see how he didn’t let that fact that he was an intersexual affect his life in general. I personality don’t know what I would do if I was faced with this situation of having a child that was an intersexual. I guess I would have to say I would most probably wait until he or she was old enough to make the decision of who they want to be in life cause in reality who am I to choose for another.

On the other hand, my understanding of Tran-sexuality is that, it’s when an individual feels there sexuality is different than the one they really are. In result of this they dress as the other sex and act as the other sex. Some transsexuals actually go as far as surgery to enhance there appearance to the sex they deeply feel inside. In my opinion I believe that these individuals have the right to do whatever they feel, if they feel they want to be a female and not a male go for it. Everyone should have the freedom to do what he or she wants. I actually have met people who are transsexuals. Last year I celebrated my 21st birthday at a restaurant named Lips. Lips is a drag queen restaurant were all transsexuals go to dine. I honestly had a great time with these transsexuals, they made me feel great. I personality done judge these people for what they do, especially if it’s something that makes them feel good inside. Overall, I give props to have the courage to come out and face the world no matter what.

Reflection #19

To begin with, the articles on Homosexuality were very educational. I really liked the way it was broken down to give you a better understanding on varies types of sexual orientations. The different sexual orientations like Homosexuality, Lesbianism and Bisexuality are now starting to be common fashion around the world. Now a days our environment has become open to these different sexual orientations. More and more homosexual, lesbian and bisexuals are coming out of the closet as we say. However, I personality believe these individuals are born this drive of being homosexuals or lesbian, etc.

When I was in high school, my school was infamous for having a lot of Homosexual, lesbian and bisexuals. I remember going down the halls and I’d see girls kissing girls and vise versa. I also remember these kids being discriminated against and called names like Lesbo and fagot. I don’t know how these kids even had the bravery to be public about there different sexual preference. The problem is that even though they are coming out society is still being discriminative towards these Homosexuals. I honestly don’t know how these individuals have the courage to still want to be gay under the circumstances going on in our society. Not only are there a number of prejudices going on but, people not accepting these different sexual preferences. Overall, what this causes is a these homosexuals to be uncomfortable under these circumstances and in result they fall into depression which can lead to suicide. This is why we should not judge anyone.

In conclusion, I personality try not to judge these individuals who have a different sexual favoritism than the one I do. Everyone should be treated equality whether they are homosexual, bisexual, black or white. We are all created to be equal in this world. I believe everyone has the right to choose what they want to be and who they want to be with, it whatever make them happy. What our society needs to do is stop discriminating against these individual that just want to be who they are without getting discriminated. I honestly hope that in the near future this situation gets solves so that everyone gets the chance to be free and pleased with who they really are.