During our chautauqua study, it was fun doing the research on our character to get more in depth
with them and learn a little bit more about ourselves in the process. I believe it was also a form a research talking to the
children, finding out about them, their interests, and what they needed to be successful learners. As teachers, I believe
it is our duty to in a sense research our students and various methods to help our students enjoy school, succeed in school,
and become life long learners. By doing this, we too are life long learners as we continously research new methods, new ideas,
and new ways to teach. This in turn betters ourselves as teachers.
I have really enjoyed working with technology in this class. Although I have not kept up with it as
I should have, my personal learning website will be something I visit often. I really enjoyed putting it together and learned
a lot while doing it. I have made several different websites since establishing this one for educational and personal use.
With the technology advancing so much, it is necessary to have a grasp on how to use it. Most schools have a website. Many
teachers also have individual websites through the school to keep parents informed of what is going on in their classroom.
It is a good way to let parents know what is going on in the classroom, any announcements, and general information about content
for each week.
It has been enjoyable working with the students, trying things my own way, and making adjustments
for their learning as needed. Each student contributed to our group and the performences of their classmates in some way.
Coordinating with other groups and doing the peer groups worked really well. Each student got some kind of feedback and it
seemed to help. This was an enjoyable project to work on with the students. It allowed me a chance to practice some teaching
skills I had learned and observed in this class and others. Even though my focus is with early elementary students, I found
I really enjoyed working with this age group as well. They still have those ah-ha moments which is so fun to see.
This class is well worth it. There is so much interaction with students as well as peers and the instructor.
THere is so much opportunity for feedback and suggestions as well as discussion. The guest speakers were also wonderful and
offered such rich materials that can be useful for students and the classroom.
