Reflection 4

Before this taking this course, I had never heard of inquiry based learning. I was interested to see what is was all about. The first the that caught my attention was the fact this it is based on the involvement of the student. It is a hands on experience rather than a show me and I shall copy. This type of learning pushes the students to ask questions and not be afraid to seek the truth of the matter. Students now a days are discouraged in asking too many questions because it takes away from the lesson and causes side tracking. But I disagree. I think students should be allowed to use their minds to find the truth for themselves. This helps students to use their minds in a complex manner. If nurtured correctly, the student will be able to convert and process complicated data and turn it into something they can understand. I remember growing up, a lot of my teachers made us memorize useless facts. I would only remember it for the test and then after that it was complete gone from my me memory. This is to me is not teaching at all. Memory for the sake of passing a test to me is not knowledge. Inquiry based learning is so much more than that. It is about comprehending the facts and material that is in front of you. Without understanding, what is the use of the information? If the teacher is acceptant toward this type of learning, the students will have gained a valuable tool for furthering their education. I think this a great method and I would probably be happy if my students would be confident enough to question things. I know that even today, I am always asking questions. When something sounds strange or expressed in a complicated manner; I have learned to use my mind to decipher the meanings. In high school, I was allowed to question the material that was being taught to me. I was always looking for a deeper understanding of what I was learning. I think that this learning type is a great way for students to break out of their comfort zones. They learn how to break information down and understand it from their own point of view. I really enjoyed learning how great inquiry based teaching is.

Reflection 3

When learning about the different types of lesson plans, I found the Constructivist lesson plan to be very intriguing. This lesson plan is based on thinking. The whole purpose of this lesson plan is to use the mind to solve problems, answer questions and come up with meaningful solutions. I liked that this lesson plan is focused more on the student doing the work than on the teacher. This lesson plan requires the students to come face to face with the task at hand. They are asked questions and put into positions where they will have to figure out the solution with only a minimal amount of help from the teacher. The teacher is seen more as a guide and go to for a clearer explanation. Students are encouraged to debate and keep the discussions flowing. In the lesson plan, the teacher must include what she expects the students will get out of the current topic. One thing that stood out was the fact that the students are put into groups. I remember that a lot of my teachers in middle school used this as means of getting the students in my classroom to relate to the problem at hand. We all came together and thought of answers to our questions. We used the logic and reasoning our teacher taught us. Because of this I am able to master a lot of problem solving techniques. Since choosing groups cannot be bias in anyway, the teacher must include how the groups are chosen in the lesson plan. There are many methods in which this can be. Being creative in how to choose the groups is another great way to make the topic more interesting. I also liked that the students get to “exhibit” what answers and explanations they have come up with. This can be in the form of a group discussion, role playing, game shows, a physical model, an artistic expression and many other possibilities. This lesson plan teaches student a form of educational independence. It shows them that they can solve anything if they practice and set their minds to it. I think this form of lesson plan helps students see that they are a big role in their educational success. So far, this lesson plan has stood out the most to me. Like all lesson planning, it requires a great amount of skill to produce. I can’t wait to learn more about this type of lesson plan.

Reflection 2

When reading about lesson plans, I was very intrigued at the fact that there are so many different ways to create one. The first lesson plan I read about was called a Behaviorist lesson plan. The format of a behaviorist lesson is very well explained. It must include following format: The objective is what the purpose of the lesson is and why the student needs to learn this. The anticipatory set is based on focus. It could be an activity that causes the student to “focus” on what the material will cover. The input is the skills that the instructor is inputting into the student that makes the learning smoother. The modeling is when the teacher shows the students first hand how to complete the assignment correctly. Guided practice consists of the teacher leading the students in the assignment, but the student is doing the work as well. Checking for understanding is when the teacher asks questions to the students to see if they understand what they have learned so far. This is vital because if they have not mastered the needed skills thus far, the teacher cannot move onto the next step. After that comes the independent practice. This is where the teacher has minimal to zero interaction while the students complete the work without any help from the instructor. Finally the closure, is like a transition to the next lesson that will be cover. The constructivist lesson plan is setup very differently. The step-up for this lesson plan includes situations, grouping, bridge, questions, exhibit and reflections. The first step would be situations. This is when the student is engulfed with questions and problem solving ideas. Then with grouping, the student is divided into either small groups or individuals to work. Then the bridge is when all the work comes together. Games and brain stimulation are encouraged. Then questions are used to keep the thinking juices flowing. And finally The students will reflect on what they have learned. The teacher will reflect on what the students will remember and how will she use this to their advantage.

Reflection 1

When I fist was interested in becoming a teacher, I started to hear the words “lesson Plans”. I was always hearing different definitions from different people. Some teachers would tell me they did them monthly; others would tell me they did them weekly and some said they weren’t required to do them at all. then finally, I got the courage to research it for myself. Not only did I find the definition for what a lesson plan, I also found out that it is a broad definition that is usually used. A lesson plan is said to be a teachers written description of the content for the lessons she is going to be using in the coming time. It helps the teacher to be organized and pre-plan her time and the time of her students. Lesson plans can be a great advantage for the teacher who knows how to do one correctly. It is imperative for students who are pursuing a degree in education, to be ready for this sort of commitment. Even if the school you work for does not demand a lesson plan, as a professional educator you should do so for your own benefit. If a teacher plans out the lessons correctly, they will come to find that they have some spare time that was not expected. This time could be used for further lesson planning, student one on one time, a short relaxation if needed and also a good time to get some work out of the way. A lesson plan, as I said, is very broadly defined. In a lesson plan, the teacher must include all the content she is going to be teaching the students. Not only does the plan have to include the content, it also has to include the objectives, state standards, what kind of practice will be used and how to check for the understanding of the material. All these steps are not only important to the teacher but crucial to the students as well. Many things need to be taken in consideration to make a great lesson. You must know your students and how they work best. Knowing the Learning styles, diableries and little things here and there about your students. help make your lesson plan much more effective. I have learned that the more detailed and precise your lesson plan is, the easier your job becomes. I am truly excited about learning how to do the lesson plans this semester. I know this skill will help me become the best teacher I can be.

EME2040 - New day, New Class

Today, January 5th 2010, is the beginning of the last chapter of my MDC career. This class, EME2040, is the final milestone of my Educational credentials. I am looking forward to learning and experiencing what this class has to offer. I am ready for whatever comes my way. I feel like what i have learned has prepared me for this very moment. I am ready for the learning opportunities and advancement in my chosen Field. I will be motivated to be the best student and Future teacher I can be. My Biography is simple... I am a 20 year old Female, whose backrounds range from all over the world. I am Cuban-american with a hint of other flavors. I am proud in my heritage and the way my family has supported me throughought my college career. they hold great pride in the fact that i am pursuing my dream to become a teacher. They know the true reasons behind my descision to stick to what i love. I am motivated to enhance my talents and grow not only as a teacher, but as a student as well. I am full of life, curiosity and ambitions. I am proud of where i am today. I hope that this class will increase my knowledge and make me who i want to be in the future.