Journal Reflection #7

Think about your own education. At what grade level did you first encounter computers, CD-ROMs, computer games, or the Internet at school or in your classroom?

I believe it was early in elementary when we were introduced to computers.  I remember the old mac computers, we all begged are parents to get us one even though the monitors were humongous and now would seem ridiculous to own. If I remember correctly it was in the 2^nd grade when we all had mandatory computer class, they showed us the basics and how to use them.  Internet didn’t come till later I can’t say I used it much in elementary but come middle school internet was huge.  We all owned AOL accounts that are parents had set up for us with of course certain guidelines.  The keyboarding elective I took in 6^th grade was probably the smartest course I could have taken.  This allowed me to bump up my WPM from 10 to 70 at the age of 13.  I was fast both in the classroom and in the chat rooms. Education has advanced in many ways thanks to the use of computers.  It’s really disappointing running into peers I attended high school that still cant fully take advantage of how much computers can help.  How a simple tutorial on Microsoft office can expand your capability of performing certain tasks both in school and work. 

Journal Reflection #6

In your opinion, what is the single most important characteristic of an effective teacher?

The single most important characteristic an effective teacher must have is a positive attitude. A positive attitude is key to maintaining a positive classroom.  A positive attitude causes a chain reaction of positive thoughts, positive events and positive outcomes. If a teacher can develop the ability to maintain positive at all times, most importantly when instructing new material the students will not only enjoy the material but learn it in a positive mindset.  It is obviously the most difficult characteristic to accomplish, simply because sometimes life happens. But to make the attempt to try and maintain yourself positive as a teacher will benefit each and every one of those kids sitting in front of you.  Maintaining a positive attitude will make you believe and act as if all students will be successful in your class.  There will be no losers in your classroom.  Students will live up to your expectations.

Journal Reflection #5

Did you experience any of the strategies of differentiated instruction listed in the text? If so, indicate which ones (such as stations, problem-based learning) you experienced and your reaction to this kind of learning. If not then discuss the benefits it holds for students in our schools today.

I can’t say I myself took part in differentiated instruction, but I do recall some classmates doing things differently than the rest of us, which could have been part of this method. Differentiated instruction is a method teachers utilize that responds to a student’s variance rather than adopting a standardized approach to teaching.  I think this benefits students in many ways.  By teachers recognizing what they need to customize in their instruction techniques to meet that certain individuals needs will help each student in their own way.  Teachers that use this method in the classroom will be able to acknowledge the students needs individually, and grant the ability to teach them in ways that the student can learn the material.  I think its great!