September 26, 2008

Great discussion today.  Thanks for your excellent participation!  You are an excellent and thoughtful group!!  Here are my responses for this week.  Feel free to comment.

1) Honestly, the only time I ever physically pulled out my philosophy to use was when I was revising it or getting it ready for some professional purpose.  My philosophy is internalized and I believe it and apply it.

2) You need to stop worrying about your portfolio.  When it's time to be done, in methods, you'll be given more direction.

3) My philosophy changed tremendously through the years.  The more I taught (even now it changes), the variety of teaching experiences (grade levels, content), my personal experiences(becoming a Mom and considering more how I would want my children taught), and the continued learning via classes, workshops, conferences, etc. all played a part in my on going philosophy adjustments.  The school where I taught, followed the pretty normal pattern of creating a philosophy(mission statement) and renewing it every few years.

4) Yes, students are included in strategic planning which is the process that creates and revises school mission statements, etc.

5) Your entire philosophy can be practical and achievable. You create it - you decide.

6) If parents are not comfortable volunteering, there's nothing you can do about it.  That's a personal issue.  There are, however, ways for parents to volunteer in the school without coming in contact with many students.  They can help in the library, run off papers, do filing, etc.  Just the fact that they are in the building has an effect on their student according to research.

7) As far as parents' opinions on 'student-based' philosophies, I'm not sure what you mean by that.  I don't think we discussed these, and I'm honestly not sure what you mean.  Clarification would be welcome.

8) If there's an aspect of class that you want to know more about, research it.....that's part of the purpose of your education.  I want to whet your appetite....but you can't rely on learning everything in class - learning is YOUR responsibility.  Dig it out!!!

9) Benefits of K-8 schools has been touched on a couple times in class.  Refer to the above point and look them up.  There's research out there waiting for you to reference it.

10) We'll deal a lot more with parental involvement later in the term.

11) The community of the school creates the mission statement together.  I don't see why they would not support something they created.  If that would happen, there's nothing a teacher can do to change what the school or community does other than lead by example.

12) You can definitely have fun in class and still meet the required standards.  The methods of teaching you use are totally up to you.   When you create interesting, challenging, and engaging lessons, your students will have fun regardless of what they're learning.

13) If you have lots of questions - this blog is the place to be.

14) The one sample philosophy excerpt is part of mine.  I won't give you a whole one because I want you to create your own.  

15)  All 14 of the middle school aspects are important. They work best when they're all implemented.

16) You DO have topics to blog about.  You are encouraged to discuss/comment on any of these topics from class OR put forth your own question or topic.   I gave a topic on a previous blog - but only one or two responded.

17) Hmmm, I'd say philosophies are a lot alike for several reasons.  Lots of people are not very creative.  :)   The basic aspects of good teaching are just that....basic aspects so most people will include them.  Many people don't realize that writing their philosophy is more than just an assignment.  It should be an analysis and statement of what they truly intend to apply within their teaching.  They also don't realize that they need to set themselves apart and above if they want that interview.

18) I think you can get students engaged in your mission statement by having your application of it be visible in your classes and in the school.  If students recognize that you consider it important enough to live by, they'll pay more attention.

19) "Concrete" answers are not something you will have in discussions about education because they do not exist most of the time.  Issues discussed in education circles and about educational issues ARE case by case and need to be addressed in that manner.  There is seldom a set in stone answer because there are always so many variables!!

20) You know whether your philosophy is being 'upheld' because you're the one doing it.  You should be consistently reflecting on your teaching and that should tell you how you're doing.

21) Why would you need to worry about 'dealing' with a parent who is not involved because their student gets good grades?  I would contact them and tell them what a great job their student is doing and encourage them to compliment their child.  You don't need to fix what isn't broken.

22) I can't do anything about the time in class.  That's why I take the time to blog with you.

Wow - my fingers are tired.  I hope to hear from you all!!

Have a wonderful week.

Diann

See you next week.

September 19, 2008

Hi all,

Thanks for the great class.  You are such good participants that you make class interesting, educational, and fun.  Thank you for that!

Here are the responses from today's questions.  

1) Many schools do require teachers to hand in lesson plans.  The format of those plans depends on the individual schools.

2) NCLB is a law.  We will not spend much time on school law.  You'll get an entire course in that at a later date.

3) You will learn more about different teaching and learning styles in your content methods courses.  Be patient - you'll get to all of it eventually.

4) Yes, you may have teachers in your school who do not want to cooperate with the other teachers.  There are numerous ways to deal with that.  You might try to include them and make them an 'important' part of the process so they feel needed and like they're leading.   Sometimes principals step and lead the team meetings so everyone does participate. Sometimes the people who want to cooperate just go ahead.  The outsider usually buys into events especially if they see thing working.

5) KWL - What do you KNOW?  What do you WANT to know? What have you LEARNED?

6)  We often worked together in my junior high / middle school.  We did school wide projects that integrated everything - music, art, all content courses, everything.  We also did a science fair project that integrated the science aspect in science, the research part in reading, and paper writing aspect in language arts.  When you teach social studies, it's always easy to integrate language arts, incorporate the music and/or art of the time period.  I did a US Project with my 7th graders where they planned a cross country trip.  They had to figure mileage, determine roads to follow, pay attention to the weather, note the flora and fauna of the areas they were traveling through, etc. etc. all kind of things.

7) I'm pleased that you'd like to have more time in class.  (People wouldn't believe that's true even if I told them you said it.)  However, there's nothing I can do about it.

8) No, we can't change class to later in the day.   :)

9) Teaching religion in the classroom is just fine.  As long as you TEACH and don't PREACH, and teach about ALL of them in a historical perspective, you're fine.  Actually, you need to do that.  

Ok - so there ya' go.    I hope you add comments or questions.

Enjoy your time in the field.

See you next Friday.

Diann

September 17 - Seminar 2

Hi all,

Thanks for your cooperation and input today.  You did a great job.  Here are my responses to today's question.  Feel free to comment or query.

1) I think getting parents' signatures at conferences would be nearly impossible because many parents to do come.  You need permission from the huge majority so a note home is probably the most feasible.

2) You should start working on your project immediately.

3) You need to respond to each week's blog.

4) The posting of all of the portfolio ideas is a good one.  However, that means someone would have had to write them down and be willing to type them up. I'd be happy to post them or email them to you - but I didn't write them down.  My assumption is that you write your own notes that are important to you.

5) If you're concerned about finding your school and driving time, I suggest you drive up there this weekend to be sure you know where you're going and have the timing down.

See you all Friday.

Diann

September 15 Seminar 2

Hi all,

Here are the question responses from today's seminar.    Be sure to check the blog from 9/12 and answer the question listed there.

1) As mentioned earlier, you will do your portfolio in methods.   You really don't have to worry about it until then except for keeping documents you might want to include (MCE teaching philosophy??).  You will be guided through the process in methods so don't stew about it now.

2) Yes, you are to have the papers in the green folder filled out when you give it to your cooperating teacher next Monday morning.

3) Are you ready for this one????  If you take students to the bathroom (4,5, maybe 6; NOT 7 -9) and there is a problem situation, try to get another person of the appropriate sex to go in .  If that's not possible, knock loudly on the door and loudly let them know that you're coming in on the count of 5.  Then back in and continue to let them know you're coming.  If they're not running out by that time, call for help.

4) I do have a couple examples of portfolios.  I'll try to remember to bring them to class and let you have a quick look.

Have a great week.  I'll see you Friday.

Diann

September 12

Hey all,

I hope you managed to stay dry today. Not many questions today. I guess that's good.

Many of you comment on the time element. I do apologize for the time shortage. I can't get us more time. I've tried to get them to turn it into a 3 hour class, but to no avail. I could try to cover less in each class - but there's sooooo much to learn. My philosophy about his is that if you read it, and we at least discuss it briefly in class, and I answer questions so you understand it, then you can study it as much as you need to so you learn it. It's not my job to go over it in class until you know it - that's your job.

Ok - here are the questions from today:

1) Hmm...I've never had any trouble getting up in front of people so I honestly can't empathize with you. I know that's hard to believe because, as you see in class, I'm a very shy and retiring person. However, I would think that the more you speak in front of people, the more comfortable you should become. It will also help if you are completely confident in your content and know exactly how you plan on teaching your lesson. If you know exactly what you want your students to learn, it will make things easier. You also might want to role play with a friend. I hope these couple ideas help.

2) Engaging ADD or ADHD students in active learning means having a plan. You need to know your objectives and your content and your student. Once you get to know them, you'll be familiar with their capabilities, interests, etc., and you'll figure out how to best engage them. At least, if you're doing active learning, you won't have to worry about them getting bored and causing problems.

3) Actually, I don't know what plans schools have. Every school has its own. Here's a great place for all of you to jump in and help me out!!! What was/is the plan in your school or what plans have you heard of ????

See you at seminar.
Diann

September 5, 2008

Hi,

Here are my responses to your questions and questions for you to answer for each other.  Let's chat....  If you want to respond to a specific  question or comment, just reference the number provided.  If you want to respond to a specific person - use their name.

You may focus on your own class section or you may discuss and respond across sections.  The more you discuss; the more you learn.

9:30 Class

1) I don't think there's any specific geographic area where either junior highs or middle schools are predominate - at least none that I know of.

2) Junior highs and middle schools are different because of the philosophy of the people who work and live there.  I think the content based vs. student based summary is actually quite accurate.  What do you think?  Here's a chance to discuss the 'nurturing ' concept as apparent/or not in each school type.

3) I'm afraid that a lack of time will permeate the course.  There's so much to discuss and 50 minutes is sooooo short.  That's one of the reasons I decided to try this.  

4) Of course you teach content in the middle school.  Content IS the real purpose of a class.  However, the approach is what varies between middle schools and junior highs.

5) You will be qualified to teach in either a middle school or a junior high when you finish your MCE degree so you don't have to decide which you want to do - you can decide when you get the job offer.

6) There are positives and negatives to anything.  The preference for middle school or junior high is strictly personal and based on your personal philosophy.

7) The BGSU Middle Childhood Education department prepares you teach in a middle school.  The additional preparation gives you a better handle on dealing with the age level.  You can always take a job at a junior high.  You should just do it better than some.

8) In response to a question about my personal teaching experience:  I have taught every grade level from K - 16 in come capacity.  Twenty six years of my career was in middle school at one grade or another from 4 - 8.

9) In most schools there is no transition from middle to junior high - it's the same age levels.  

10) The decision about whether to have a junior high or a middle school lies with the school board.  Hopefully, they base their decisions on the desires of all involved - community, parents, teachers, administrators, and students.

11) You MUST get work done in a classroom.  However, you, as the teacher, plan it and have control over whether the kids will consider it 'work' or whether it will be engaging and fun.  The ball is definitely in the teacher's court on that one.

8:30

12) You are, hopefully, being taught how to work with and teach middle childhood age students.  Why?   I guess because that's what you've chosen to do.

13) I agree with you guys.  I need to find a couple better articles geared more specifically.  If you happen to come across one, please let me know.

14)  Puberty is definitely one of the major aspects middle childhood trained teachers try to help with.

15) If you still have questions about Wednesday's class - email me, ask here, or come see me and ask.  I can't answer a question if you don't ask it.  :)

16) Yes, as an MCE major you could work in a 9th grade at a high school.

17) We will talk a bit more about teaching approaches, but you'll get most of that in methods.

18) Whether a school is called a junior high or middle school is pretty much up to the school board / district.  It really doesn't matter what it's called.  It's what goes on in the building that matters.

19) We'll talk about Praxis, etc. at the seminars.

20) Other schools do not offer different licenses than BG.  Licenses are not offered by colleges.  The state makes all the licensure requirements.  Colleges just try to meet them.

21) After you complete a few more classes, see if you can figure out why people may lean toward the middle school concept.

22) It's possible that the state would decide to require either jr. highs or middle schools, but it's quite unlikely.  They try to leave some decisions with the local schools since they're the ones paying for the schools.

23) Ohio licenses are valid everywhere.  You may have to take an additional class like - California history if you want to teach there - but we have a good license and most state snatch up BG grads.

24)  I'm not sure about the count of whether there are more junior highs or middle schools.  If I had to guess - I'd go with junior highs with middle schools gaining.  :)

25)  You may trade articles with other students or come ask me for copies.  I don't have digitals of them.  Sorry.

Welcome BGSU Middle Childhood Education Students

We're going to try this means of communication.  I will respond to your questions and comments from your reflections via this medium.  I expect you to log in weekly, read the comments and add a comment.

Let's blog....