Hello everyone, and welcome back to my blog! Can you believe
it is March already?! As I get closer to completing my undergraduate degree, I
am wrestling with the concept of change. While I feel like I am ready for a new
experience in Teacher’s College, there is always a part of me that fears the
unknown. However, it is comforting that my peers and I will all be navigating 5th
year together. I know that I experience a deeper learning experience when I interact
with my peers because they often bring up ideas that I never would have thought
of, which enhances my understanding of the topic immensely. I also have been
learning a lot from the blogs I have been following. Aviva Dunsinger is a
particularly inspiring 21st century educator who does an exceptional
job of integrating technology into the classroom. One blog
of hers in particular caught my eye because she discusses how everyone is afraid of change at some point in their lives, but the key is not to let your fear prevent you from pursuing all that you are capable of.
of hers in particular caught my eye because she discusses how everyone is afraid of change at some point in their lives, but the key is not to let your fear prevent you from pursuing all that you are capable of.
Aviva had one of her students, Ella, write a guest blog
discussing The Challenge Game. In this game, students ask each other questions
in the form of a debate with the aim of promoting critical thinking and the
ability to support your arguments. Here is a sample of what this game looks
like in the classroom!
http://howtovideos.hightechhigh.org/video/274/City+Systems+Project#share
To combine all of this together, I decided to update my
previous web outlining my values as an educator to reflect a more inclusive
model. This is because I feel like each component is a core part of who I am,
and all of them combined shape the educator I will be. By being true to who I
am as a person, I will be able to teach in an authentic and fulfilling way.
Fondly,
Michelle
References
Change quote retrieved from: http://www.quotessays.com/gallery/change-quotes-5.jpg.html
Learn more about Aviva Dunsinger here: http://adunsiger.com/
Learn more about Explorer Elementary here: http://www.hightechhigh.org/schools/EECS/
Michelle! I hear you with the idea of change and not knowing what will happen being scary! I am in the same boat, as for fifth year I will be going to the Hamilton campus which means that a lot will be changing for me... which is quite frightening. I really like the different activities you brought up. As you said, it promotes critical thinking, but it is also an interactive cognitively! I feel that projects and activities that are outside that traditional framework are important because students are able to be more interested and engaged in their learning.
ReplyDeleteAlso, I really love your commitment and dedication to your values and becoming a teacher. By the sounds of it, you're going to make a wonderful one! Thanks for sharing :)
Hi Michelle! Always enjoy reading your posts and this one is also great! I too am in the same boat with being nervous for change and fearing the unknown and agree with how great it is to be able to follow the blogs and teachings of others! That is one thing in particular I love about technology, and how people from around the world can be connected and communicate with one another. With your blog in particular, it is great to see your web of values as an educator and that you are willing to adapt it and be a lifelong learner. I find that sometimes we get stuck in our ways and not only don’t like change but are unwilling to change. This is where I tend to see poor teachers who are stuck in the past and are upset with the way the world and curriculum is changing. I think it is great that you know you beliefs surrounding teaching but are willing to explore new things. You will make a great educator!
ReplyDeleteHi Michelle,
ReplyDeleteSimilar to your previous blog posts you are extremely reflective. You not only realize that there is change but you twist it to be a positive aspect in your teaching. This really influenced my thoughts to be more reflective on outcomes that may seems intimidating at first.The connection you made about who you are as a person will directly affect your actions and behaviours as a teacher is completely true. It is important to be aware of our thoughts (metacognition) as these action will affect our students. I also loved your used of the videos in this blog they supported and enhanced you post!
Thanks for sharing :)
This is an inspiring blog to read. You offer a great example of integrated curriculum in City Systems. You demonstrate that you are a reflective learner in your willingness to know more AND the fact that you are open to AHAs! Rethinking your concentric circles is important although no right or wrong here. You might find yourself changing it again - if you come across some more insights. An attractive blog with lots to recommend it. Thanks for this.
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