Virtual Classroom: A+

I will admit, I was very opposed to a virtual class. I have heard educators talk about teaching via Skype or virtually online. BUT!!! you should never knock something until you try it. Tuesday (February 16, 2016), due to the snow/ice conditions, Dr. Smirnova held class online. At first I thought I would hate it, but a few minutes into it I realized it was awesome. I was in the comfort of my own space. I was able to listen to class in comfort while eating my lunch! It can't get much better than that! Okay, there are some flaws to online class: connection problems, not everyone having a webcam/microphone and the full interaction you get when you go to class. Overall, I really enjoyed the virtual class, and for those students who missed class...shame on you, because you really missed out on a worthwhile experience and you missed valuable information from class.

I am so glad we went over the part of the lesson plans and also the types of instruction again, especially because my group will be teaching next week! I am nervous for our first lesson next Thursday but I am sure that we will be well prepared to teach and our whole lesson plan will come together.

Overall, I really enjoyed the online class! I have never use adobeconnect and I am glad I learned how to use it. It is a great tool to connect and talk with others even if they do not have a webcam or microphone because they can just write their comments and hear what others are saying.

 

The Three Types of Lessons!

 

Direct: Direct instruction is important and effective when introducing the new content, concepts, and/or skills. Direct instruction is the use of straightforward, "explicit" teaching techniques, usually to teach a specific skill. It is a teacher directed method, meaning that the teacher stands in front of a classroom and presents the information.

Inquiry: Student understanding is the central focus of inquiry learning.  Students actively participate in inquiry learning experiences by developing questions and investigating to find solutions.  Teachers facilitate learning as students engage in active problem solving, the construction of meaning and the communication of new understandings to students, teachers or other important adults. Teachers guide student learning by selecting, designing and planning learning tasks, asking probing questions, observing students at work to identify misconceptions and planning follow up experiences. 

 

Cooperative: Cooperative learning is a successful teaching strategy in which small teams, each with students of different levels of ability, use a variety of learning activities to improve their understanding of a subject. There are several elements to cooperative learning. Cooperative learning should engage the students to have positive interdependence, face to face promotive interaction, Individual and group accountability, social skills, and group processing.

Different techniques include: think pair share, jigsaw, reverse jigsaw, recipricol teaching, etc.

My favorite type of teaching out of these three would be cooperative learning. I love cooperative learning because cooperative learning has many advantages and is a bit more easy going than the other type of instruction. Cooperative learning involves the students in higher learning, and the students often get excited about learning. In addition knowledge is obtained from the student rather than solely from the teacher. This type of learning fosters positive attitude in the students and trains students to express their feelings and convey ideas.

 

First day of Fieldwork

 

Today was the first day of Fieldwork with the second graders at Bishop Dunn. We had the opportunity to work on some "get to know you" activities in small groups. For our activity with the students, we had them write their name and decorate a puzzle piece using pictures and words that explain characteristics about themselves. We will be connecting all the puzzle pieces to create a class flag for the children. I wish we had more time to complete these activities because the children really enjoyed it, but they were cut short due to time restrictions. It was interesting to learn about the various students in the classroom. Some completely opened up with the activity while others refused to draw anything on their puzzle piece. Other than that, everything went very well. It was our first day and I noticed more than ever how much I need to work on my classroom speech. I never realized how much I say "guys" now that I'm paying attention to it. Overall I am very excited to get to know the students even more. I have a really good group for fieldwork but I'm very nervous to teach in front of our class and in front of the second grade and all the teachers. I am not very shy but I get jittery when I am in front of the class talking and I shake which sometimes makes me even more nervous! Hopefully with all the experience I am getting with my Mount Saint Mary classes I will improve. I am very overwhelmed with all the work that my teachers are giving this semester. I am taking three methods classes as well as two history classes and I feel as if I am drowning in homework. As much as I try I can't seem to get ahead. I am just going to try my hardest. :)
I will be back to blog on Thursday!!
xox