Learning About Cooperative Instruction

The main difference between science methods and social studies method, besides the subject change, was the introduction of cooperative instruction lesson planning. Direct Instruction and inquiry were both lesson plans I was familiar with, to say the least. Cooperative lesson Planning was a new ball game. Cooperation is working together to accomplish shared goals. Cooperative learning is the instructional use of small groups so that students work together to maximize their own and each other’s learning.  It may be contrasted with competitive (students work against each other to achieve an academic goal such as a grade of “A” that only one or a few students can attain) and individualistic (students work by themselves to accomplish learning goals unrelated to those of the other students) learning.

Authentic Assessments

While reading through the chapters of the textbook,National Social Science Press, the idea of an "authentic" assessment come up much time. To say it sparked my interest was to be an understatement. I was curious and wonderstruck by this new assessment. What was about this new concept? What made it "authentic" compared to other assessments?

As I kept reading, I learned that an authentic assessment is used to provide clear expectations of the assessed criteria as well as giving students with specific feedback about their progression towards mastering learning goals and objectives. A great quote to describe an example of the "authentic" assessment lies within Chapter 5, when it say, "Rubrics should include specific performance characteristics that are arranged in levels that show the degree to which the objective has been mastered". Another example of a type of authentic assessment are portfolios.

Social Studies and Science Methods

As my junior year comes to end it is time to reflect on everything I have accomplished though out college so far and during this semester. I would like to take this time to reflect on both my social studies and science methods! 

They were both such insightful and informational courses, I wish I could have more methods to help me for EDTPA and student teaching. I have to say the amount of high stress, pressure, and work is overwhelming, but to see the difference we make for the students, it is all worth it. For my science and tech methods it was overwhelming, it was the first time I encountered such stuff like EDTPA, lesson plans (direct and inquiry) and also working in groups to ACTUALLY teach the students. The ending result really helped me prepare for my social studies experience. As I entered into social studies methods I was nervous (especially since science was so difficult), but I was confident in my social studies abilities and the group I knew I was going with. The take away on both courses has shook me as a student and a future educator. 
I have to say after taking these two courses I will never be the same. 

For future Mount Saint Mary College students taking these courses next semester I will advise this:

• DONT leave blog post and creating the efolio until the end of the semester.
• Make sure you really enjoy, and work well with, your group members (you're about to spend a lot of time with them.) 
• And just have fun! Life is too short to be stressed, just get the work done and be the best effective teacher you can be. Just a reminder: This work is what you signed up for.

Mock Interview

For one of our last day of classes our class held it's own panel on being interviewed by a principle. I was fortunate enough to be a principle and it was informational. Stepping into a principles role, even if it's just for a few minutes was eye opening. Selecting the right person to fight what I wanted at my fake school - Central Valley School District. Although the person I selected was right for the position, maintained great eye contact, and spoke clearly and with authority I was still upset I had to pick one person. But that is real life. What a valuable life lesson this panel was! Listed below is my interview questions I asked my class. I listed them because these questions may be important for all the teachers out there to read and understand :) 

Warm up questions:

1. Hello. To start off I want you to please introduce yourself and name one reason why you wanted to become a teacher and an interesting fact about yourself.
2. Tell me a bit of your teaching philosophy.
3. What do you have to offer to my school district which is based upon behavioral model and direct instruction? Why do you think we should hire you, and not somebody else for the position of a social studies teacher in my school district?

Direct Instruction questions:

1. What dance do you think of when direct instruction comes to mind?
2. What are the goals in a Direct Instruction lesson of the student and of the teacher?
3. I am conducting a surprise observation visit into your classroom!If I walk into your classroom 15 minutes into your lesson about westward expansion what do I see?
4. At Central School District we pride ourself on our classroom inclusion. During your lesson what are some modifications and/or accommodations you could make for diverse and special needs students?
5. Can you give me two different ways you can integrate technology during a direct instruction lesson on the Roman Empire?
   

Earth Day Article :)

Today I read the "Wonder of the day" article about earth day. I believe it is essential to consider the earth in everything you do, that's why as teachers we should encourage students and their families to recycle, plant trees, and help the environment (if you see trash pick it up :D). I would consider myself a eco-friendly person, I love hiking and being one with nature. It is important and vital for me to keep my planet safe. That is why my family recycles whenever I can. The article said, "...college students around the nation...proposed a "national teach-in on the environment day." This idea, I believe is splendid! It is a great way from people to help with taking care of their planet! In honor of Earth Day I planted a tree :) What did you do?

The Importance of Connection (Chapter 10)

In our textbook National Social Science Press, I was able to read chapter 10 which was based on the different ways we can make connections to economics. 

For Elementary schoolers, the economy and money isnt an issue, but to teach them at a young age is esscential. We need to teach elementarys schools that economics effects everyone and everything. As elementary school teacher we can explain how a growing society can effect them, for example, prices of lunch they service in the cafeteria and a new video game for back home. Making economic connections to the children's life will help them make connections to real world economics. Students may not realize at this current time, but what happens in thier households directlt effect surrounding buisness, schools and the economy as a whole. For teachers making connections is key, this causes students to rememeber ideas better!

Technology In the Classroom

The most effective way to exploit information is though technology. Most classrooms have moved from the standard black board and chalk to the interactive smart board. This drastic switch from black board to smart board means the way education is presented is more advanced. There's many benefits of adding technology to the classroom. As Walden University states, "technology... can help encourage active participation in your classroom.. Technology education can help you modify your lesson" (2019).
Technology to use in the field:

•  Kahoot
• Smartboard
• iPad
• Book Trailes
• Animoto
• Socrative
• Quizziz

Sources: https://www.waldenu.edu/programs/education/resource/top-five-benefits-of-technology-in-the-classroom