Ch. 5 & 6

At the beginning of ch 5, the author relates an experience of an algebra class in 8th grade. She always had knots in her stomach and always felt incompetent and never felt affirmed in the class. I have had many experiences like this in my education, as I am sure most people have as well. It is sad how lasting that impression is and how long you remember those bad feelings that you may have had about a class due to poor teaching. Hearing these kinds of things makes me even more motivated to be that teacher that NEVER makes my students feel that way. It is such an awful feeling that no one should have to experience. That story just affected me a lot because I can totally relate to those feelings of inadequacy. Then she gives another experience, but this one is a lot more positive. She remembers the teachers name and that she smiled at her, believed in her, and knew she could succeed. She said she made her feel significant. What an awesome thing if I could sameday make every single one of my students feel significant. I hope to someday be that teacher. This chapter goes on to discuss how important it is to use instruction and currriculum that is engaging. You want your students to be involved and interested. Sometimes teachers get too caught up in trying to teach everything in the curriculum that they really dont take the time and assess the needs of the class and look for ways to modify and change their lessons. This is something I have become more aware of and hopefully wont fall into that trap.
Ch. 6 explores some ways that teachers can make curriculum and instruction important, focused, engaging, demanding, and scaffold to make sure each students indvidual needs are met in the classroom- "both as a human being and as a learner." (pg 69) I think sometimes we forget our students are first and foremost human beings and that we need to treat them with the respect we demand for them to give us. I liked the senario of Mr.Johnson's Unit on buoyancy cause you can tell he really modified his lesson to make the curriculum focused and important to the students. He related it a lot to them. He let them be curious and explore questions and find their own answers. I love that. I think that is so important to have students learn on their own where a teacher doesnt just stand and tell the students facts. I like the different ideas it gave to help enrich your instruction. My favorite one is to look for fresh ways to present and explore ideas. Dont be boring! Engage students and get them involved wth the lessons. I have sat in one one too many classes where the teacher just stands and teaches and I listen. I could not tell you one thing I learned from those classes today. But I do remember when I was engaged with projects or made songs and skits about a subject. Those are more lasting and memorable. I liked the student self-evaluation for group work. It is important for students to learn how to evalute themselves and look and see where their strengths and weaknesses are. It is a great assessment tool that I think helps see them how they are progressing, learning, and growing. There were SO MANY good ideas in this chapter! I love the think alounds, peer networks, & weekend study buddies. All of these are excellent things to use to ensure success for your students!