Let me start by saying that this course really opened my eyes and helped me decide which educational path I would like to take. Because of this course I have discovered that I would really like to work with special needs or emotional or behavioral disorders children. That is what really calls to me and I would have never had the chance to discover this if it wasn’t for this course. This course has taught me about the tension that still exists in schools. It has taught me suggestions for how to deal with different classroom situations. An example of that would be in instance where a student might have two moms or two dads and how another student might say something about that and you as a teacher have to figure out how to answer the other students question or comment without hurting the original students feeling or offending anyone. This course has also taught me about the ESOL program and how it works and what goes into it. I really enjoyed observing the ESOL class and seeing the pride on the students face when they got something right. It has also taught me about how to include different cultural aspects into my future classroom. I hope to take all the knowledge I have learned from this course and use it in the field of teaching.
Monday, December 5, 2011
Sunday, December 4, 2011
Chapter 9:
What issues would you pay attention to when you are teaching elementary, middle, and high school?
At the elementary school level I would look out for a few things. I would look out for learning disabilities. I would also look for behavioral issues. Those two issues are some of the biggest to look for. If you catch those two in time you can hopefully correct them and make school easier for the student. Another thing I would look out for is signs of abuse. I know that sounds bad, but child abuse is still a big issue in our world today. At the middle school level I would look out big time for behavioral issues. I know that is when I started having behavioral problems, right about the time I hit puberty. II would also look out for bullying. Most children at this age are in an awkward stage of their lives. This is when I think the worst bullying takes place, or at least it used be. I would also still look for signs of abuse. As for the high school level I would look for signs of over bullying and depression. With the recent suicides that have been taking place I would continue to look for those signs. I would also look out for students who are overly aggressive and lash out at peers as well as staff. I would also still look out for signs of abuse. I know you are probably tired of me saying that but I know for a fact abuse can happen to anybody at any age. It is a hard thing to go through and will change your life.
Sunday, November 27, 2011
Chapter 8
Which geographical area do you want to work in: rural, suburban, or urban? Explain.
If I had to choose I would like to work in either a suburban or rural area. I would like to work in the suburban area for several reasons. One I live in a suburban area. This would make it easier to get to work and I would get to have my children closer to me. Also I have never lived in a big city so I would feel more comfortable being and navigating the suburban streets. I would really like to work at one of the three elementary schools outside of my neighborhood. I know that it probably won’t happen right away, but eventually maybe. If suburban schools are not possible I would like to teach at a rural school. It would be a further drive for me but I would feel more at home. Growing up I lived in a small town/city that was bordered by a rural area. My best friend growing up lived out in the country, so I grew up around it. I would be able to connect with the students in a way that I would not be able to with urban students. I can relate to the suburban students and the rural students but I would find it harder to relate to the urban children. So if I had my choice that is what I would choose.
Sunday, November 20, 2011
Chapter 7
Given the important role that religion plays in the beliefs system of the American people, should prayer (of any religion) be allowed in public school? Explain
I do believe that prayer of all religions should be allowed in school. I think that if a student wants to pray, no matter what their religion may be that they should be allowed to do so. I believe that as Americans we have the right and freedom to worship whatever religion we choose, as long as it stays within the laws of our country. I understand the reasoning behind not making it required in public schools because not everyone is the same religion. I know that if they made it a requirement that they would have to choose one religion and that would be discriminatory to other people’s religion. That would cause many problems and fighting. So I do not believe that public schools should make it mandatory. I know that there are private schools that make religious practices part of the curriculum, and that is fine for a private school. However I believe that if a student chooses to pray when they have a moment that they should be allowed to do so and that it should not be part of the curriculum for public schools. I know of several people in my old high school that prayed before they ate lunch or when they felt like they needed to.
Sunday, November 13, 2011
Chapter 6:
Contrast maintenance and transitional bilingual education and choose one that seems more appropriate? Explain.
Maintenance bilingual education is where the student is exposed to their native language longer before going into an only English speaking classroom. The student’s native language is used in a maintenance classroom for about 40 percent of the time in an elementary setting. The maintenance classroom usually is at a slower pace than a transitional classroom. In a transitional classroom the object is to get the student into a English only classroom as quickly as possible. This process usually takes around three years. With this method a bilingual teacher would teach the student(s) subjects such as math, science, and social studies in their native language. I’m not really sure which one seems more appropriate. They both have valid points to them. The transitional method seems to be faster in some cases but is it as effective? The maintenance method seems to be more thorough in my opinion. However it does take longer to accomplish the goal of transferring the student into an English only classroom. The transitional method has good points too. By learning subjects in their native language the student can easily transfer the skills learned into the English language when they learn it fluently. So I guess overall I would have to say the transitional method is the more appropriate.
Sunday, November 6, 2011
Chapter 5
Discuss three to five specific accommodations you will make for exceptional students in your classroom.
Having exceptional children in your classroom as a teacher is something that you most likely will face every year. These children could have learning disabilities, emotional issues, or a physical issue. There are different ways you can accommodate these students in your classroom. These accommodations are different depending on the child. If I have a student who has a learning disability an accommodation I could make for that student would be to spend more time one on one with that child to help them better understand the concept. I would also sit down with them and explain why they got something wrong so they understand why the missed the question. If the student has emotional issues I would make sure that that student knows the classroom rules as well as the consequences for breaking one of those rules. If the student has a physical disability I would make sure I address any bulling issues that come up with that. Another accommodation I would make for a student who has a physical disability is to make sure they sit in the classroom where they can see, hear, and understand what is going on in the classroom. I would also make sure that the student felt safe in the classroom. Of course I would provide a safe classroom for all my students no matter who they are or if they have any exceptional qualities. A safe environment is the best environment for learning!!
Having exceptional children in your classroom as a teacher is something that you most likely will face every year. These children could have learning disabilities, emotional issues, or a physical issue. There are different ways you can accommodate these students in your classroom. These accommodations are different depending on the child. If I have a student who has a learning disability an accommodation I could make for that student would be to spend more time one on one with that child to help them better understand the concept. I would also sit down with them and explain why they got something wrong so they understand why the missed the question. If the student has emotional issues I would make sure that that student knows the classroom rules as well as the consequences for breaking one of those rules. If the student has a physical disability I would make sure I address any bulling issues that come up with that. Another accommodation I would make for a student who has a physical disability is to make sure they sit in the classroom where they can see, hear, and understand what is going on in the classroom. I would also make sure that the student felt safe in the classroom. Of course I would provide a safe classroom for all my students no matter who they are or if they have any exceptional qualities. A safe environment is the best environment for learning!!
Sunday, October 30, 2011
Chapter 4:
What teaching strategies would you use to make sure all students learn effectively in your classroom, whithout distinction of their gender or sexual orientation?
There are many strategies you can use to teach for all students to learn, no matter their gender or sexual orientation. First, every teacher needs to know how to reach children of both genders. Girls and boys learn different. Their brains think differently. Boys tend to be deductive, meaning they start with general and move to specifics, and girls tend to be inductive, meaning they start with specifics and move to the general. Knowing this fact teachers need to know how to accommodate both girls and boys. In my classroom I would plan group activities, this will help the girls learn better. Girls tend to learn better in a group where the students work together. I would also plan lessons that can be done in other areas of the classroom besides a desk. For example I could do a science lesson outside, that would be beneficial to the boys in the classroom. Boys tend to need more space to learn and even some physical activity to help them focus. Now not all girls learn well in a group and not all boys learn better in a spacious environment. Therefore as a teacher I would also have to have lessons where the students work as individuals as well as one on one with me and as a whole class. Teaching so that any student with a different sexual orientation can learn in a safe environment in not to different in my opinion. I would teach they the exact same way I would any other student. I would make sure that there were rules in my classroom that would be there even if there wasn’t a student with a different sexual orientation, which would make sure that that student felt safe. I believe that anyone can learn in an environment they feel safe in. That would be my one of my goals as a teacher.
There are many strategies you can use to teach for all students to learn, no matter their gender or sexual orientation. First, every teacher needs to know how to reach children of both genders. Girls and boys learn different. Their brains think differently. Boys tend to be deductive, meaning they start with general and move to specifics, and girls tend to be inductive, meaning they start with specifics and move to the general. Knowing this fact teachers need to know how to accommodate both girls and boys. In my classroom I would plan group activities, this will help the girls learn better. Girls tend to learn better in a group where the students work together. I would also plan lessons that can be done in other areas of the classroom besides a desk. For example I could do a science lesson outside, that would be beneficial to the boys in the classroom. Boys tend to need more space to learn and even some physical activity to help them focus. Now not all girls learn well in a group and not all boys learn better in a spacious environment. Therefore as a teacher I would also have to have lessons where the students work as individuals as well as one on one with me and as a whole class. Teaching so that any student with a different sexual orientation can learn in a safe environment in not to different in my opinion. I would teach they the exact same way I would any other student. I would make sure that there were rules in my classroom that would be there even if there wasn’t a student with a different sexual orientation, which would make sure that that student felt safe. I believe that anyone can learn in an environment they feel safe in. That would be my one of my goals as a teacher.
Saturday, October 22, 2011
Chapter 3
What would you do to make sure socio-economic backgrounds do not negatively affect your students?
With the recent economic recession more and more families are struggling. This affects all “classes” in the United States, as well as the rest of the world. So some middle class families are now in the lower class or poor class. So that means that students that used to have a roof over their heads and nice clean clothes and shoes don’t have those things anymore. Or these students have had to move from their houses into shelters or apartments. As a teacher you have to try and treat all the students the same no matter if they come from a rich family or a poor family. In my classroom I would do my best to treat every student equal. I would also try to help the students whose families have fallen on hard times. I know that some people may not want the help or are too embarrassed to accept the help, but I could offer it to them. I believe that as a teacher we are on the front lines and that we are the eyes and ears for the future. We make the difference. I know that we can’t help everyone but we can help some. For example, one of the classes I observed had a student in it that’s family has fallen on hard times. The teacher noticed this and had a bag of clothes sent home to this student’s family. It wasn’t much, but it helped this family. I believe that if you treat all the students the same and help the ones that need help you can make the students feel like they belong. That sense of belonging can help them do better in school and help them succeed. That is how I would make sure that the socio-economic background did not negatively affect my students.
With the recent economic recession more and more families are struggling. This affects all “classes” in the United States, as well as the rest of the world. So some middle class families are now in the lower class or poor class. So that means that students that used to have a roof over their heads and nice clean clothes and shoes don’t have those things anymore. Or these students have had to move from their houses into shelters or apartments. As a teacher you have to try and treat all the students the same no matter if they come from a rich family or a poor family. In my classroom I would do my best to treat every student equal. I would also try to help the students whose families have fallen on hard times. I know that some people may not want the help or are too embarrassed to accept the help, but I could offer it to them. I believe that as a teacher we are on the front lines and that we are the eyes and ears for the future. We make the difference. I know that we can’t help everyone but we can help some. For example, one of the classes I observed had a student in it that’s family has fallen on hard times. The teacher noticed this and had a bag of clothes sent home to this student’s family. It wasn’t much, but it helped this family. I believe that if you treat all the students the same and help the ones that need help you can make the students feel like they belong. That sense of belonging can help them do better in school and help them succeed. That is how I would make sure that the socio-economic background did not negatively affect my students.
Friday, October 14, 2011
Chapter 2 Post
What role did the Civil Rights Movement play in today's cultural diversity?
The Civil Rights Movement played a huge role in today’s classroom and cultural diversity!! Before the Civil Rights movement the schools were segregated. This means that the white children went to one school and the black children went to a different school and the two did not mix. The problem with this is that the white schools got a lot more funding than the black schools. Therefore the children at the black schools got a poorer education. Because of the Civil Rights movement the schools had to integrate and mix the two races. This caused many problems at first but over time most of the issues have worked themselves out. Because of the Civil Rights movement and integration white children have been exposed to African American, Asian, Hispanic, and many other cultures. The same goes for the other ethnic groups; they too have been exposed to each other. This exposure brings about the understanding and friendships we have today. Another great thing to come from the Civil Rights movement, other that civil rights, is the government funding for the schools. Now the funding is not based on whether you go to a white school or a black school but is based on other economic factors. So with the Civil Rights movement we get better more equal (not totally equal) funding, more friendship and understanding, as well as many other things!
The Civil Rights Movement played a huge role in today’s classroom and cultural diversity!! Before the Civil Rights movement the schools were segregated. This means that the white children went to one school and the black children went to a different school and the two did not mix. The problem with this is that the white schools got a lot more funding than the black schools. Therefore the children at the black schools got a poorer education. Because of the Civil Rights movement the schools had to integrate and mix the two races. This caused many problems at first but over time most of the issues have worked themselves out. Because of the Civil Rights movement and integration white children have been exposed to African American, Asian, Hispanic, and many other cultures. The same goes for the other ethnic groups; they too have been exposed to each other. This exposure brings about the understanding and friendships we have today. Another great thing to come from the Civil Rights movement, other that civil rights, is the government funding for the schools. Now the funding is not based on whether you go to a white school or a black school but is based on other economic factors. So with the Civil Rights movement we get better more equal (not totally equal) funding, more friendship and understanding, as well as many other things!
Wednesday, September 21, 2011
Chapter 1 Post:
Why is it important to consider cultural diversity in your classroom?
There are many reasons to consider cultural diversity in the classroom. It is almost certain that you will have many different cultures in your classroom. So one reason you would want you would want to consider cultural diversity is because you do not want to exclude any student because they are different. Nor do you want to single out one group and stereotype them because they are from a certain cultural background. Another reason to consider cultural diversity in the classroom is because some of the material you will have to teach could be harder for students with that background. For example the Civil War, slavery, and the period in history before and during the civil rights movement may be harder on African American students because of what their ancestors went through. Another example of that would be a student or students who are Jewish. They would probably have a hard time with WWII history and what happened to the Jewish people at that time. There are many more examples of things like that in history. Another reason we need to consider cultural diversity is because children can be cruel, especially if they are unfamiliar with something and another child’s cultural backgrounds could be cause to ridicule. So as teachers we need to be able to teach our students about other cultures so they are aware. Culture can and does affect many different aspects of everyday life and we must acknowledge that to be the best teachers we can. We have to know and be sensitive to our students needs when it comes to culture.
There are many reasons to consider cultural diversity in the classroom. It is almost certain that you will have many different cultures in your classroom. So one reason you would want you would want to consider cultural diversity is because you do not want to exclude any student because they are different. Nor do you want to single out one group and stereotype them because they are from a certain cultural background. Another reason to consider cultural diversity in the classroom is because some of the material you will have to teach could be harder for students with that background. For example the Civil War, slavery, and the period in history before and during the civil rights movement may be harder on African American students because of what their ancestors went through. Another example of that would be a student or students who are Jewish. They would probably have a hard time with WWII history and what happened to the Jewish people at that time. There are many more examples of things like that in history. Another reason we need to consider cultural diversity is because children can be cruel, especially if they are unfamiliar with something and another child’s cultural backgrounds could be cause to ridicule. So as teachers we need to be able to teach our students about other cultures so they are aware. Culture can and does affect many different aspects of everyday life and we must acknowledge that to be the best teachers we can. We have to know and be sensitive to our students needs when it comes to culture.
Monday, August 22, 2011
Introduction:
Let me introduce myself to you all. My name is Ashton Bryson. I'm 24 years old, married with a baby girl due 8/24/11. I'm hoping she comes into this world very soon!! I currently work as a legal secretary, but once my little girl is born I plan on being a stay at home mom. I currently have five classes left (including this one) till I graduate with my A.A. My plan is to go to UCF after I graduate to get my bachelors in Elementary Education. I know I want to teach Elementary school but I am open to teaching any elementary school grade. I am hoping that I will be able to graduate from UCF in two years and be able to start teaching after that. I would like to get a teaching position in one of the three elementary schools outside of my neighborhood. I realize that might be a challenge and that it might not happen right away. I'm hoping that this class will help prepare me for the diversity in the schools today. This course will be good in helping me deal with situations that can come up in the classroom. This class will also help with learning about different cultures.
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