Ron Clark Ted Talk

Ron Clark is a very intelligent man that talked about how he was able to go down to Atlanta to work with a woman who was also interested in expanding education. They went down to an abandoned factory that was very run down and needed a lot of work, the windows were shattered and the walls were very plain and dirty. Many people part of the education board were skeptical of having a school being placed in this type of neighborhood due to robberies and break-ins/, but Ron was very sure that this school can make a difference. They got many teachers and students and also volunteers to help clean up the trash outside and also help rebuild the structure of the building to make it become more positive and a safe place for children. They had thousands of teachers and interviews that people wanted to come out for a position at the school. Ron was very inspirational and I was truly interested in everything he had to say because he has impacted the education world in so many ways that have changed not only the teacher's lives but also the children that need that education and learning environment.

        

Formative Assessments in the Classroom

In the 2nd grade classroom I observed, I learned that there were not as many assessments as middle and high school. The teacher shared that the students would have one quiz per week that has to do with her unit goal for the class. She takes the time to make her own short quiz that is 10 easy questions that the students have already learned throughout the week. She will walk around and help them and explain if someone needs help remembering. She will also go over questions and examples up on the board before the quiz. She has the kids take home note cards so they can study and get ready for the next level of testing.

Indigo Module 3 Feedback

Module 3 was very interesting to learn about. It is nice to find out many different ways that motivate me in my life and for the future. My highest motivator was Social, which is rewarding those who value opportunities to be of service to others and contribute to the progress and well being of society. I really enjoyed learning about this module because it tells me what drives me the most and in what ways I thrive in also which is good to look at when I am looking for jobs that would fit my personality best.

Technology and Classroom Distraction

Social media and technology has definitely taken a negative toll in the education world. With younger students being able to get access to technology now, wether it is at home or school, it can be a major distraction for kids and their surroundings. It makes students feel that it is okay to have out cellphones, tablets or computers whenever they may feel because they are so use to it now in this generation. School is meant for learning and providing kids in a healthy and safe environment, but with technology and social media being everywhere it makes it complicated. However, being able to get the learning access on a ipad or tablet is very useful and easy for teachers to hookup educational games for the whole class it just matters if they will be responsible enough to do it and complete the activity without getting distracted.

PSU Greenbush Conference

My experience at PSU was interesting and fun. We got to hear from all teachers in the education program about kids and their learning abilities. We created a presentation about a variety of topics to present to teachers and have them get a better understanding of students and their learning. I got to present to the teachers about my tech lab project I have been researching over Big Huge Labs. It is a free website for teachers to use to make creative posters, magazine covers, and place cards for their students to use for activities. You can be as creative as you want when it comes to designing and print them out for maybe decoration in your classroom or can be used for fun activities for your students. I also presented about a student led company called Pozi KC. A couple of other students in my class and I have taken over the company that is manipulative therapy dough. It is a cool and fun way for students to get the chance to de-stress and always have in hand with them. It comes in multiple other colors to choose from and each one is also scented by its color. This conference was an amazing experience for me to get feedback and also talk to other teachers about the way we learn and ways to make learning fun.

 

Classroom Observations Week 1

In the classroom I observed, It was very unique and creative. It was a comfortable surrounding with lots of attention grabbers around the classroom. I could tell that the kids felt safe and secure while being in the room. There was flexible seating with different varieties of chairs for the kids to choose. Right when I walked in there was a good morning screen and a To Do list for the kids once they walk in they can get started right away. Students each had their own individual jobs to help in the classroom; there was a homework stamper, line leader, calendar reader, and many more. Each kid that gets their homework done and completed for the next day gets a "puppy dollar" or they can also get one by just making right choices and being a good student. 

Educational book and magazine read

We have talked a great deal about engaging kids in inquiry circles and giving them the choice and handing them the control. But what is the teacher's role?
-Exemplifies and celebrates curiosity, which is at the heart of inquiry-based learning.
-Models his/her own inquiry process and keep a research notebook
-Encourages authentic questions
-Offers lessons in comprehension, collaboration, an inquiry
-Shares examples of how inquiry happens in the real world
-Stays alert to inquiry circle topics and searches for relevant text and resources

School's all over are working to modernize their interior to make it more professional and easier learning space for the kids. Working on getting new spinny chairs to having an open classroom without any walls. People think this is a good way for kids to adapt to learning in a different way.