In teaching my core content English, I hope that I can open students mind to thinking of the big WHYs in life. I would love to teach higher classes such as A.P. or Honors English that I feel would impact students lives to think outside the box -- although, I imagine perfect students, parents, associates and etc... I know when reality comes I will not have the perfect setting, students or always the happy ending with my students remembering my class as their epiphany to life. (But, what the heck... why not hope for that anyway!) When considering techniques to teach, well there are so many I hope to use that it is difficult to list them all but, I guareentee I will use: reading strategies, multiple intellgiences, and always have my objectives on the board!
I do hope to use technology (besides correcting student papers), but that sad fact is that I have used so little in the past that technological lesson ideas are outside my comfort zone... (I know this class will help me with that). Really, I am a believer in using technology, but I do need the extra push and shove in the right direction.
In preparation for my future classroom I feel that the best environment should be very clean, organized, and the focus should be where the learning occurs. I am not a “pack-rat” and I do not believe my walls should be either, thus my walls will have minimal but nicely arranged décor to enhance the focus on learning-- not posters. I firmly believe that group desks should be used for group work, otherwise I feel rows will enhance structure and learning in a professional setting. To me, rows facing the focal point where the majority of the lessons occur (white board, power-point, etc.) will increase student attention and learning. Not only do I believe rows will provide for more focused attention, but will also minimize inappropriate social distractions. Although I feel the classroom should be somewhat strict and professional, I also believe a classroom should be safe and nurturing with personal “touches” from students. Personality influenced from students will help the classroom become their “own,” to do this I plan on having wall space available during certain projects and literary themes that each class can post or contribute to the character of the classroom. To me, allowing students to contribute to the classroom environment gives them the opportunity to create a safe place they can succeed in.
In my future classroom I plan on having rules, consequences (positive and negative), and the state core posted on easily viewable walls so that students may constantly see what is expected of them. In many classrooms it is very common to see the rules and consequences posted, because most of us believe it helps restrain conflict and questions as students may continually monitor their behavior during the year. Although it is less common to see the state core posted, I believe it will help students understand what and why they are learning material in hopes to give the student a reason to be motivated. Posting the core was the idea of my Methods professor who felt it allowed the secrete of learning to be accessible to the students, and though I have not experienced this strategy I find that I strongly agree with the principle idea. In my personal experiences as a student I have realized that I am more motivated when I know the expectations of my teacher, and can continually access those expectations to monitor my progress. Similar to my personal experience I want my students to fully understand what and why they are learning concepts, and I feel that if they fully understand the big “WHY” they will have more intrinsic motivation for learning.
