Thursday, April 29, 2010

Week 12- Instructional Methods

Research shows that teachers need to vary the methods of instruction. This week reflect upon the following questions to determine the quality of your cooperating teacher’s instruction.
Does the teacher:
• Rely too heavily on “tell” forms of instruction?

• Include “show” methods of instruction to demonstrate the meanings of the material being taught?

• Include “do” activities where students apply, or learn, the skills of the lesson?

• Vary instructional methods to ensure meeting the needs of all students?

Don't forget to bring all of your practicum documents and anything else that you still need to turn in next week.

oops

I just realized I posted the same blog topic.  Check back tonight for an updated posting.

Tuesday, April 27, 2010

Week 11 - Teacher-Student Rapport

Just a reminder that we do have class on Tuesday, May 4th. All practicum documents are due along with all class assignments. Unless you have to take the final, this will be the last time I will see you.
I believe that the art of teaching is shown in the teacher's ability to have a positive rapport with students. According to Webster's Dictionary, the word rapport means "relation; connection, esp. harmonious or sympathetic relation: a teacher trying to establish close rapport with." Hopefully, your cooperating teacher has a good rapport with the students. Watch your cooperating teacher this week in order to answer the following questions:
What strategies does the teacher use to build and maintain rapport with students? How are opportunities for success provided for each student? Do the students have a positive connection with the teacher?

Tuesday, April 20, 2010

Week 11 - Teacher-Student Rapport

Just a reminder that we do have class next Tuesday, April 27th. Please check your syllabus to remind you what you need to bring.  If you have not already turned in your foliotek receipt and signed disposition, please bring to class next week.


I believe that the art of teaching is shown in the teacher's ability to have a positive rapport with students.  According to Webster's Dictionary, the word rapport means "relation; connection, esp. harmonious or sympathetic relation: a teacher trying to establish close rapport with."  Hopefully, your cooperating teacher has a good rapport with the students.  Watch your cooperating teacher this week in order to answer the following questions:

What strategies does the teacher use to build and maintain rapport with students?  How are opportunities for success provided for each student?  Do the students have a positive connection with the teacher?

Sunday, April 11, 2010

Week 10 - Meeting the needs of the individual learner

Observe this week how your cooperating teacher effectively (or ineffectively) teaches the students with special needs in the classroom. Reflect upon the following questions as you post your blog entry.

What modifications or adoptions are made wtihin the course content or curriculum to meet the needs of the individual learner? How does the teacher utilize large group, small group, and/or individualized instruction to meet the learning needs of students? How are student interests and student choice incorporated in to the students' learning opportunities?

Wednesday, March 24, 2010

Week 9 - Management and Student Behavior

Many first year teachers struggle with student discipline. By answering the following questions, recognize the behavior strategies used by your cooperating teacher that work or do not work in the classroom. 

How are expectations for behavior, routines, and learning explained?  What are the guidelines for classroom behavior?  How is appropriate behavior encouraged?  How does the teacher react to inappropriate behavior?  What techniques both verbal and nonverbal are used to cue appropriate behavior?  What strategies does the teacher use to prevent problems?

Tuesday, March 16, 2010

Week 8 - Classroom Routines

Students feel safe and secure when there is a set of classroom routines. Please reflect upon what classroom routines your cooperating teacher uses in the classroom.


What are the established procedures in the classroom such as attendance, beginning class, ending class, clean up, etc? What is the physical arrangement of the classroom, tables, desks, positioning, etc? How does the teacher transition the students from one activity to another? Reflect upon the classroom routines - Are the routines providing a positive, safe, and secure plan to ensure student learning? do you agree with the routines that the techer uses? Why or why not?