"Are we doing what is best for our students, or are we doing what is most convenient for us?
As an educator this question is difficult to answer. I believed that teachers are doing their best to motivate their students. In today's society, we have teachers who are "old school" and they are stuck in their old ways. It's very hard to change and today's technology is very difficult for those teachers to learn about. There are not enough professional development classes available for season teachers to utilize. Some teachers believed that the traditional teaching works and they see no need to change their ways. It's always a struggle between the season and new teachers because they believed what works 20 or 30 years ago is still good for today. I look at this question as this; we can take what was utilized in the past and incorporate it into today's technology.
I think that teaching in a differentiated classroom is a great way to reach all of the different learners in my classroom. From experience I have noticed that my students are engaged and motivated; they are more willing to participate and be involved in classroom discussions. The students in my classroom have many different choices to choose from. I have set up different activities to meet all the needs of my students. This will help each student to be successful.
During this week reading, I came across a key point; “teachers have found that using computers, digital media, and other computer-related technologies can capture students’ attention and improve students’ outcomes”(Shelly, 6th edition). I realized that when I decided to utilized the Smart Board in my curriculum, my students were excited to participate and willing to come to the board to be part of the lesson. This gave more free time to work with other students who are struggling in certain subjects. This was my first year incorporating the Smart Board in my curriculum. I have noticed a huge difference among my students.
So to answer this question, I would say yes and yes.
I agree that what is best for the student should be our priority,but depending on who you ask the answer will vary.You make a good point about teachers and their ability or lack there of when it comes to change. Some teachers are stuck in there ways because it's easier to stick with what they know, what feels comfortable. Some teachers may even be putting up a great resistance to change. Yet change is ever present and is going to happen with or without consent. Trying something new sometimes creates a sense of fear. Teachers may begin to question their ability to be effective when intergrating technology. However, I think we must try to find the time to become fimiliar with teaching tools that would be effective in educating our students. With knowledge there's confidence, with confidence there's motivation hence success.
ReplyDeleteHi Carrene,
ReplyDeleteYou wrote,
"Some teachers believed that the traditional teaching works and they see no need to change their ways."
When I was teaching, I came across the same issue - At times there was almost a division of sorts between the veteran teachers and the newbies. Sure, the older teachers had more experience and had learned a lot of life lessons, and I was a young, energetic, naive beginning teacher. I learned so much from those experienced teachers, but there was nothing that could compare to the learning I did right there in the classroom!
With technology, I agree that it is a scary world out there for some. When I think about a teacher who has been teaching for 25 years or so, I think, about how much they have had to change and update over the years... how much training they have had to attend... how, with each and every class there are new challenges and needs from every student there.
I truly believe that teachers TRY to do what is best for the student and not only what is most convenient for themselves. Teachers don't get into teaching for the prestige, the respect, or the money... teachers get into teaching because they love children and love helping children learn.
Thanks for your thoughts!
~ Christi S
I think it is particularly interesting that you found such a difference in your classroom by using a SMARTBoard. Kudos to you for using it and not just letting it sit there! I thought it was interesting as well that you use this time to work individually or in smaller groups with your other students. How do you decide which students get to use the SMARTBoard for their activity? Do you do this as a center or is this part of your day-to-day routine?
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