Project Based Learning and Final Reflections

I thought that the presentation on project based learning was very interesting. I am very interested in project based learning after listening to the guest speakers and feel I might fit as a teacher in such a school. I admit I am very progressive in my views and was not turned off by the autonomy and lack of structure of Edvisions. I was a bit hesitant to mention my views in class as it seemed most people were very skeptical. However, I feel that if research shows project-based learning works, I would say why not try it? I would obviously have to see the school in action before really buying into it, but this talk today had me intrigued.

This talk also made me think about my values and beliefs. I believe in serving the underserved and feel that I want to work in a public school where students need a better education. I am not saying I have so much power or knowledge to change lives or education, however I feel that from my background of privilege, I need to give back. I recognize that not all students are as fortunate as I have been and I feel this is unfair. You cannot choose what type of situation you are born into and I feel that students in low income areas and/or at risk youth deserve a quality education.

I am constantly challenged by my decision to become a teacher. Nearly everyday someone or something makes me think, should I be doing this? Is it worth it? But watching the video at the end of class today reminded me the power a teacher can have. Teaching is a thankless job at times but it is not for the money or the respect of society, it's for the students. I remember all of my favorite teachers and realize how much they have impacted me. I know that teachers are important and despite the many drawback, it is a worthwhile profession. I know that I want to be a teacher and whether it's at a traditional or non traditional school, I know I want to find a school where students are supported and teachers are supported. I know my life will not be Dead Poets Society and I may not impact students in ways I think. I may never know what I've done but I believe I can make a difference and will be able to persist in such a challenging career.

Peer Groups and Bullying

This week's discussion of the influence of peer to peer relationships was very interesting. I have not had a lot of experience learning about peer relationships in schools so found our discussions beneficial. I think that the fact that students choose peer groups who share similar values is important to note. Students who are concerned with their academic achievement will most likely choose friends with similar concern for academics. I also thought our Skype session, though very technical, was interesting. Social relationships do change and do influence students in school. This is important for teachers to realize because students can promote or discourage each other.

In terms of bullying, I think that teachers need to be more present and more influential. Students should be taught how to deal with bullies in a practical manner. I do not necessarily think that bullying can ever be eliminated but encouraging students to stand up for themselves and to have non violent outlets fro their anger may alleviate bullying issues. As for the sensationalized nature of bullying leading to suicide, I am a bit torn. The media certainly should not make us believe that bullying causes suicide however, teen suicide is an issue that schools need to more openly address. Mental health is an issue that needs to be more openly discussed in schools, especially in middle and high school. Schools need to provide a way for students to feel safe and that they have someone to talk to. Teen suicide is a major issue, and despite the sensationalism in media reports, schools need to insure they are a safe, inclusive (especially for LGBTQ students) places where students can address any mental health issues.

Funding and Technology

This week's discussion about Kozol's views on school fundraising was particularly challenging. I'd like to think I share his progressive views as I do believe children should have the right to a quality education regardless of their parents income level. I wish that public schools did receive equal funding however, the idea that fundraisers should be made "illegal" is challenging. There is no equal funding if schools can fundraise because wealthier schools will always raise more money. However, forbidding fundraisers for all schools may prevent low income schools from receiving extra funds for programs like music or sports. I do no think it is practical to forbid fundraising despite it's unfair nature. This issue is very complex and I feel I will continue to think about funding and fairness as I continue my studies and teaching career.

As for the technology presented to us, I feel very optimistic as a future teacher. Things like Khan Academy and apps like Doceri and Educreations make me feel confident that as a teacher I will have tools to individualize lessons and constantly monitor my student's progress. I hope that wherever I work my students will be able to access such useful technological tools to help them learn.

Intelligence

This week's discussion of Gardner's theories of multiple intelligence really made me question current teacher education. I have been taught Gardner's theory in nearly every education class I've had at Santa Clara. Some of my professors have even included addressing the intelligence's in lesson plan templates. However, after yesterday's discussion, my acceptance of multiple intelligence has changed. As I've been reflecting, I feel I know believe that people can have many skills but not intelligence. Being good at something does not necessarily mean one has an intelligence. I am a singer but I would not say that I therefore have musical intelligence. This theory seemed to be a way to make anyone feel like they were good at something, which is a foundational element of American schooling. This idea I have really been questioning. As a future teacher, I want to believe that everyone has intelligence or the potential for intelligence. I do no want to accept the idea that some kids are smarter than others. This is why I struggle with the idea of general intelligence. This week I have also been reflecting on teacher education itself. I feel that current programs like we discussed last week are too heavy in history and methods. There is not enough "clinical experience". I also feel that teacher education now is a bit opportunistic. If Gardner's theory isn't true, why am I learning it. Should I accept a theory that claims everyone is smart when this may not be true? I wish that teaching programs would be more honest about the field and what we as future teachers should know about the difficulties of reaching every student and keeping them motivated. This class has really helped me reflect on my own education and especially what I want from a teacher education program.

Motivation Reflection

The discussion on motivation this week was certainly interesting. I realized just how much our system as is, is not set up for students to be motivated to learn for the sake of learning. Grades and test scores which have no real meaning to them are the primary forces that drive motivation. School is currently a system where students are motivated to get good grades to get into college to get into grad school to get a good job. This shows to me a loss of the principle of education to educate the whole person or to educate so students enjoy learning. I think that our system needs to shift focus to truly motivate students to learn and do high quality work that they can get something out of. I do not necessarily think the Common Core is a way that students can be motivated because there are strict limitations to what the students are learning and when. Teachers will likely feel a lot of pressure to get students to achieve Core benchmarks and get good scores on standardized tests. With this pressure, I imagine many teachers may be reluctant to make an innovative lesson that is relevant and interesting to students. I think our current system is so limited because there are so many specifics teachers feel they need to stick to that there is little room to think about student motivation. I myself really struggled with the activity where we tried to create a plan to make a school, class or specific lesson that focused on motivation. I think this was so challenging for me because of the strictness of our education system. With so much emphasis on grades and tests scores, I think teachers and students alike find it difficult to think outside the box. I hope that in my future teaching, I will be motivated myself to really look at me lessons and try to make them relevant and interesting so my students will appreciate learning as a process, and not be so focused on grades and test scores like I have been and still am.