natalie

Natalie Hewitt October 19, 2010 Reflection: Chapter 7 Chapter 7 discusses how learning and teaching in the classroom takes place based on one of two school’s purpose. The first purpose is to preserve social conservation and the second in promote social change. In order to fulfill these purposes the development and implementation of specific curriculum is chosen by schools to achieve their purpose. It is the responsibility then of the teachers and principal to be aware of the school’s purpose. After reading this chapter, I feel that a successful school would not belong to just one school of thought and have only one purpose. In order to teach in today’s cultural diverse classrooms, I feel that teaching one type of curriculum would be unjust to the teacher, students and ultimately the society. If we have learned one thing from this book it is that cultural diversity exists in our classrooms and it is the teacher’s job to educate all students and be aware of their differences. I believe to make progress one must change and experiment new venues. The same is to be said for teaching and learning in a classroom today. There is nothing wrong with building from a strong foundation but when a super power nation is globally ranked 24th in math, 18th in science and 15th in reading (Miller, 2008) something needs to change. In today’s classrooms there are many factors that hinder proper instruction including building conditions and class schedules. For example, Abraham Lincoln High School, in the northeast section of Philadelphia has been rebuilt with new state of the art facilities. The principal claims that since the students have been in the new building he has seen a difference in student behavior and interest. The principal argued that before the construction of the new facilities students where attending a school with asbestos and dilapidated, out of date classrooms. (Osbourne, 2010) This is just one example of how the setting can lead to better instruction and ultimately learning. There are many approaches to “proper” instruction including well-stated objectives. I believe by stating objectives it allows for better instruction because it prepares and organizes the teacher’s planning and instruction. I feel it also helps if the classroom teacher is familiar with the vast resources of technology. An effective teacher in my opinion will not only use the textbooks that are still used but will also integrate technology into the lessons. The use of technology is global diffused and by integrating it into the classrooms will allow the teacher to break some of the cultural barriers facing the students. According to Hermitt (2009), there are many beneficial uses for all students including students with disabilities, and also is a great tool for teachers to save time with classroom management projects. The only limiting factor for proper classroom discussion is the budget, which teachers have no control over and can lead to detrimental effects for the students. Natalie Hewitt  October 19, 2010  Reflection : Chapter 9  In Chapter 9, it discusses the rights and responsibilties of both students and teachers. Throughout my educational career so many of my teachers treated the children as subordinates or as the book refers to them as half - persons. As I look back on my school years and think about some of my favorite teachers I realize that they were the ones who valued my opinion even though I was a child. They made me feel important and not insignificant like some had. Children need to feel valued and are very aware when the teacher is neglecting or mistreating them. The chapter made me realize that teachers may overlook the fact that their students are entitled to the same rights as they are. Teachers have a legal obligation to their students. They need to respect their rights constituted to them through the amendments and also provide them with a safe, nuturing educational enviroment. Sometimes teachers, prinicpals, and school boards neglect or over step their boundaries and that is when the courts get involved. According to Mount (2010) the courts protect children's rights because of their age and level of maturity, considering they are not as prepared as an adult to stand up for their rights. Mount also states that students right are not always upheld in the courts for several reasons. One reason is in loco parentis which states that while the child is in school, the school must act in place of the student's parent. The second reason, he states, is if the act of the student interferes with the educational process then the case may be throw out. There are many Supreme Court cases that we can use as examples and help us as future educators to not create the same mistakes.  As a teacher, I feel it necessary to portray myself whether in or out of the classroom as a professional with good character. Hence it is my responsbility to conduct myself as a moral, upstanding citizen for my students. One way students learn is through observation and modeling so I feel it is important that I lead them in the right direction behaviorally and socially. Bandura ( 1977) in his theory on Social Learning states “Most human behavior is learned observationally through modeling: from observing others, one forms an idea of how new behaviors are performed, and on later occasions this coded information serves as a guide for action.” I also believe that teachers need to know their boundaries in the classroom so effective teaching and learning can take place. Like chapter 7 and 8 say it is important that the teacher is aware of the school's purpose and develops a relationship with the principal, superintendent, school board members, parents and students in order to understand and be aware of the culturally diversity. I believe that teachers can protect themselves legally by getting to know the students, their parents, and the employees of the district. Teachers cannot be ignorant of the social issues and differences that exist in their classroom. It is my responsibility to make sure that all students are receiving an equal chance to get the very best educational experience possible. So even though the chapter reflects very technical information a new teacher must keep in mind the reason he or she became a teacher and do it passionately. According to the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards it states, "The formal knowledge teachers rely on accumulates steadily, yet provides insufficient guidance in many situations. Teaching ultimately requires judgment, improvisation, and conversation about means and ends. Human qualities, expert knowledge and skill, and professional commitment together compose excellence in this craft."     References  Bandura, A. (1977). Social Learning Theory. New York: General Learning Press. Mount, S. (2010). Constitional Topic: Student Rights. Retrieved from [|http://www.USConstitition.net]. National Board of Professional Teaching Standards (1989). How Should a Teacher Conduct Themselves? NBPTS. Retrieved from: [].