Education Blog

      This past week, I have reflected on a few things. I first thought about what Blane said about the Education in Switzerland being similar to here, and then I thought about what it is like in other parts of the world. We get a bit of information on other places, like the States through readings that we encounter, but what about places like the east coast? Is it similar to here? The reason I thought this is because my boyfriend asked me if I am willing to move as far as Nova Scotia or even New York with him for his next career move, once I have completed school. I am completely up it, but started thinking about how different the Education system might be, since it was different for me coming here just from Saskatchewan. It is something that I think I will find myself looking into further a lot more now.
I also thought about what Blane said regarding the turn-around-kids, who want to tell teachers they see on the street stories of success. Again, back to my boyfriend, I spoke with some of his teachers from when he was in grade 8. They said he was on the fence going into grade 8, and they were not sure which way he was going to fall. He said his one teacher really made an impact on him, and he came back the next year ready to learn and do well because he wanted to impress him (he was also his basketball coach). The teachers tell me off to the side what a turn-around he made, and how proud they are of him. This is the kind of teacher I hope to be; one who makes a difference and helps students want to succeed, and when they see me on the street years from now, they will want to tell me stories of success.
I also reflected on the 1:1 laptop program presentation. I have not yet been in a classroom with laptops being used. During my school visit they were merely receiving them. We have learned bits and pieces about them, but I have never been in a teaching atmosphere where a lesson was taught (in Middle School) using them. For this reason, I find it difficult to make an opinion about them. I think there really is a lot of negativity regarding the 1:1 laptop program, but I think it is because people are afraid of what they are not familiar, or comfortable, with. I remember this summer, the first day of school in July; our first class was Information Technology. I got a little bit of anxiety thinking about making a video, a Webquest, and a poster because I had no clue how to do any of them. However, I embraced it, learned about to do each, along with a lot more along the way, and now I can’t wait to teach my students how to work with the programs if I am given the chance.
Oh yes, I also made my first lesson plan this past week which I posted as well. I think way too much sometimes! I was concerned about how long my hook would take, and how long the first activity would, and if I was giving too much work. I realized half way through that if I do this for every lesson plan I was in over my head. I changed my way of thinking about it, and had fun with it. Things started to flow right onto the paper, and I was done it in no time. If the time were too much, I would carry it over in the next lesson. I now can’t wait to get started on planning my next one, when I was unsure about how to even start the first one.