BlogPost 4

[Teachers] should recognize that the linguistic form a student brings to school is intimately connected with loved one’s community, and personal identity. To suggest that this form is “wrong” or, even worse, ignorant, is to suggest that somehing is wrong with the student and his or her family. (p.33)

Every student is individually unique. People create their own sense of style, they love different books and movies, and they learn in different ways. The differences between two individuals is endless. So why do schools often see differences as problems? Maybe because if its different for every student how can they come up with a universal way of teaching. Maybe because it's easier to try and mold people to a certain idea of perfection rather than seeing how the uniqueness is already perfect. If a student speaks three languages at home, yes it's important for he or she to understand what is going on in school, so he or she should know how to speak that language, but if the pronunciation a text is all they are learning are they really learning to comprehend or are they learning to be afraid to speak up and give their opinions? Because each person is uniquely themselves, each student needs to be approached, when being taught, in a way that will help them tackle their own specific challenges.

BlogPost 3

How does a teacher represent themselves and what they teach, and at the same time create an environment where all students can learn at their full potential?

I think creating an environment for all students to reach their full potential is a lot harder than it seems. Everyone learns in their own way so I think a classroom has to be set up to fit many different types of teaching styles. The difficulty is in how the teacher goes about this without creating an environment that does the exact opposite. I'm all for making a classroom 'yours' but if the stuff on the walls clutters the space, it can become a distraction and stop the students from being able to really absorb information and learn. A perfect example in my mind of how to create differences in a positive way was in my Junior year history class. The teacher had about six or seven yoga balls, if you got to class early enough you could sometimes grab a yoga ball and sit on it for the class instead of your usual chair. It made it possible for some of the students in my class who usually need to move around a lot, to move without bothering their piers. Another example was you could tell it was her room and that she was a history teacher because she had her students artwork from projects on the walls. Projects such as comics about the cold war that she had graded. It gave people an idea of what she taught and it also helped her student with examples of what previous students had done for different history projects she had assigned. I believe a good teacher uses their own experiences to create an environment that will give each and every student the best opportunity to learn in his or her classroom. 

BlogPost 2

Location: Target

Reflection:

This observation experience made me realize that I tend to make up my own ideas of why people do what they do. I make assumptions that I don’t take the time to make sure are correct. I also have a tendency to judge people right away, within the first few seconds of interaction. I feel that I was able to observe my surroundings with ease, but when my friend and I talked about what we had witnessed while people watching I found that I was a lot more judgmental than she seem to be. I feel that when looking at people around me instead of creating my own story of what their lives must be, I should probably wait to make any assumptions. As someone who plans on going into the teaching field I believe it is very important to keep an open mind and to not make immediate judgements of your students because that can change the relationship you can form with each individual student if you go in already having some sort of bias.

WebPost1: Class Survey

WebPost1: Class Survey

Personal Information

1. I answer to both Magdalena and Maggie though I prefer Maggie since Magdalena tends to be mispronounced quite often.

2. I'm from Pittsburgh, PA

3. I am a freshman and I plan to double major in History and Education in the hopes of becoming a Secondary Education History teacher.

4. Some unique things about myself are that I've played the violin since 3rd grade, I was in the color guard at my high school, and I participated in my youth groups mission trip to Pinch, WV for the past five years.

Learning Style and More

1. I can handle almost any environment, but when given the option I prefer some kind of noise around me, whether it's conversation or something else.

2. I will actively participate in class whenever I feel comfortable but when I'm sick I tend to participate less since I always seem to lose my voice. I'm also not the best public speaker. I tend to get nervous and talk quieter and faster than I usually do. I believe I am a responsible student. I will try to always be a few minutes early because I would hate to disrespect my professor by missing a part of his class. I have procrastinated in classes in the past but I am attempting to go into this semester with the goal of not wanting to turn anything in late because I plan to get the highest grade possible and that includes turning everything in on time. I am a visual and kinetic learner so I work best with things I can visualize or touch/ physically work with. In the past when I was lost or confused I wanted to be independent so I would try to focus and figure it out myself. Now I will ask questions either directed towards my teacher or I may ask my fellow classmates. I want to make sure that if anyone is confused on something you can ask me, I will tell you if I know and if not attempt to help you find out. thanks:)

Education Past and Present

7. A formative memory for me would have to include either my fourth grade teacher, Mrs. Beth Durbin, or my high school orchestra teacher Mrs. Mairi Cooper. These two women have both been crucial in me wanting to become a teacher. They are both teachers I plan on striving to be as good as. Mrs. Durbin always called our fourth grade classroom her family. She said we were all her children. She's the reason I decided I wanted to be a teacher. I have stayed in touch with her for years and plan on continuing that. I consider her an amazing role model. Mrs. Cooper is also a wonderful woman and role model. During my four years of high school she went out of her way for me several times. She was someone I knew I could talk to about everything and she would listen. She was my teacher but she was also my friend. I am also still in touch with her. These women go out of their way to help their students. They create bonds that will last a life time. As a student planning on pursuing a career in education, I want to change peoples lives and be someone that my students will feel comfortable talking to me. I want to be a Mrs. Durbin or a Mrs. Cooper for my students. 
8. One thing I feel is a concern in the field of education right now is that we live in a time where people love labeling. By labeling students as ADHD or something else, I feel it can actual hinder their education because it puts them in a box that can make them feel lesser for or can stop them from being able to achieve creatively because they are told that the way they go about their thought process is different than what is considered the norm. A good teacher helps the student find the right method for themselves as individuals, but when the student has already been labeled in someway, this can be a hard task to achieve to the students full potential.

About Dr Shutkin

9.  I would like to ask you Dr Shutkin why u decided to become a professor. Was there someone who impacted your life? Did you begin your path thinking you were going in a different direction? What led you towards education?

Thanks:)