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ED 701
In reading Darling-Hammond closing chapter, and reflecting on her policy prescriptions, I made many connections to my own classroom.
These policies could have a large impact on education, as many school districts and teachers are hoping to make a change in order to be a part of 21st century learning. If goals become more meaningful, students would be more engaged and interested as learning would relate to the real world. Accountability systems and adequate resources would provide teachers with the tools they need to help their students be successful inside the classroom, and out. Strong standards and supports would keep expectations high for students, and allow teachers to help them meet those standards. Lastly, having a school that supports teacher and student learning encourages all people to be life-long learners, and really sets students up with skills they need to be successful in the "real world". Currently, many schools do not have adequate resources, and are not focused on student learning. If we were to turn our education system around and fully implement these policies, I believe that we would be better preparing our students for their futures. John Dewey said "What the best and wisest parent wants for his own child, that must we want for all children in the community. Any other ideal for our schools is narrow and unlovely; acted upon, it destroys our democracy”. This quote perfectly sums up what education is like in the United States, without Darling-Hammond's 5 key policy elements. We discuss education like all students have access to an EQUAL education - but that is completely not the case. Until we can make schools equal in ways of funding of resources, and support/professional development for teachers, we will not truly be setting all students up EQUALLY for a successful future. At my own school in Benicia Unified School District, I believe that they offer a lot of support and resources for teachers, which allow us to best help our students. On the other hand, I teach in a "well-off", middle/upper-class suburban neighborhood. Our school is not very diverse. In some way, we may be perpetuating these "unfair" and "unequal" education systems. I'm not sure of the right answer, or how to make these 5 key elements a reality. For now, I try to use the resources and supports I do have to make my classroom the most successful place it can be.
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I loved looking at the SAMR model, and wanted to share this one I found - I like the image of the swimming pool :) https://www.teachingchannel.org/videos/differentiating-in-math
I watched the above video for this case study. I am hoping to have my research question revolve around differentiation during math instructions/activities/lessons. While this video shows a class that is younger than mine, it definitely gave me ideas. The kids in this class have 1:1 laptops, and play a math game called "planet turtle". The students are able to get immediate feedback, as well as the teacher! Then, the teacher can pull aside a group of students who need to be retaught a lesson, or work with those who need to take their thinking to the next level. Although I may not use this exact website, it did give me an idea of how to differentiate my math instruction! I can work with a group of students, while other students are working at their own levels, using technology, and playing math games! Through technology, math games, and differentiated mini lessons and small group, the teacher noticed how his students' math skills improved. In addition, the students were engaged when playing games, and really benefitted from having immediate feedback on whether or not their answers were correct. IF I had more technology, I could do this lesson. Since I do not, I think I can take parts of this lesson to use in my class. I would rate this a 4 out of 5, because I would have loved to see more of how technology and math games are used in this classroom. |
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January 2016
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