Abstract pp 1-51
This we Believe begins by describing the importance of a middle level education, and the effect it has on youths. The National Middle School Association (NMSA) strongly believes that because this is such a highly influential period the right education can change how a students life turns out. The years between 10 and 15 are those when the young minds are able to be affected by peers gone astray, as well as the influence of the media. Middle school teachers need to realize this and do what they can to have a positive influence. Society is evolving and broadening with the introduction of technology and the loss of traditional family atmospheres. It is left up to educators who understand the situation and make the decisions needed to change the direction.
Successful schools for young adolescents are characterized by a culture that includes most importantly effective teachers. Those who are able to reach out to students and create intellectual curiosity. These teachers must understand the uniqueness of middle grades students, and must design lessons effective to their needs. These teachers need to present themselves as professionals, effective leaders, and inspirational instructors. They must create an effective, safe environment. One that allows students to feel comfortable and voice their concerns, or not be afraid to speak their mind. They need to be enthusiastic about their subject and lesson plans. This is the most important of all , a lack of enthusiasm can make even the best students shut down.
Schools must provide a curriculum that is not only challenging, but also mentally stimulating. Students must want to think about the subject rather than feel forced to. The subjects need to show some sort of relevance. whether it be toward their lives, or on a broader scale something they can some how relate to. The curriculum must be challenging, however it must not be overbearing, students shouldn't be shutdown because the work is just too hard. The keys to accomplishing this are be a creative and effective teacher. You must be able to understand your students, no two are ever alike.
The final passage of This We Believe shows the importance of a strong education in the development of youth and how it can really make a difference as to whether they succeed in life. It discusses the importance of the ideas of both the book it self and all of the resources and research in all aspects of education; from principals to parents. The books ends by discussing the importance of the development of the youth as a whole. physically, psychologically, morally, socially, and emotionally. Middle school is an important period of growth and by developing all of these characteristics students will do well.
Reflection pp. 1-34
The first section is interesting because it provides a sound background as to all the problems middle schoolers are facing. It made me reminisce the decisions i made and middle school, and how they have affected me, as opposed to my peers. I grew up in a higly urban society, and some of my peers have not become as successful as I have because they got involved in drugs and alcohol. A few have been arrested, and some even have children of their own at age 20. I feel like positive influences in my life are what allowed me to travel down the best possible path and allowed me to come out on top.
It is important to plan how one wants to be an effective teacher, without a plan or philosophy, there is no real reason to be instructing. I have been constructing mine over the past couple years and I feel now that i have a strong philosophy towards effective instruction. Comfort for students is pinnacle, but second to that is interest level. If these two things can be harnessed becoming an effective teacher will be just like riding a bike.
By affectively listening and observing to the students needs, and trying new tactics to develop interest a regular history, or math class can become a truly memorable experience. Lessons and curriculum help to determine this, but do not limit instruction. Engaged students will learn the material it is a simple fact.
The last section was a little less interesting than the book as a whole, but that was mainly because they were restating the importance of what they had already said. I do however feel it is crucial for schools to develop the whole student, this was one of my primary reasons for the mission statement being longer rather than shorter. The whole student, athletics, drama, and any other aspects to school life are what help to develop good genuine people. The Research presented in this book was very informational and I see using it as a resource for a long time to come.
7 comments:
Hi John. How are you? I like your links, especially the one about engagement and motivation. I find motivation one of the most important parts of teaching and this link is a valuable tool. Excellent job, sir.
I really like the website of middle level curriculum because it narrows it down to exactly what middle school curriculum should accomplish and what young adolescents should learn from it.
The second website has some great tips on how to increase student engagement and motivation in the classroom. I also like the part on getting parents more involved in schoolwork. Good job!
I checked out your link on increasing student engagement. I think Audra also pointed out that we must have high expectations for our students if we want them to perform well. This is also rue if we want them to be engaged. It seems like a lot of the tips for intrinsic motivation is just to have a positive atmosphere in your classroom. I think UMF has prepared us to do that.
Your "curriculum" link gives some great guidelines to follow and components to consider when constructing a curriculum.
The "engaged students" link is helpful as well, especially the "strategies" section, the rest reads as a research report, but it is certainly informational. Nice job.
I thought the posistion statement section was good, and agreed with many of their principles, especially the emphasis on authentic assessment and the concept of relevance. The engagement site seemed very useful and I enjoyed the "Getting the Most out of Homework" section.
I feel like the curriculum site would be great to pass out at a teacher's meeting. Sometimes I think teachers who have been in the business for a while forget what their doing and forget who their teaching. This seems like a great handout and reminder.
I like the first link. I think it is important to understand that (and I've said this before) the students we are teaching today are very different from who they used to be. They need more than just sitting down, taking notes, and listening to a lecture. They need more than just worksheets and drill practice that is monotonous and boring. They need so much more than that. I also think it is important to connect subject areas as well. Students can then see that what they are learning in one area is important in others. This all connect to the second link because when we are doing all of the things that the first link discusses, for the most part you are going to increase your students intrinsic motivation. Once you do this awesome things can happen.
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