Free Post!

Although having the freedom to write about anything sounds liberating enough, as an individual who is actually quite content with a little structure a free post can pose quite a challenge. It took me a while to decide what to write about but once I settled on a topic it turned out to be the most obvious topic of all. I recently filled out my Application for Diploma and we register for spring classes soon. As much as I hate to admit it, fall semester of my senior year is winding down, and that means student teaching and graduation are right around the corner! Although it feels like a chapter of my life is sadly drawing to a close, I am also so excited to take all of the wonderful knowledge I've learned while at Meredith and move forward into the official role of educator.

When I reflect back on why I chose teaching it's hard for me to pinpoint the exact origin of my desire to teach. It's almost as though the idea had always been there at the back of my mind.. in fact, I've hardly ever considered doing anything else (okay, I'll admit there was a brief "dolphin trainer" stage...). Since starting my teaching education I've not had any regrets about my decision. That being said, I'm not going to pretend it's been rainbows and butterflies the whole time. Because honestly- this stuff is hard! Not just the long hours and heavy workload but also the inherent desire to be your absolute best for these students. I think one of the most striking attributes about teachers is their unwavering belief in their students and their desire to offer every student the best learning experience humanly (no, superhumanly) possible. I know I've barely begun but I've already noticed time and time again that so much of the pressure and stress that teachers are under is self-induced simply as a byproduct of wanting to offer these students a truly wonderful education. The more classrooms I spend time in and the more teachers I observe and work with, the more I realize what big shoes we pre-service girls have to fill! This semester I'm observing and teaching mini-lessons in the first grade classroom that I will be student teaching in in the spring. My cooperating teacher is awesome and the students continue to amaze me with their intelligence, humor, and over-all precocious natures! The mix of emotions I feel when I leave the classroom is always a blend of excitement, awe, and just plain being overwhelmed! But it's in a good way, and I'm trying my best to be a sponge and to just absorb every ounce of experience and advice I can.

This past weekend I had an experience that just further cemented my assertion that there simply is no other profession for me besides teaching. One of our dear family friends stopped by the house with a surprise for me. She is a retired teacher who taught more or less every facet of elementary education during her 30+ years of teaching. When I opened the door to let her inside she presented me with a large cardboard box. From the outside it didn't look like much and there were no clues to give away its contents. Mrs. Cathy just nodded to me as I tentatively started to peel open the flaps of the box- and let out a large laugh as I squealed at what was inside. I was beaming as I sifted through the books, manipulatives, posters, lesson ideas, craft items, flash cards, and other gently loved items inside the box. Mrs. Cathy explained that she was sorting out her attic and needed to find new owners for things- and would I offer this box a loving home? I quickly assured her that it would be near impossible for anyone to pry the box out of my hands at that point! "It's just like CHRISTMAS!" I exclaimed, so completely excited about the tools now in my possession. "To you and me it is," Mrs. Cathy mused, "and that's what makes teachers a breed of their own."

Technology in the Classroom..?

Well I think it's safe to say my initial reaction to this blog's topic was YIKES. Who is this professor and where has she been for the last 10 or so years?! Technology is such an instrumental- and positive part of today's society!
Laptops, the internet, and the global connectivity resulting from them are some of the most valuable resources for learning at our disposal. I also believe that depriving students from a helpful tool to “force” them to interact is both silly and counterproductive. Laptops can be beneficial for typing notes, looking up information to support discussion, and sharing information.
Many times in my classes professors will ask us to look up an article, video clip, et cetera, and post it on Blackboard so that the whole class has access to everyone’s selection. It’s a quick and easy way to share information and instantly compile a wide selection of resources.
I also have a feeling that technology-deprived classrooms revolve around a professor standing at the front of the class and lecturing for an hour while students furiously hand write notes (if my personal experience is anything to go by, these notes are often so rushed, choppy, and written in shorthand that I am unable to decipher them later on… let alone share them with a classmate!). Maybe that’s a slightly biased point of view considering I’m a big fan of electronic notes (and how easy they are to bullet, number, and organize of course!), but I’m pretty sure the majority of college students would concur that electronic notes are the best thing since sliced bread.
Maybe this professor (and her supporters) are just jealous because they didn’t have such an awesome tool at their disposal when they were in college… but I think it's time they let it go and embraced all the good things technology has to offer in the classroom! :)