In class, we also began, to discuss what is SMART goal? I truly didn't realize how deeply I could analyze a single sentence, but by the end of the process I have a specific, measurable, attainable, relevant, and time bound goal. Setting goals for ourselves is a vital process of being life long learners and also connects perfectly with Standard 5 of NCPTS, Teachers reflect on their practice because as part of that standard teachers are expected to link professional growth to their professional goals.
In my outside research this week I decided to explore the world of makerspaces. Earlier this week, our class visited Washington Elementary. During our tour of the school we were shown the school's makerspace, needless to say I was intrigued because I had never heard of such a thing. I found an awesome article about what a makerspace is and how it can be used. Basically, it is a space planned to foster student creativity and enable growth through hands on activities. Helping students explore their learning by providing them with tools and a blank slate is a wonderful opportunity to develop students into critical thinkers. If you're interested feel free to check out this awesome article: https://www.edutopia.org/blog/fostering-creativity-with-makerspaces-nicholas-provenzano
This is an awesome tool to help students and I would love to be able to create this (maybe on small scale) in my future classroom to help students learn by creating and exploring.
Colleen, I cannot believe we are in the 3rd week of classes either. I too have had a lot going on and have gained some new perspectives this week. That is funny that you say in your everyday conversations that you struggle using the terms "concept" and "topic" interchangeably because I do too. I enjoyed learning about SMART goals too because it allows me to get a deeper understanding of something and I am able to use standard 5 of the NCPTS to reflect on my practice. A makerspace intrigued me too because I had never heard of it either, but that is a great thing to implement in our future classrooms.
ReplyDeleteColleen, I love the idea of makerspaces and like you said, it really is a great way to help foster students' learning and creativity. Like you, I was excited to learn how to use two concepts together because it is a great way to help our students have critical thinking in our future classrooms.
ReplyDeleteColleen, I can totally agree with you when you said "I truly didn't realize how deeply I could analyze a single sentence, but by the end of the process I have a specific, measurable, attainable, relevant, and time bound goal." After many trial and error sentences, I finally realized what it means to have a sentence with all of those aspects to it. I think that us as teacher, reflecting on our practice will be a huge aspect to our teaching. If we are willing to evaluate ourselves and our teaching to improve it for our students, we will be much more effective teachers. Also if we are willing to take feedback and criticism from other teachers, that will only help us improve our students learning and benefit them in the end.
ReplyDeleteColleen, Thank you for clearly communicating your thoughts in this blog. "As a future educator, talking about this was sort of exciting because it opened up new doors for me to introduce information in completely new ways that will require my future students to think critically and intensively." <------ is a powerful sentence. What is something specific you are planning to change in your future classroom? I can't wait until our Makerspace is ready at GW. Did you know we are getting one in Craig? Keep on making these connections!
ReplyDeleteI still can't believe that we got this far into our educational careers before we discovered that there is a difference between concept and topic as well, you would think if that is the way of teaching now that it would have been brought to our attention sooner. I was taught social studies by following a textbook word for word, and watching videos and movies, and I never really understood what was going on or what I was suppose to get from watching them, and I said I hope that my future students one day aren't taught the same way. I want them to really learn and understand what they are suppose to know, not just be able to pass because they can get a good grade, but to really understand and be able to carry on a meaningful conversation with someone one day about social studies.
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