Teaching Strategies/Philosophy

There are a lot of opportunities in the world of education provided today. But the most important tool to a students success is having a good teacher. As a future educator I want to be able to provide each individual student with a certain criteria and goal, that he/she can reach successfully. I want my students to have the same passion about English that I do. I want to be able to have one-on-one with my students to reach their individual needs. I expect each student respect me and their peers, it is so important to have a respectful relationship with your students. The learning environment I plan to have will be one of passion, fun, and a positive atmosphere. I hope to provide a positive learning environment that students can express themselves and continue to form opinions and expand their horizons.

Equality

For any teacher to have a personal relationship with a student they must be fair. Our nation is so multicultural that as a teacher we must treat every student with respect and equality. Diversity is a good thing, if everyone were the same the world would be boring. My classroom will be completely equal, as a teacher each student will be required to recognize and write about their racial identity, it is important to understand who you are as a person. Being fair and equal is not always easy but in education it is necessary. Each individual student should have the up-most respect for not only me but their classmates and peers.

Technologically Literate

The most important thing I have learned in EDM310 is to be technologically literate. This does not mean you have to know every technology available out there to use, it means being involved in the technological movement. This movement is advancing fast and is very effectively. Each individual students should be somewhat aware of the new technologies being provided for them today. Not only should they know about them but be involved with them, it is so important to be up-to-date on new technological advances and opportunities. Each student in my classroom will be required to be somewhat technologically literate and should participate in new advances provided to them.

Blogging

Blogging has been the newest thing to my PLN this year. Blogging has been a very important tool for me as a student to express my opinions and view points. Blogging is also a great way to get to know your classmates from not only your class but other classes. It is so important to have a voice in this world and blogging allows you to do that. As a teacher I will make it mandatory that all students be active bloggers. I will see to it that all of my students are making a voice for themselves and are furthering their education not only at school but on their own time at home. Blogging is a great way to express oneself and to view others opinions.

Facebook/Myspace

One of the most popular sites visited in today's youth is facebook and myspace. These two tools connects people all over the world allowing anyone to learn new things about other people. I will not require my students to have a facebook or myspace but as a teacher I will definitely encourage them to. Being connected with other people allows you as a person to be interactive not only with your community but all over. These two internet sensations have connected people all over the world creating relationships and friendships. Facebook and Myspace can also be abused therefor being safe is always important.

Personal Learning Network

Being in EDM310 I am required to have a PLN (Personal Learning Network.) This allows me to update my blog viewers on what I am learning to use and what networks I am involved in. As technology advances so does classroom management, I want each student to not only have a blog but to have a PLN. Their PLN should be constantly updated on what that student is learning or different networks he/she is using. As a teacher I can examine all of my students PLN's and share with my classes of the different technology their peers are using. The PLN is a great source to teach further technologies to my students and to also learn some for myself.

Student's Personal Needs

To be a great teacher one must put their students needs before their own. When a student enters a classroom that teacher should do whatever humanly possible to make each and every student comfortable in their learning environment. As a future educator I plan on having a close student/teacher relationship with my students. I want any student to feel that they can come to me for any reason at all. Students need to know you care about furthering their education and that you will do whatever it takes to help that student grow. Each student should have a personal goal that him/her can meet by the end of the year.