Technology?

  

     Let me just start by saying that I am a 43 year old graduate student who grew up with limited access to computers. My knowledge of computers and technology has grown over the last few years but certain simple tasks may still confuse me. For instance, this is only my third blog and I certainly don't feel as if I quite understand how it all works. Uploading pictures and even arranging the images have been a challenge. So how will I tackle my own fears of technology so I can use various technological techniques to enrich the education of my students? 

     Luckily, I also work as a teacher assistant in a classroom. I have seen first-hand how useful a Smart Board can be when demonstrating a lesson. It is commonly used for math lessons in the classroom I work in. The lessons presented are right from the text book makers. Sometimes the lessons need to be modified and repeated but this is easy to do since the Smart Board can also be written on or erased. Incorporating technology into the lesson via the Smart Board creates a more engaging lesson. Students often take turns solving problems with the teacher while the other students watch. Students are practicing turn taking while paying attention to the lesson that is being presented.

     On campus, Smart Board trainings have been offered. Due to the scheduling conflicts of being a busy mom with a full-time job, I have not been able to attend a Smart Board training yet. Fortunately, one person in my teacher candidate group has extensive knowledge of the Smart Board. Also, seeing the importance technology plays in the classroom I work in everyday motivates me to become more knowledgeable of the tools I can access to encourage learning in my future classroom. Each time I learn a new skill on the computer, my teenage daughter gets excited since I'll be bothering her less!

Practice Practice Practice

    






     

 In order to become better at teaching science while infusing technology throughout the lessons, the best way to accomplish this is through practice. In collaboration with taking this science course, as a student , I will work in a group with other teacher candidates to create and present a lesson to students while completing our fieldwork. Each group was given a topic to produce a lesson from and the theme of the after school science program is Every Day is Earth Day. The topic for my group (group 4) is Land, Air, and Water Resources. Teaching this lesson will occur in a couple of weeks but today we meet the students we will be working with in the after school program. 
     Today's class consisted of the student's sitting in groups at tables. The professor kept track of the time while each group of teacher candidates presented the same lesson to a new group of eager students. Our first group began by each teacher candidate introducing themselves. Each teacher candidate took turns throughout the lesson being a facilitator of the activities. The first activity presented to the students was a group recycling activity, There were pictures of a variety of objects including cans, paper, glass bottles and banana peels. Each student was given a paper 'bin' which was labeled either glass, aluminum, paper, plastic, or compost. Directions were explained to the students and they completed the activity with some support especially when it came to the concept of composting. Each student then explained their reasons for placing certain items in their bin. After the explanations, we transitioned into the next activity. 
     An All About Me Science worksheet was given to each student. While student's completed the worksheet, so did the teacher candidates so modeling and conversations were occurring. The conversations built relationships with the students. Once completing the worksheet, each student presented the information about themselves to the group. Some students needed encouragement to share while other students thoroughly enjoyed sharing about themselves. When the time was up, another group of students joined our table and the same activities were presented in a similar manner. 
     After meeting our students, from grades third to sixth, I have a better understanding about creating the lesson our group will create and present in a couple of weeks. Since the students will continue to work in groups, placement is important. Some students had more side conversations when they were in a group with friends. Promoting conversation about the science lesson is important while maintaining a student's focus on the lesson presented. I look forward to the planning process with the teacher candidates in my group. Watching the other groups present a lesson will also be a valuable learning tool. 
     
     

My Thoughts About Teaching Science

 

  I've always known that I wanted to be a teacher. Many found memories are of my stuffed animals being my class as was leading important class lessons. Teaching my 'class' science did not often occur. Math and Science are the two subjects that I often struggle with. Now I am encountered with the idea of teaching the two subjects that has brought me great amounts of stress. So How will I be able to manage a classroom and bring engaging Science lessons to my class?
     First, I will apply my knowledge from all the science lessons that have occurred over the last 20 years while I have worked as a teacher assistant. Science fairs, experiments, hands-on lessons, videos and reading assignments have played important roles in the way students understand science while learning. My own struggles will also play a role as how I present science material to my students. Checking for understanding by asking key questions will ensure that my students are absorbing the material being taught. Planning engaging lessons that are integrated with technology, such as Power Point presentations or using a Smart Board will engage students during a lesson. Experiments along with hands-on activities are a necessity in teaching core science exploration.

     Attending college as an adult has also given me a deeper understanding of the importance of education for everyone. My perspective of facing my own challenges with science will help guide me to better understand my student's who possibly may not enjoy science either. Also as an adult learner, I've been able to understand concepts that were previously difficult to grasp. This idea will also apply to my students. As I embark on my journey as an educator, learning for me will never end. The more I attain knowledge, the more concepts and ideas that I can pass along to my students!💧💧💧