Here is a video I created reflecting on how I am using technology to become a better educator
and to prepare my students for the 21st century.
Wednesday, May 9, 2012
Science Educational Chat
On Monday May 7th I attempted to participate in
#asechat, The Association for Science Education. I found this chat through
cybraryman and I was excited to participate in this chat about science teaching
since the topics of past chats were specific to the content I am teaching. But
Monday’s topic was ‘How to teach electrolysis’ which is a chemistry concept
that uses electricity to drive reactions, which I could really contribute too
since the sentence above is really all I know about the topic. I wasn’t planning
to use this chat for my reflective blog until I found the archives of past
chats. This is a fantastic section where you can read through past chats in
either summary form or transcripts of the chat. I started going through past
chats and wanted to focus on the chat from last July where the topic was ‘What
are the traits of an exemplary science teacher?’ So I wanted to focus on that
topic for my blog, and I think it applies to all teachers.
The chat focused on traits of good teachers and then
specific traits of science teachers. I think that everyone would agree that
some important traits for all teachers would be passion and enthusiasm.
Students can pick up on this and it helps to inspire and engage. Interpersonal
skills is also very important; teachers must be able to develop a good report
with students as well as good communications skills for teaching and working
their colleagues. Some other important skills that were discusses was classroom
control and confidence.
Specifically for science teachers subject knowledge is very
important. And not just in the subject they are teaching but they need a broad knowledge
of all content areas so they can relate material or answer questions. Understanding
common misconceptions about science will help teachers prevent potential
problems in student learning. The
use of demos and practical activities was also discussed and the ability to
break down content to an appropriate level for students.
I wanted to blog about this because I think these topics
will help inspire all teachers, and make them think about what is important to
them. Also this is a great site for science teachers to look for help in
teaching specific content.
Here is the link to the site where you can find these
archives:
Inspirational quotes from this chat:
“loves the sbjct takes risks, shows they don't know
all the answrs(but help chn to find out more), is passionate &enthusiastic.
Whew” @anhalf
“@DrF4chem Yes! Motivate, enthuse, excite, raise
aspirations and results will follow” @ViciaScience
Tuesday, May 1, 2012
Politics in the Classroom
Today I participated in #edchat on twitter, the topic was
politics in the classroom. My initial response to this prompt was that as a
teacher you should explain and allow students to investigate both sides of an
idea. Teachers have so much power that expressing your opinion may shut down
students from offering theirs. It is important to teach students to thin
critically by offering them facts and letting them form their own opinion. The
teacher should serve as a facilitator for discussion, and by focusing on the
topic or content, personal beliefs will not be the forefront of the
conversation.
After
hearing others comments on this topic, I have rethought this stance. In some
situations I thinks it is appropriate to share your viewpoint, especially if
you explain how you arrived at it. This models metacognition and actively
engages students. I don’t want to model that it is ok to be neutral; I want to
discourage apathy and silence about politically charged topics. I think that creating
an environment where students are free to express their opinions and teaching
that its ok to disagree as long as you have a voice is the best method for
facilitating discussions.
Here
are a couple of good quotes from the chat that I would like to share…
“Our job is to open minds, not close them.”
“You can be hard on issues but soft on people.”
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