Reflection for 09/08

Dr. Whalen,

Today, I learned about the nuances in education theory. I thought that scaffolding was about tiered assessment, instead of tiered introduction to new material. It makes me think about how I can challenge my current approach to information. Right now, I introduce new material on one day, and then move onto other material the next day. I need to figure out how to do a more structured approach to my tiered note-taking style. The only problem with that, is that we're doing cornell notes, and I'm trying to figure out a way to approach them in a fluid way that can be used in scaffolded learning.

I also learned about a different type of differentiated instruction (with a test and index cards). I want to try to use that at the end of each nine weeks for a individualized final/midterm/eoc studying. I'm going to talk to my math group and the Avid teacher about incorperating that.

Notes for 09/08/2011

Concrete vs Formal Observational Theory

the ability to work abstractly

Keys to a Great School

• Safe and Orderly Environment 4
• Positive Teacher/Student Relationships 4
• Supportive School Community 4
• High Academic Standard 5
• Structured Schools, clear rules 5
• Participation After School 4

See when I can do an observation / best practice day for the 1st nine weeks

Reflection on the Last Two Hours

I'm trying to determine how to focus this class into something that I'm really passionate about. It's not to say that I don't like Educational Psychology, it's just that I already feel wary in my (only) 1 year of teaching to anything that relates to research-based practices, because I feel like they seem to change every semester (or different aspects of it are revealed at every PD).

What my goal is, is to use the research-based projects to look into educational theory which I feel resonates with me, so I can more closely tailor the basics of this class into something that I would feel excited participating in.

I want to try to look into the psychological-depths of Oppositional Defiance Disorder, and look more into John Dewey, because I don't have nearly as much information about him and his philosophies as I want to.

I hope to be able to have all of my work done before I enter class, so I can be more involved in the class discussion.

General Notes

Research Topics

Burnout

Cultural Differences between Teachers and Students

John Dewey

R_esponse +_o I_ntervention

· Math

· Science

· Engineering

Gangs (Dan)

Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD)

2x10 (two minutes a day, for ten days)

Best Teacher – why?

Good rapport	Relateable	FUN
Exciting	Inspiring	Hands-on
Mentor/supervisor	Challenging	Required independence
Kind	Parental-like	Did not force excitement
Give students power to choose	Passionate about subject	Other kidsà word of mouth
Funny	Smart	Dramatic
Games and hooks	Pull aside for private reprimands	No BS
Genuine	“real life” connections	Art
Accommodating	Respectful	“stuff that mattered”
Proactive	Fought “the man”	Invested in kids’ success