This page is about how I teach. It is designed for parents, teachers, college students, or students that are interested in why I do what I do.
Project Based learning
Project based learning (PBL) is a method in which students learn in an interactive and engaging manner. It is a new way of thinking about learning. Traditionally, student will learn content and then show their learning through some type of test, paper, or project. In PBL, students will complete a project that answers a complex question. A question that cannot be answered merely by reading or googling. Student will have to research, make connections, and apply critical thinking techniques to complete a project. The learning takes place as the question is answered.
Project Based Learning is utilized heavily in my classes.
For more information, check out the following websites:
https://www.cultofpedagogy.com/project-based-learning/
https://www.edutopia.org/project-based-learning
https://www.pblworks.org/
Project Based Learning is utilized heavily in my classes.
For more information, check out the following websites:
https://www.cultofpedagogy.com/project-based-learning/
https://www.edutopia.org/project-based-learning
https://www.pblworks.org/
Ditch That Textbook
This is a digital world. Kids are surrounded by technology in all aspects of life...except at school. Education is slowly adopting technology, but still rely on classic methods. One such method is heavy use on the printed textbook. In my classes, I use less textbook and more technological tools. Students will learn how to properly use digital tools to research information and complete work. Additionally, students will be taught how to find quality resources while avoiding bias and not factual material.
Check out https://ditchthattextbook.com/ for more information.
Check out https://ditchthattextbook.com/ for more information.
Homework
I do not give regular homework. I will not assign work that is only to be done at home. I don't feel kids need extra history practice to do after school hours. Furthermore, I cannot check for understanding, guide the work, or give direction outside of class time. Students may have "homework" if:
https://time.com/4740297/homework-should-be-banned-from-schools/
https://www.forbes.com/sites/nataliewexler/2019/01/03/why-homework-doesnt-seem-to-boost-learning-and-how-it-could/#5177047168ab
https://theeducatorsroom.com/dont-assign-homework/
- They do not finish assigned work in class
- A project needs completion
- Additional reading or research needs to be done to prepare for a lesson or project
- Work needs to be made up due to absences
https://time.com/4740297/homework-should-be-banned-from-schools/
https://www.forbes.com/sites/nataliewexler/2019/01/03/why-homework-doesnt-seem-to-boost-learning-and-how-it-could/#5177047168ab
https://theeducatorsroom.com/dont-assign-homework/
Collaboration
Learning to work well with other is a necessary skill in the classroom and in life. In groups, we share ideas and learn to value others ideas and opinions. We appreciate what others have to offer. We also get to exhibit our strengths while learning to trust others with our weaknesses. Many assignments in my class will be done in groups. Students will be provided examples of how to work together to complete the necessary tasks.
For further reading check out the following:
https://www.edutopia.org/blog/deeper-learning-collaboration-key-rebecca-alber
https://www.cultofpedagogy.com/making-cooperative-learning-work-better/
For further reading check out the following:
https://www.edutopia.org/blog/deeper-learning-collaboration-key-rebecca-alber
https://www.cultofpedagogy.com/making-cooperative-learning-work-better/
Rules and Procedures
In order to maximize learning in my classroom, students will be taught routines and procedures that guide daily interactions and classroom functions. We will spend the first few weeks learning how to complete various tasks from as simple as entering the classroom and getting started each day to more complex behaviors like working in groups. These procedures and routines will become second nature to the students and who will, hopefully, spend less time thinking about how to be students in my class and more time discovering history.
For more information, check out the following resources:
https://www.wtc.ie/images/pdf/Classroom_Management/cm6.PDF
https://blog.tcea.org/classroom-routines/
https://www.fredjones.com/single-post/2016/07/08/classroom-rules-and-routines
For more information, check out the following resources:
https://www.wtc.ie/images/pdf/Classroom_Management/cm6.PDF
https://blog.tcea.org/classroom-routines/
https://www.fredjones.com/single-post/2016/07/08/classroom-rules-and-routines
Discipline
From time to time, students need a gentle reminder to get back on track and to start being productive. School rules and policies will be followed. I will handle these matters as they arise in a discrete and compassionate manner. Most of the time, a gentle reminder or clarification is all that is needed to steer a student in the right direction. If problems continue to escalate, parent/guardians, will be contacted. The administration will be brought in if the manner can not be resolved (hopefully, problems do not get this far).
Much of my discipline philosophy comes from the following resources:
Discipline with Dignity: www.educationworld.com/a_admin/admin/admin534.shtml
Discipline Without Stress: https://withoutstress.com/teaching/discipline-without-stress-teaching-model/
Much of my discipline philosophy comes from the following resources:
Discipline with Dignity: www.educationworld.com/a_admin/admin/admin534.shtml
Discipline Without Stress: https://withoutstress.com/teaching/discipline-without-stress-teaching-model/
Friday Funny
Every week, I close out the last 5 to 10 minutes of Friday's class with a little fun. This reward for working hard ranges from funny pictures to amazing videos. It's a great way to end the week.
Further Reading and Inspiration
https://www.cultofpedagogy.com/
https://www.edutopia.org/
https://daveburgess.com/ - Teach Like A Pirate
https://www.edutopia.org/
https://daveburgess.com/ - Teach Like A Pirate