After taking EDU 125 and SED 125 I am able to engage in critical reflection of issues related to education and special education and discuss historical and current events in field. I understand that current school policies and structures are a result of historical and cultural influences and the philosophical roots of current practice. I understand the current trends and issues in education and I have a realistic picture of the rewards and challenges of the teaching profession. I have an understanding, after taking these classes, of the structure and sequence of education programs at UMF and I have become familiar with the Maine Standards for Initial Teacher Certification. After completing these two classes I feel that I am on more firm of ground when it comes to understand what is "out there" on the field and feel more prepared and ready for it. I know that diversity and students with disabilities will be two of my many challenges I will have to conquer but I feel more prepared.
EDU 125 and SED 125 really gave me a realistic view of the education field. It showed me the positives and negatives of the job and the "nitty-gritty" that I will encounter. The class made me see the teaching profession in a whole new light and I feel I have a true and deeper understanding of the profession and feel more prepared to move on to accomplish the reaching of this goal. The classes have had a major impact on me and I feel that I have learned more in the class that I have ever learned in another class concerning the teaching career. I feel more comfortable and secure in my choice of a major after making my way through EDU and SED and I feel it has prepared me for what is to come further in my education at UMF and in my near future as an educator myself. The classes were shocking at sometimes with the negative aspects of the profession being thrown out but it was the truth and I learned that if I wanted to quit the reaching for my dream now would be a good time now that I know the challenges. But after taking these classes and looking into what I really want to do with my life I know that I am on the right path. I have always wanted to be a teacher and these classes have brought me one step closer and has put my mind into the reality aspect of the career and makes me want to achieve it even more.
Tuesday, December 4, 2007
EDU 125 - BLOG E
Our world is full of different types of people. It is very important for children to understand that all people are different. These differences should be understood and respected. There are two main aspects of diversity that children will most likely come upon in the classroom and two that I, as a student right now, am aware of and have come to understand. One of these aspects of diversity is a learner with special needs. Children should be and need to be able to be aware the problems of other students and help to make all students feel comfortable and safe. As a teacher I know that this aspect of diversity will be present in my classroom and I should be prepared for it and so should my students. Another part of diversity comes from the numerous cultures that are a part of the society. Children should respect different cultures. Novels and stories by authors provide a great deal of cultural diversity. By using these informative books in the classroom, teachers can encourage understanding among their students. Books are great tools for helping students explore different academic subjects but they also can help bring students of all backgrounds together with respect. I feel the best thing that a teacher can do for their students is not to disregard differences, but to explore them. A teacher should give meaning to them, and help students to be grateful for and enjoy everything that everyone has to offer the classroom environment and the society. I feel it unnecessary to point out specific students in the classroom but by working the exploration of diversity into the curriculum comfort and understanding will be instilled within the classroom.
As a student I have always dealt with diversity whether it be in my classroom setting or my out of school life. As the United States becomes more and more diverse I feel it is necessary for everyone to appreciate and respect people different from themselves. As a student mentor during my high school years I entered a first grade classroom that was most diverse classroom I have ever encountered. There were students who came from different cultures, were in different classes, and were of religions all together in one class. Although there was so much diversity in the classroom the class operated as a whole and I never noticed an issue or lack of understanding. I asked the teacher how she instilled this attitude in her class and she replied by saying that it was exploration that was key. She integrated studies of different holidays, religions, and cultures into her curriculum and she stated that the students became so interested in what was different from what they knew that they found great interest in other students in the class which created wonderful bonds.
Diversity is something that everyone everywhere has to work with or come upon in their everyday life and I think that understanding and appreciation for one another is key to peacefulness. Understanding differences and accepting them is very important. Everyone is different and that is what make everyone unique and interesting. Diversity is here and there and it is important for an understanding of differences and acceptance of these differences to be instilled in the classroom.
As a student I have always dealt with diversity whether it be in my classroom setting or my out of school life. As the United States becomes more and more diverse I feel it is necessary for everyone to appreciate and respect people different from themselves. As a student mentor during my high school years I entered a first grade classroom that was most diverse classroom I have ever encountered. There were students who came from different cultures, were in different classes, and were of religions all together in one class. Although there was so much diversity in the classroom the class operated as a whole and I never noticed an issue or lack of understanding. I asked the teacher how she instilled this attitude in her class and she replied by saying that it was exploration that was key. She integrated studies of different holidays, religions, and cultures into her curriculum and she stated that the students became so interested in what was different from what they knew that they found great interest in other students in the class which created wonderful bonds.
Diversity is something that everyone everywhere has to work with or come upon in their everyday life and I think that understanding and appreciation for one another is key to peacefulness. Understanding differences and accepting them is very important. Everyone is different and that is what make everyone unique and interesting. Diversity is here and there and it is important for an understanding of differences and acceptance of these differences to be instilled in the classroom.
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