Classroom Organization- I believe in having a class where students are constantly getting up and moving around for different activities. To achieve this, I need a classroom setup that is least restrictive. Ideally I would like large tables for multiple students to sit at rather than individual desks. This is because I like group activities and discussions so these tables would be perfect. Additionally, they are perfect for moving around the classroom to use for things such as stations. I would love to have a nice big classroom allowing for plenty of room to move around, but ultimately I probably won't have much say in that.
Motivation- My aim to motivate my students is through real world application. I know a lot of students (including myself) want to know how this knowledge is going to every be helpful to them in life. If I can help my students to understand how what I'm teaching is going to be beneficial to them, I think they will certainly be more motivated.
Content Area- In Social Studies, I'm really looking for connections, especially connections to the present day. If we can't connect information from the past to the present day, then what's the point of learning about it? My goal in social studies is to make it relevant. I think a big part of this involves more than just looking at history, but also looking at current events, which I plan on being a big part of my classroom.
Assessment- I'm really not a big test person. I love debates and feel they are a great tool for students to work on their persuasive abilities. It's a great way for students to practice taking information and creating an opinion or thesis from that information (without writing a paper). Ungraded quizzes will also be a a regular occurrence in my classroom because I have to know where my students are at. And of course, open ended group projects will be a big form of assessment in my classroom where kids can really be creative.
Classroom Climate- I want my class to be upbeat and fun, never with a dull moment. I want lots of energy in my classroom and a lot of excitement. A lot of this will hopefully come from group activities and moving around the classroom. Of course a lot of it too has to come from my own excitement that I bring to the classroom that can hopefully rub off on students. I definitely want my class to be fun, one that students look forward to going to. Just because a class is fun does not mean there isn't enough learning going on, it just means the learning is going on in a fun and creative way.
Learning Focus- The learning focus will not be on specific facts, dates, and people. Rather the learning is going to be focused on big ideas and ideologies. On major decisions made and more importantly, the impact that these decisions had. Learning in my classroom will include lots of primary sources, and lots of thinking for yourselves. As a teacher it's not my job to tell students what their opinions should be, but rather to give them the tools to be able to form their own opinion. Too many history teachers try and teach that there is only one correct answer and only one correct way of thinking. Teachers tell you this certain person was good and this other person was bad just because I say so. I don't think that's right, rather I think it's my job to give students the information to make their own opinions and to help them along the way.
Technology Integration- Honestly technology integration should be student driven. My high school students are going to know about so many cool programs to use, and that's the point of having open ended group projects, where students can show off their creativity. They can create iBooks and comics and all sorts of cool products with the technology we have today.
Teacher & Leadership Style- I want learning to be student driven, but at the same time I certainly have to make it known that I'm in charge. It certainly doesn't always have to be a dictatorship, that's for sure, but an understanding that it can be in times where it has to be. I want to be a role model for my students, somebody who they can really look up to.
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