Notes
September 11, 2010 (submitted by Esther McCauley)

Housekeeping
o Lab Credit: Must be done in secondary class (6th up). Must have cooperating teacher and date set by October meeting. May use same lesson plan as used in class. Turn in whatever feedback you receive, along with contact information.
o Module teaching: You must do an activity that shows a strategy IN ACTION.
o Reading the Modules: Be familiar enough with each chapter in order to give feedback to presenter. Pay special attention to the focal points.
o Outside Readings: Do NOT need to make copies for the class. All information will be posted on the class wiki. (http://genedfall2010.wikispaces.com/) In your annotation please include: What is it about?, Why is it important?, and Why you liked it.

Foundations
  • Who are we?
  • How have our own school experiences shaped who we are as teachers?
  • Who are our students?
  • What is constructivism? What might it look like, feel like, sound like?
Discussion
Teacher Skills
  • How to differentiate
  • How to stay relevant
  • How to keep students interested
  • How to teach critical thinking
  • Avoid labels
  • Make real-life connections
  • Project-based
  • Learn how to celebrate success.
Activity
    1. Review
    2. Key points
    3. Vocabulary clarification
    4. Visual
Focal Point 1: Traditional teachings techniques: teacher-centered vs. student-centered
Focal Point 2: Research and learning styles
Focal Point 3: Constructivism/constructivist learning
Focal Point 4: Technology
Focal Point 5: Critical thinking

For Next Time
  • Outside reading assignment #2
  • Read modules 4 and 5