Wednesday, November 21, 2012

Module 7: Opitz and Article


            One of the key concepts that I took away from the readings of Opitz text was the importance of conducting informal assessments on students throughout the school year. Throughout this particular chapter (5), I made key notes on keeping a journal on children, preparing lessons around needs for instruction, forming lessons on interests, and getting students excited about reading. I feel as though in order for students to be engaged throughout different readings, they need to be able to relate to the text and make personal connections. One thing that I am going to do next year when I have a classroom of my own is make a portfolio with each student pointing out the strengths and weaknesses with students. This allows you to take writing samples throughout the entire school year and it allows students to take ownership of their learning. I really like how the text discusses having students choose their best work. This provides students with self-confidence and excitement to see the progress that they are going to make throughout the entire school year.
The text provided an example of a reading interest survey in order for students to complete. I love how the entire class is laid out in this format so that you can see the similar interests between students as well as what is most popular as a class.  If the teacher is able to become aware of students interests for books and writing ideas/topics, they will be more inclined to want to complete the assignment and be engaged. Something else that I took away from the text is making sure to have informal interviews with students throughout the school day. I really like how the text discussed talking with students on whether or not they are enjoying school and the lessons that are being conducted in school.  Making a point to interview the student several times throughout the school year is very important to make sure that students are in fact enjoying your lessons and able to make connections to them.
Throughout that discussed strategies for adult literacy, the author stressed the importance of engaging students in active learning so that they use these strategies in their own instruction with their students. This type of active learning allows students to talk, listen, write, etc. about the content that is occurring within the classroom. This relates to Opitz text in that the text discussed the importance of conversing with students on their opinions of what is occurring in the classroom. The text and the article were very similar in that they both stressed the importance of student attitude throughout the classroom and incorporating their interests.
Article: http://ehis.ebscohost.com.proxy.kennesaw.edu/eds/pdfviewer/pdfviewer?vid=2&hid=20&sid=ba56205f-65df-4015-8160-733e0d49a514%40sessionmgr110
Engaging Teachers as Learners 

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