The website http://www.p21.org/ explains the new common core state standards (CCSS) and the needs for the increasing technology in our school curriculum. I spent the day with the curriculum director of my school going over the common core standards and what that means for the previous standards. I came to the conclusion that it will mean teachers will need to teach for depth rather than surface coverage. I have always thought this would be the best way to teach, but have also worried about the standardized test that my students take.
The CCSS will create a national baseline for all students. This means that all students in the United States will be expected to master the same standards. This will be monitored by the key performance outcomes. The standards are based on the 3R's and 4C's. The 3R's are the core subject areas and the 4C's are critical thinking and problem solving, communication, collaboration, creativity and innovation. Higher order thinking skills will help students transfer knowledge from one subject area to another. Isn't that our overall goal?
I must admit that I am not normally a fan of change. I tend to think if something is not broken then there is no need to fix it. With that being said, I realize that many of our methods of teaching are broken. We are not preparing students for the world they will soon be required to function in properly. Combining the entire framework with the necessary support will increase student engagement in the learning process.
The site has an enormous amount of information for educators. I especially appreciated the links to professional development. I will be taking this site to my administrators and encouraging them take a look at the possibilities. I am currently learning about some of the technical aspects of teaching students for success in the 21st century, but I am worried about my peers who are not pursuing their masters degree at this time.
The ideas on the site like recording their reactions to a book and then pod casting it so that others can respond is a completely different idea than any I have thought of. I see how this is a higher level thinking skill than just a reading response. I do believe students will be interested in this type of learning. I also believe that I have a lot to learn about teaching students how to navigate the Internet as a learning tool. This is why I am here learning with the rest of you. I am excited, nervous, and exhausted all at the same time. How do you feel about the future of education?
Wednesday, January 25, 2012
Wednesday, January 11, 2012
Fourth Grade Blogging
As I mentioned earlier, blogging is new to me. I am excited about the possibilities, but I am also unsure where to start.
I am thinking that I may begin by having my students do a form of reading response. I think the easiest and best way to teach and learn about blogging simultaneously would be for me to read a book to my class. I could post a question or comment and ask my students to respond. I think the discussions that could spawn from this type of communication would be very valuable to reading comprehension.
I am also thinking that a blog would be an excellent place to showcase student writing. Students are apprehensive when it comes to writing and I often have to wonder if this is something that I convey to them. I, too, am an apprehensive writer so having this showcase would help.
Inviting parents to view our blogs would also be an effective means of communication. I think this would be helpful for those parents who work and are not able to get into the school on a regular basis. It would be one more way to keep them informed.
A few other thoughts:
I am thinking that I may begin by having my students do a form of reading response. I think the easiest and best way to teach and learn about blogging simultaneously would be for me to read a book to my class. I could post a question or comment and ask my students to respond. I think the discussions that could spawn from this type of communication would be very valuable to reading comprehension.
I am also thinking that a blog would be an excellent place to showcase student writing. Students are apprehensive when it comes to writing and I often have to wonder if this is something that I convey to them. I, too, am an apprehensive writer so having this showcase would help.
Inviting parents to view our blogs would also be an effective means of communication. I think this would be helpful for those parents who work and are not able to get into the school on a regular basis. It would be one more way to keep them informed.
A few other thoughts:
- weekly assignments
- specific projects
- field trips
- helpful websites
Linked In
I think I have all of my classmates linked to my blog. I am finding that this is not as difficult as it seems, but since I am new to this it is kind of like deciphering Japanese. It makes think of my fourth graders and the first time I make them calculate double digit multiplication or convert fractions. Reminds me that patience is the key.
New to blogging!: RSS feed
New to blogging!: RSS feed: I am unsure how to be certain if I have this set up as RSS feed. I hope it is correct.
Sunday, January 8, 2012
Excited fourth grade teacher who is new to blogging.
My name is Teresa McNew. I am new to the world of blogging. I am currently in pursuit of earning my master's degree in technology for the classroom. The world of blogging seems to be a very valuable tool for students. I am excited about the possibilities of my own learning so that I can take this knowledge back to my students. For those of you familiar with this process, I am wondering if you have any pointers for me as a newbie. Thanks, I look forward to our further correspondence.
Teresa
Teresa
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