Hello Everyone! Here is my review of the blog entries which
I reflected on, and wrote. I think I only wrote the Horizons, but there was so
much information to read! I’m sorry if I didn’t comment on your blogs. Some of
them were very interesting, like Jenna’s about the misinformation in Science
textbooks. I didn’t always write a comment, but I enjoyed and learned a lot
from all of you. Thanks!
Monday September 26:
Parents: Partners or Prosecutors?
I still am nervous about the parent relationships. But while
I have no control over how the parents may initially react to me, I can greet
them and do my best to include parents in my class. Inclusion could be anything
from handouts, or emails, or monthly letters. I could have a once-a-week
afternoon drop by time devoted specifically to parents.
Also, I can do my best to talk politely to the parents, and
really get involved in my students’ lives so that there is less
miscommunication.
Thursday October 6:
Tools to use
I looked at the Xtranormal, and am excited to try it out,
but just haven’t had the time. However I have tried Prezzi.com, and had loads
of fun experimenting with projects. It’s sort of like a virtual tour of a
PowerPoint presentation! And much more interesting to watch.
Tuesday, October 11:
Horizons: Canada Moves West
I am still wary of textbooks. When planning out lessons, I
read the two or three “texts” that are suggested for the lesson material, and
if I find them unsatisfactory, I try to find another text.
In regards to Indigenous people, I find it very challenging
because I do not know a lot about the different tribes. Therefore I sometimes
find myself second guessing the material, not because I find it biased, or
shallow, but because I’m not sure what to think of it.
Hopefully I can continue to educate myself in this area, and
gain the confidence needed to teach about Indigenous people.
Monday October 24:
Cool website for history teachers (and art)
How did I not see this?! Oh it’s so amazing. So I’m writing
it down now.
Thursday October 27:
Diet and Learning Disabilities
Ha ha! Ok first off, I can tell that I have run out of time
later in the year (to make lunches) when I happily buy an apple fritter for a
snack. Did anyone catch me falling asleep in 406 today? No? Phew. That’s good.
Reading the other comments, I am not sure where the teacher’s
role is in supervising students’ diet, but I think that as a role model, I can
encourage my students to choose healthy foods.
Thursday October 27:
Gay Bullying and Teen Suicide
Yeah, I know I still feel as strongly about bullying in my
class. I won’t stand for it. And I will call students on derogatory words. Now
that I’ve learned more about peers, depression, suicide, and classroom
environments, I know that it is up to me as a teacher to ensure that all of my
students feel safe and secure in my classroom.
Saturday October 29:
New BC Education Plan
Right: I still feel nervous about this plan. Now that I have
learned a little more about plans, and how some parts succeed and others don’t,
I think that it is even more important to keep the “flaws” of the plan public.
Make parents aware of what the government is suggesting they achieve. Maybe
then this stupid plan will be shot down dead.
Sunday November 20:
University Transcripts
Though I did not post to this blog, it definitely hit home.
I am from Victoria, and have thought that someone I would like to be able to
teach here. I too have been constantly told that my marks won’t affect me at
all… except by one professor. So now I feel a little nervous.
After all, we are going through the program for the process
of learning, not the product, right? And yet, product keeps coming back and
slapping me in the face. Which makes me start to second guess my capabilities.
Because while I am getting awesome marks for this undergrad, I can’t say the
same for the other undergrad. They were good, but you know, B average. So…. How
will that look on a transcript? “Hilary Teacher extraordinaire aces her post
degree program, but belly-flops in her previous undergraduate degree”. Yikes.
