The Appeal of Multiple Intelligences

Howard Gardner's 7 kinds of intelligence allows for seven different ways to approach teaching rather than one. Teachers need to attend to all the intelligences because it is simply a useful way to broaden the focus. The multiple intelligences makes teachers aware of different styles and types of learners and lets the teacher take advantage of those differences. I think it's exciting to involve all the intelligences. The cycle of learning will be a unique and exciting experience everyday.

'Never let school interfere with your education.' - Mark Twain.

Anticipate the anticipatory

I was excited to learn about anticipatory set because I have never even heard of it before. It's comforting to know that there is a way to grab the attention of students and get them to focus on the lesson. I've read that you can have the student relate the topic to their personal experience. This allows the teacher to find out what and how much of the topic they know and also grabs their attention. I like the idea of using a video to hook the students. I'll have to research "attention grabbers" and surprise everyone when it's my turn to micro teach.

It was a refresher for me to see the KWL chart. It really is an interesting tool to use when you want to achieve a goal. It makes you think about what your goal is and how you can achieve it.

What!! I thought I had it covered!

Apparently my definition of learning and teaching was a bit slim. I thought that a student takes the knowledge given by the teacher and ta da -- learning occurs!! I didn't realize that the teacher has to arrange the right conditions for the students to learn independently. It makes sense and it's making sense for a lot of kids too. This kind of teaching motivates students and gets them involved in their own learning process.

The Learning Circle - Factors in classroom teaching and learning

The child and the teacher enter from two different directions. The child is inexperienced and the teacher is a skilled professional. They both bring their own skills and strategies for learning and teaching. The child brings his or her coping and processing abilities. This all takes place within the learning environment of the classroom. What the teacher presents, as well as the peer relationships and interactions, all affect the learning outcomes and social consequences within the classroom. These are factors that create a learning circle. The student and teacher continuously "feed" off each other as they each learn from each other.

This video, Bloom and Gardner Go High Tech, discusses how children are bombarded with technology today. We must incorporate technology into teaching. This new generation has a whole new set of learning and teaching gadgets. Let's use them to our advantage!

What is learning?

Learning takes place when a teacher arranges the conditions to create a supportive learning environment. In that environment, a learner is able to use the information to actively engage in a learning process. A successful lesson is one that benefits all the students and the teacher. Everyone learns and grows together.

Curriculum

"Anything and everything that teaches a lesson, planned or otherwise."

"American culture is hard to pin down because it is layered and highly eclectic."

http://www.newhorizons.org/neuro/neu_review_bransford.htm

Curriculum is one of those words that represents so much more than you think. Curriculum comes from and is affected by many different entities. I believe that children learn something from every situation and encounter. The lesson could be as simple as returning a smile, or as big as being influenced by mass media. The word curriculum is as layered as a sedimentary rock with each layer having characteristics which reflect changing environments of deposition.

Are you engaged?

People learn by being engaged and grasping the concepts and information that they are taught. I agree that teachers must draw out and work with the preexisting understandings that their students bring with them and that the schools and classrooms must be learner centered. An uninviting atmosphere that does not value your input is like a one way street, you can't turn around and ask questions!!

Curriculum Planning Journal

Jan 28 '10
Went to the Curriculum Library. For a small library, it seems like they have everything and Brianna was great introducing us to all of the available resources. I'm glad they welcome our questions and can't wait to use the library.

Today we presented our name projects. I was nervous to get up there but it was over before I knew it. I took a different approach than most other people and didn't add too many photos. I think if I added more, it would have enhanced my project. Live and learn : ) I think this name project idea is an awesome ice breaker and would be very useful in the first few days of school.

Jan 21 '10
First meeting in Curriculum Planning. Feeling a bit nervous, but excited at the same time. Dr. Smirnova is motivating with her ideas and knowledge of technology. We discussed the syllabus and what is expected from us in this course. The name project that we have to prepare should help us get to know one another better and understand each others backgrounds/likes/dislikes.

Curriculum Planning

Well, it's underway! There is so much to learn and plan. I'm sure technology is going to make this a fun learning adventure!