It seems that for the most part I am well balanced in the way I learn. I am a slightly more active (preferring hands-on activities), sensing (preferring facts and established methods), and global (preferring the big picture) learner. I am a moderately visual learner preferring graphs, diagrams, and demonstrations. I would have to agree with this survey. I feel that this does match my learning style.
I can see myself using my stronger learning styles while teaching in the classroom. However, I think that it is beneficial that I am not dominant in any one learning style since in each classroom has a variety of learners. In the classroom, I need to make sure that I have a well-balanced teaching style that provides opportunities for all students to learn and be successful, regardless of their different learning styles. The information provides examples of how each learner learns and the teaching style they prefer. This can be very useful in designing differential lesson plans.
To help both the active learners and reflective learners, I can provide a hands-on activity that requires students to work in groups discussing and thinking about what they are doing and then summarizing the activity. As a teacher, to help the sensing learners, I need to provide examples that relate to real world scenarios and use established methods during teaching. I should include assignments that allow innovative thinking for the intuitive learners.
According to this article most students are visual learners. This is important to keep in mind when teaching. Many times during my student teaching I presented information to my second grade students using videos, demonstrations, and pictures. I also provide group and classroom discussions which helps the verbal learner. As a future elementary school teacher, I feel that it is important to provide information in a sequential and logical way but I should relate the information to background knowledge. I think that by applying a variety of teaching techniques helps students develop learning styles that are not as natural.
References:
Felder, Richard and Solomon, Barbara. "Learning Styles and Strategies." North Carolina State University. http://www4.ncsu.edu/unity/lockers/users/f/felder/public/ILSdir/styles.htm. Accessed 30 November 2011.
Friday, December 2, 2011
Why I want to be a teacher...
Teaching was not always my passion but when I was in college I developed a love for it. The desire began when I went on a mission trip to Arlington, Texas and had the opportunity to teach and work with inner city children. As the summer progressed my passion for children and teaching deepened. When I went back to school in the fall I began developing study groups with my cross-country teammates and found myself leading and teaching the group. I also had the opportunity to teach a few science lessons in the local middle and high schools, along with teaching chemistry lab classes at the university. Currently I am substitute teaching for Citrus County Schools. These experiences gave me the desire to start thinking about a career as a teacher and now to pursue that career.
As a teacher I want to be able to reach out to the children in my community not just through education but also through being a coach, mentor, and role model. Equally important I also want to provide the students with a caring and nurturing environment, encouragement, and a desire to succeed in life. I enjoy seeing students excited when they learn something new. I know that there will be times of great challenges and difficulties but persevering through these times will bring me a sense of accomplishment, strengthen my character, and increase my leadership abilities as I reach for the goal to allow each student to be successful in his or her eyes.
When I am hired as a teacher I would like to teach at an elementary school. My preferred grade would be second grade. I found a desire to teach and work with this age group after working at a summer camp this summer. I am also currently interning in this grade and love this age group. I feel that I understand their learning abilities, how to manage them, and can relate well to them.
Being able to impact a child’s life by doing all of these things and more is what drives me to pursue this career. I look back on the summers I have spent in Dayton, Ohio, Arlington, Texas and in Serbia and the children that I was able to work with. I know how much they influenced my life and I can only hope that I influenced their lives.
As a teacher I want to be able to reach out to the children in my community not just through education but also through being a coach, mentor, and role model. Equally important I also want to provide the students with a caring and nurturing environment, encouragement, and a desire to succeed in life. I enjoy seeing students excited when they learn something new. I know that there will be times of great challenges and difficulties but persevering through these times will bring me a sense of accomplishment, strengthen my character, and increase my leadership abilities as I reach for the goal to allow each student to be successful in his or her eyes.
When I am hired as a teacher I would like to teach at an elementary school. My preferred grade would be second grade. I found a desire to teach and work with this age group after working at a summer camp this summer. I am also currently interning in this grade and love this age group. I feel that I understand their learning abilities, how to manage them, and can relate well to them.
Being able to impact a child’s life by doing all of these things and more is what drives me to pursue this career. I look back on the summers I have spent in Dayton, Ohio, Arlington, Texas and in Serbia and the children that I was able to work with. I know how much they influenced my life and I can only hope that I influenced their lives.
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