My name is Crystal Powell and I am a student at the University of South Alabama. I am majoring in Elementary Education and will be entering candidacy in Fall 2009. I am originally from Sylacauga, Alabama and attended a small junior college there for two years.

Thursday, October 23, 2008

Cooperative Learning in the Classroom

I feel that cooperative learning in the classroom is vital for student success. Many educators feel that the only way to keep an orderly classroom is to confine students to their desks for the length of the period. This gives way to numerous missed opportunities! Group work not only allows students to develop healthy social habits, but also allows them to apply what is covered in class to an interesting activity. Many children find it difficult to understand concepts taught in lecture and learn more when they are able to bounce ideas off of other students.

Utilizing Problem-Based Learning

Problem-based learning is a very important concept to teach students. It does not benefit the student if they simply learn the material but are unable to apply the knowledge. When concepts are shaped around a problem, students are able to see different methods of solving the problem. More importantly, teachers can allow students to work in groups to solve a problem and incorporate it into a presentation. This will broaden the students' understanding of concepts and allow them to apply concepts in an abstract as well as a concrete view.

Developing a Token Society

Token societies are a great way to encourage students to work hard in the classroom. It is well known that rewarded behavior is repeated behavior and a token society represents this perfectly. Teachers can use charts and point systems to determine the type of rewards that should be given. By giving students rewards for good work, students are encouraged to apply themselves fully to their work. As they advance in school, they will soon begin to work hard for the reward of success and not simply to receive a treat. Token societies can be a great motivator for the classroom throughout the grades.

Positive Expectations

I believe that it is very important for teachers to have positive expectations of their students. These expectations should start at the very first day and continue throughout the year. When students are made to feel like someone truly wants them to succeed, they will work hard to satisfy that person. These positive expectations also foster positive self esteem for the students. Something as simple as an encouraging word can motivate a student to go beyond the basic expectations and emerge as a star student. Overall, positive expectations in the classroom make for a happy teacher and happy students.

Blogs as Teaching Tools

Blogs can be a very useful tools to teachers in the classroom. Many teachers around the world use blogs to reach out to students as well as parents. Blogs are also a great way to display student work. For some parents, work schedules prevent them from visiting the school to see what kind of activities the students are taking part in. Blogs break this barrier by allowing parents to view photos and read updates from the teacher. Teachers can also incorporate blogs into everyday assignments. For example, english students can post short stories and comment on the work of their classmates. Blogs provide teachers with a resource that can allow students to show their creativity and also learn from their classmates.