21st Century

Invitation to Reflection 1-4

After looking at figure 1-1, I tried to think which arrangement I would use or envision for myself. I honestly think I could use all of them at some point in my classroom. Who says the classroom arrangement needs to stay the same all the time? I like the standard even rows for tests (a), exams, or individual work where students need to individually focus. I also like where students make up 3 sides of a square and the teacher's desk makes up the rest. (b) I think that is useful for perhaps a debate where students can face each other while talking. Also, a student could stand in the open space to present if they felt comfortable enough. I like the circle arrangement (c) a lot. College is the first time I have used this arrangement and I love it. I feel that I get to know my classmates better when they speak. I feel more comfortable to share my own thoughts and ideas as well. I think this arrangement creates a sense of belonging and comfort within a classroom. I think the groups of 4 (d) would work perfect for group work because students can face each other and have privacy within their groups. For the last arrangement (e) I think this could be a time when students choose how they work on an assignment or task. There are small and large groups, along with individual desks. I think I will be an active teacher and I don't really see myself sitting behind a desk during class. I am a perky person to begin with and I am always used to moving and doing stuff. I have never had a job or activity where I am expected to sit. I always enjoyed teachers who changed their classroom to enhance their lesson or activity. That extra thoughtfulness was noticed by me and I am sure other students as well.

How to Bring Our Schools Out of the 20th Century

I do agree that education has been the same for a number of years. When I was little I never thought about how I was taught or the ideas behind what the teacher was doing. I went to school, did what I was told, and then left. I never thought of school as a chore. It was just what I did. It was a clear article but I am confused as a future teacher. There needs to be a balance between core knowledge and portable skills. I worry how I will find the balance. I want students to receive core knowledge in my classroom, but I also want them to develop life skills they will use when they leave my classroom. I want to be an effective teacher in today's world. Teachers are a big part of children's lives. I want to make a positive impact. I want to help students succeed in both school and today's world.