Recap: EDU 211

Recap of EDU 211: Aboriginal Education and Contexts for Professional and Personal Engagement

This was a challenging course, to be honest. But rather than focusing on the negatives, I'll talk about just the positives instead. Going into this I had little to no background information about any Aboriginal-related content, so I was really going into the class blind. We had a mass lecture on Tuesdays once a week and a seminar on Thursdays. Tuesdays we were in this gigantic lecture hall while on Thursdays we were in a more intimate classroom. (Intimate as in less students and can actually have meaningful discussion). 

Instead of having an assigned textbook, there were numerous readings that were to be completed by the week. Truthfully, I barely did the readings. I think there was just too much that I gave up. What a crappy attitude to have, but unfortunately the number of readings required each week equated to legitimately more than a regular textbook. There were though, some readings that I found really interesting, such as sections of one of our professor's dissertation. I say "one of" because there were not 1, but 4, different professors that lectured on our section on Tuesdays. I found about 4 or 5 distinct readings that were extremely relevant to not just the Aboriginal context to the course, but how it can apply to myself when teaching.

Thoughts Throughout

I really enjoyed the seminar portion that was on Thursdays every week. As I said earlier, it was more intimate, but also there was that comfortable environment our seminar facilitator ensured. During our seminar we discussed about the lecture material for a bit, then our SF would teach, then finish with a sincere talking circle. I found that expressing our feelings and thoughts, in addition to listening to our peers about Aboriginal content helped the seminar environment to be more effective.

Oh, I also forgot, this is a picture of me sleeping during lecture. My friend was sneaky about it. But when looking back, I have to admit, it is pretty funny. 

Final Thoughts

Despite the challenges this course faced, I didn't mind this course at all. In fact, I enjoyed the material and how relevant and applicable it is to me. I really liked how I didn't have to buy a textbook (saves me money) and that it was half lecture and half seminar. After doing really brutal on the midterm, I was pleasantly shocked that I received higher grade than what I was expecting. At that second, I was D.W. Read.

Recap: EDPY 302

Recap of EDPY 302: Learning and Development in Childhood (Educational Psychology)

After my summer job working with children, teens, pre-teens, babies and seniors, I was truthfully looking forward to this class. I find psychology class kind of like biology, where it's information you memorize endlessly for the exam. I knew going into this class that I wouldn't walk away with a decent mark, though I was pleasantly surprised that I did! 

Also, this is the first time that I took a "blended" course, meaning instead of having 3 hours of lecture every week, it was cut down to half. The other half was geared towards an online component on eClass. At first it was a challenge because I discovered that with these kinds of course you have to find more motivation to do the work than a regular class. At the beginning of the term I did not do the readings at all, just because I always disregarded the lecture on Monday mornings. However, upon completing my essay I increasingly found the course material more and more interesting. Because of this, I started to do my readings on time and actually enjoyed the course content! Who knew reading the textbook could be so beneficial?! 

Thoughts Throughout

This course had so many little things that we had to do, at first I was a bit distraught. Our grade was divided into 3 exams (all non-cumulative, thank god), a reflection assignment (basically 3 essays) and participation marks. I'm so thankful for our professor who chose not to make our exams cumulative, otherwise I would've quadrupled-stacked my flashcards. I honestly stressed so much about my assignment/essays over this term, though I had to keep reminding myself that all 3 essays were worth 20%. Yes, 20% (groan). The time that I put into those essays should actually be worth more. 

Final Thoughts

Out of all the classes that I took this term, I found this ed psych class to be the most interesting. In the second half of the term I looked forward to the lecture because our class actually had in-depth course-related discussions. My favorite topics that we learned and analyzed included types/causes of childhood bullying, various parenting styles and its impacts it has on children, as well as several learning disabilities. We talked about how teachers must be willing to work with children who could have these disabilities, such as dyslexia, dyscalculia or ADHD. 

I found these topics interesting as it will apply to me when I have students who may have these kinds of learning setbacks. Most importantly, it shows that children are not the same. They learn, they speak, they understand differently than their seat partner. As a pre-service teacher, I'm willing to go those extra miles for children who may need more attention and time than necessary. That's definitely okay, because I'm willing to put in that extra effort so that my students will go that extra mile. 

Recap: EDEL 316

Recap of EDEL 316: Communication through Mathematics Education

During elementary and junior high, I personally excelled in math. I found numbers and calculations easier to work with rather than words and stories. Thus, going into this course I wasn't worried as I was able to relate back into my own personal experiences and enjoyment of math and how I could apply that when teaching it. (I was actually THAT kid where the teacher would announce who got that highest mark on the test when giving them back... guess who's name they'd called.) 

Thoughts Throughout

The grade for the course was divided into 1 final exam and 4 assignments. Now, you may be thinking that 4 assignments seem excessive, but truthfully I found it more of a fair way to assess our understanding of the mathematical content than resorting to (just) midterms. Our assignments ranged from group to partner to individual assignments, so when looking back on them I can't be more happier with the people that I worked with. Also, I walked away with marks and constructive criticism that I can't complain about!

Some topics that we learned in this course included how to teach the different operations and how to concretely, visually and pictorially represent numbers in various ways. This includes using various manipulatives that are appropriate for children, such as base 10 blocks and pattern blocks. Our professor also introduced us to everyday materials that we can incorporate in our math lessons, like how to use straws and pipe cleaners to make 2D shapes and 3D objects. Wicked right? I was actually going to put a picture of what we did on our first day, but I cleared out half my data on my phone, including most of my pictures... so not I can't. Silly me. (No really, I was so excited to show you readers!)

Final Thoughts

I have to remember that especially in elementary schools, to not always use testing as a consistent assessment tool. I had a conversation with a teacher last week in how product should not be the only tool. He said how along with product, there's also observation and conversation. This means that there are other ways in assessing a student's understanding rather than using unit exams. I mention this because I felt our math professor used this triangular method in class. When she was marking our many assignments, she considered our conversations we discussed in class through observing and noticing our discussions and interactions within our tables. Honestly, I don't mind group work, only when the other group members are contributing. If they aren't, group work becomes my nightmare. Not this class though, I felt that the people that I sat with have constantly contributed during class time. What's that phrase? Sharing is caring? Good thing I'm not Mitchell Pritchett. 

Recap: EDEL 305

Recap of EDEL 305: Language Arts in the Elementary School

When I was building my school schedule for the fall term, it was required that EDEL 305 was to be taken in the fall term, before my IFX. Thus, this course is a pre-requisite for my student teaching. I initially registered in the 8 am class, forced to have a huge break from this class to the next. Luckily, closer to the start dates I was able to transfer in the later class time, happily getting rid of my break.

Thoughts Throughout 

The grade for the course is broken down into four components: midterm and final (understandable); major assignment and participation marks. I found the midterm and final fair as it was all written, but my hand and wrist were hurting for hours on end right after the exams. I find that with curriculum classes we sit in tables forming groups (roughly about 6), rather than in individual rows. This approach was helpful because our professor provided multiple opportunities for group collaboration within our table partners. I remember we did group activities such as playing spelling games, creating concrete poems and analyzing children's literature. Fun, right? Here's a picture to prove it! 

Some topics that we learned and discussed were reading, spelling and writing. I never knew before, until this course, is how emphasized language arts can be, and is, globally. Also, exposure to language arts at an early age has an enormous influence in learning not just language arts, but learning and experiencing language in a child's later years. My favorite topic that I learned from this course related to the importance of children's literature. With my experience from working at the library in the summer, I was expected to read children's literature (mostly picture books) to children of various ages. Understanding more about the differences between a read-aloud and shared reading, gives me more guidance in choosing more appropriate books for my students, especially the younger ones.

What are my favorite books to read to children? You can check them out here! If you also know of any other fantastic children's book to read to children, please share them! I'm curious in what other people think. 

Final Thoughts

As mentioned earlier, other than our midterm and final, we were also graded on class participation and an assignment. I participated and attended in every class so those were easy marks. However, our one main assignment for the course was worth a whomping 40%. Yes, our assignment was worth double our midterm mark. To sum up our assignment, we were to choose ten resources (i.e.,. children's literature, community resources, etc.) and 10 activities and introduce them to a language arts classroom tying it all together to a theme we individually selected.

We didn't get our assignment back not until we wrote our final. After talking to our professor, she wanted to give each of us thoughtful comments and feedback about this assignment. After waiting (extremely) patiently for them, I couldn't be happier with my mark and feedback given by my professor. But I'm glad that we were given this assignment because it'll be something I can reference to when I am teaching language arts! 

Three Top Notch Shout-Outs

Before I forget and when 2015 rolls in so quickly, I have to give out top notch shout-outs to 3 important friends who have tremendously helped me out during this past term. I would give them all unicorns or chocolate or even a new car, however I'm a student, they're all students, therefore apparently everyone I know are students. 

Basically the point of this post is that without teamwork, group work and collaboration from my fellow classmates and friends, I would fall off my study table landing back first. Literally and figuratively (dying from the stress of these courses).

Shout out to Ms. R! I think I wouldn't have survived educational psychology fully without her. We sat beside together every class and we had language arts curriculum together (though unfortunately we didn't sit together in this class). She also helped me a bit to prepare for the math curriculum final. I love having a class with Ms. R because she has the best sense of humor that cracks me up during the most inappropriate class time. 

Shout out to Ms. N! She's the reason why I went to Aboriginal educational context class every weekly lecture. She would make sure (or attempt to) keep me awake. Though, I actually slept through 11/15 lectures, because it was dry, unfortunately. Even though Ms. N is teaching secondary, we did a power afternoon of hardcore studying for this final and I'm so glad we did. Study groups are useful, trust me.

Last but not least, shout out to Ms. M! We sat beside together in math curriculum class, and did a major math lesson plan together and studied for this final endlessly. You can say that we did spent quite some time together. I convinced her to even take a class with me next semester! I just feel that our work ethic and personalities mesh that in all honesty, I'm so glad I chose to sit beside her on the very first day of classes. (She looked lonely, so I took pity. Kidding.. maybe).

To sum this post up, my teacher friends/classmates have a major impact on my learning that it continues to inspire me to become a better teacher someday! I'm excited to learn from other pre-service teachers in my future classes. 

PS - If you know who this is, then I'm sure we can discuss all about Big Brother in the new year, I'm close to obsessed with the show. (Who's excited that BB Canada is starting in Spring?!)

Volunteering at School Number 3

So this morning I finished up my third and final school volunteering for the rest of the year. Pretty bitter-sweet I must say! This elementary school that I go to is in the north end, so it's the farthest in driving (time-wise and distance-wise) out of all 3 of my schools. I work with these kids, where I pull them from their classroom to read to them 1-on-1 for about 25-30 minutes. Well, I lied. They actually read to me for their designated reading period. Specifically I work with grade 2-3's and one in grade 5 with their reading. The coordinator, Mrs. P is so patient, understanding and helpful that she gave us (there's 3 volunteers) each a holiday card with chocolate and a Tim's gift card this morning. If you don't know what to get me at all (for my birthday or a graduation gift or whatever), you can never go wrong with a Tim's card.

I also forgot that today at the school was PJ day! Yes, the expectation of pajama's to be worn by students, staff and others were highly emphasized. As former high school president and active member of the school community, how could I resist? So I brought my plaid H&M pajama bottoms to wear. What surprised me the most was that every kid, and I mean every child was not wearing pajamas but also their printed one-sies, carrying around their stuffed teddy bear and/or wearing (I think?) their bedhead. I love it when schools participate in theme days, especially because it's all the more fun for the teachers! No really, one kid who read to me had on hot wheels pajama bottoms and sweater. Now that's pretty wicked.

Volunteering at School Number 2

So today I wrapped up my volunteer experience for the second school I go to! It's located in the south side where it's not an elementary school, rather a junior high school. Instead of working with mainstream junior high kids, who are (ahem) a tad bit annoying and frustrating preteens who deserve all the attention necessary. Kidding, (maybe). I actually work 1-on-1 with students who are new to Canada, learning English for the first time. Mr. E, the teacher who teaches that class has been an excellent role model and teacher for these newcomer students. What is cool is that I work with all kinds of students from all over the world, and each one brings a little bit of uniqueness and understanding towards the Alberta Curriculum. I can't wait to return back to the school!

I've been with this school since my very first University semester, so I have loyalty towards not only the school, but the class and to Mr. E. Yes, that means I've known that school atmosphere, its staff & students for about 3 years! I also love how that he gives me the harder subjects to work with his students (ie. chemistry or mathematics) because he trusts my educational background and passion for seeing these students to succeed academically, despite their language barriers. That's what I want for my students, essentially, to succeed. Regardless of any barrier or adversity that my (future) students will face, I really want to ensure that they are given a variety of tools and resources to become successful in their academic career.

Therefore, this post is a shout-out to the hard-working Mr. E! Because even though he appreciates all of us volunteers coming into his classroom working 1-on-1 with his newcomer students, I appreciate his patience and knowledge that he passes along to me, knowing that I'll be a teacher in the future myself. It's extremely useful and gives me a perspective in the teaching career, despite teaching elementary or secondary students. 

Fall Term is Finally Finished!

So I'm fresh fresh fresh FRESH "off the boat," with this blogging fanatic. I'm trying, yet struggling a bit. Kidding, though, but I feel that I'm still so new to this blogging thing. I kind of think of myself as Anne Frank, only male, and a future teacher and writing electronically... and not in danger. All jokes aside, if any of my experienced friends could give me 1 of their most valuable tips or tricks or advice about blogging, I would very much appreciate it!

Also, if my friends know me well I volunteer at not one, not two but three different schools. I know, I must be insane. Yesterday, I volunteered at an elementary school, specifically a kindergarten class with Mrs. W (for privacy settings and respect of confidentially, all references to other people will use a different name). Mrs. W is such a fantastic teacher who is both, directly and indirectly, teaching me her wise words of wisdom and knowledge. Yesterday was the last Friday I'll be in her classroom helping until 2015 due to next week I still have a final (yes, just one more!). In a nutshell, I help out Mrs. W with tedious tasks such as cutting & gluing projects and with table centers. These tasks I'm given help me realize the "behind the scenes" administration duties a teacher must do while graciously helping her out. Her students are the greatest, and I can't wait to see them again in 2015!

Wanted: Blogger Tips & Volunteer Experience 1

So I'm fresh fresh fresh FRESH "off the boat," with this blogging fanatic. I'm trying, yet struggling a bit. Kidding, though, but I feel that I'm still so new to this blogging thing. I kind of think of myself as Anne Frank, only male, and a future teacher and writing electronically... and not in danger. All jokes aside, if any of my experienced friends could give me 1 of their most valuable tips or tricks or advice about blogging, I would very much appreciate it!

Also, if my friends know me well I volunteer at not one, not two but three different schools. I know, I must be insane. Yesterday, I volunteered at an elementary school, specifically a kindergarten class with Mrs. W (for privacy settings and respect of confidentially, all references to other people will use a different name). Mrs. W is such a fantastic teacher who is both, directly and indirectly, teaching me her wise words of wisdom and knowledge. Yesterday was the last Friday I'll be in her classroom helping until 2015 due to next week I still have a final (yes, just one more!). In a nutshell, I help out Mrs. W with tedious tasks such as cutting & gluing projects and with table centers. These tasks I'm given help me realize the "behind the scenes" administration duties a teacher must do while graciously helping her out. Her students are the greatest, and I can't wait to see them again in 2015!

First Post!

This is so exciting; this is my very first blog post on this blog! Okay, so the reason why I want to start blogging is because as a pre-service elementary teacher, I want to document experiences, stories, laughs, comments, etc that other (future) teachers can either relate to it and give their two cents saying something like "been there, done that, here's some advice for you sir..." Whether it's through my two field experiences or during my volunteer, I want to document those experiences for others. Also, I'm always, and I always mean looking for feedback on my teaching skills, strengths & weaknesses and so I hope my readers will be interactive with me as much as possible, anything from posting questions to sharing their stories, any contribution helps. I'm so excited for this electronic blogging journey to start, and I hope you are too!