Reflection 10: What have you learned in this class? What is your most valuable experience?

Coming into this class, EME 2040, I was expecting another typical education class, focusing on just the education requirements and lesson plans but it was not was I had expected. There was more to this class. I loved the diversity in what we had learned. The professor was obviously not your typical professor but different. This was a class I looked forward to.
When attending a class you students do not always learn and when I say learn I mean understand what is being taught. Within this class I must say I learned. I was able to understand what we were being taught. The professor taught more by guiding us, giving us what was needed and it was up to us to take that and use it to our advantage, also taking the information and putting our own input. One thing I enjoyed and agreed fully on would be finding out what our educational philosophy. Every teacher has their own educational philosophy. When given mine I did more research and as I was writing my reflection based on this I found myself just being passionate on what I was writing, standing firm in what and how students should be taught. My educational philosophy turned out to be constructivism where students learn best based upon their personal experiences, taking what they already know and implying to what is being taught. Constructivism gets students to become involved and hands on in what they are learning, becoming active learners. Another helpful tool taught within this class, EME 2040, would be livetext. Livetext is a tool that I feel all teachers should have, it is very helpful and is also something that I can take with me beyond school; carry with me throughout my future career within the education field.

Something that I support 100% would be diversity and openness. When I say this class was different I mean that in a good way. We not only learned about education but became more aware of what is going on within the real world which I feel is something that should be implemented when teaching. My most valuable experience would be commenting on the poems given for us to read. These weren’t just any poems but they were raw eye opening lessons. One that struck me the most would be “Cité Soleil”. This poem addressed the trials and hardships that Haiti has and still is going through. The problems are not just of Haiti’s but many countries. By commenting on poems such as this you are being forced to give your opinion to think and understand what you are reading.

In conclusion I can genuinely say that this class was excellent. A successful class would be a class full of students who learned, understood, and are able to take what they learned on with them throughout their life. You, Professor Mcnair, have taught me a lot and I thank you. Wish you the best.

Reflection 9:What have you learned about the use of technology in the process of instructional delivery?

Technology is something that has grown tremendously each year and because of this it has affected today’s world, as far as how everything is done and operated. When it comes to using technology within the process of instructional delivery there are both positives and negatives. Because of technology’s impact it is vital to imply technology because majority is operated by technology in some way. Due to everything being operated over a computer or any computer-based devices it is rare to find people who physically write anymore or do anything physical.

Some positive aspects to implying technology would be the convenience. The internet, laptop, home computer is very convenient. You can now take online classes where the work is posted on a website. You are guided by the teacher through the web. It is up to your convenience as to where you do your work and when, but it is also your responsibility to keep up with what you are assigned and submit the work on its specific due date. Another good thing would be the expansion of learning. You not only have one library but you have resources from all over the world. When researching on a subject, using the internet, you receive hundreds of sites devoted to that one subject. You obtain the opinions of different people. When coming across different opinions you are able to become open-minded and to become open-minded is to educate yourself. To use technology within the process of instructional delivery the students are also being able to learn on their own, utilizing their independent skills to become resourceful. A negative about the growth of technology today would be the lack of interpersonal skills but even so there are telecollaborative lessons where students are able to group up with others trough the internet. An example of a telecollaborative lesson would be having your students have key pals. This was talked about in a previous reflection due, reflection 6.

Like stated earlier, majority of the world is now based on computers, because of this it is important to teach students how to use this technology. When students are able to understand this and master this they are progressing and preparing themselves for the future. Many jobs are required to have computer-based skills especially Microsoft Word, Microsoft Excel, Microsoft PowerPoint. Even within this course EME 2040 all four of these software’s are required.

Reflection 8: What is your Educational Philosophy?

Every teacher has their own individual way in teaching just as every person is unique. According to a survey taken, my philosophy of education is constructivism. Philosophy of education is to study the main objective, nature, process, and the ideals of education. It is to use the more traditional fields of philosophy and include its approaches, to confront questions in relation to human development, education policy, curriculum theory and more. There are six educational philosophies and they are perennialism, essentialism, progressive education, existentialism, social reconstruction, and pragmatism or experimentalism. To use these approaches in philosophy of education is to be diverse.

To each teacher is a philosophy that suites them best, due to their teaching style which is based upon their beliefs and what they feel is important to their students in learning. Within this reflection we were told to take survey giving our opinion on what we strongly agree to what we strongly disagree on based on the statements given. After the survey was submitted results were given showing the philosophies of education and which suites personally you. My philosophy of education came out to be constructivism. Constructivism was developed by Jean Piaget. It is the theory that others learn based upon their own personal experiences. This philosophy was not always taken serious, back in the day, it was seen as "children's play". Constructivism views the learner as a unique individual. It encourages learners to combine their own culture and their previous knowledge with what is being taught. Social interaction is very important. When one is being sociable they are exercising their "people skills". The students are also learning from another, they are learning another's cultures, hearing out others point of views. This is important at a young age because within the real world students will come across different people from different cultures. They will be faced with conflicts of different opinions. Constructivism also supports active learning, to have the student being actively involved in the learning process. When students are learning themselves they are better understanding what is being taught. The more the student understands the better the student is learning and is able to take that experience with them long term. The role of the teacher within constructivism is to be a facilitator, guiding their students. The facilitator simply helps the students get their own better understanding of what is being taught. In conclusion I agree with the results I had received in based upon what would be my philosophy of education because I personally feel every students is a unique individual and every students learn best when they themselves understand what is being taught. Like stated earlier once the student fully understand then it is something that they will use long-term.

Reflection 7: What is a Digital Story?

Digital story-telling is something that has progressed and is continuing to progress throughout the years due to growth of technology today. A digital story would be described as relaying a story while practicing the computer-based tools or technology. While practicing this such tools are being used images, recorded audio, video clips, music and much more. Digital stories are generally about two to ten minutes long depending. When creating a digital story it is concentrated a particular topic while giving your personal view on things. Such topics range from talking about your own personal experiences to historical events; whether it be within your own community or exploring the world, travelling.
There are two ways in looking at digital stories; one electronic portfolio as digital story of learning and two digital story telling as a reflective portfolio. When looking at digital story telling as an electronic portfolio there are elements that must implemented such as collection, selection, reflection, direction, and celebration. Under these elements questions are asked and answered. What? Past as far as what have I collected about my life, work learning? So what? Present as far as what do those artifacts shoe about what I have learned? This talks about your current reflections on your knowledge and skills. Now what? Future as far what direction would you want to take in the future? This deals with your future learning goals. The second topic within digital storytelling that was previous mentioned would be using your digital story telling as a reflective portfolio which uses strategies to promote intrinsic motivation to maintain the process of lifelong learning. This too contains certain elements, these seven elements include point of view, dramatic questioning, emotional content, your voice, soundtrack, economy and pacing. This approach would be constructivist approach. When using digital story telling as a reflective portfolio you exercise your characteristics. Learner ownership and engagement, you establish a emotional connection, it is used as a deep learning tool, and also your viewers are to hear the learners authentic voice.

Reflection 6: What is a Telecollaborative Lesson?

A telecollaborative lesson plan would be defined as involving your students within a project to share information with a group of people. Within in the word telecollaborative is collaborative which is grouping your students to work together through the internet. Another way of explaining this would be pen pals. Teachers would have their students write to others from all over their world. Sharing their experiences, understanding the differences between different countries. Being that times have changed and new technology has developed we would no longer call them pen pals but "key pals".

To use telecollaborative lessons is a good eye-opener for students, the results are very positive in that in helps students face reality. It is important for everyone to be aware of the world and its issues today. It is extremely important to start at a young age. The more knowledgeable the better. It is the students that become our future leaders. As a young child you are not so aware of the differences between countries. You do not realize that everyone many not live as comfortably as you. When students have key pals they are able to meet people from all over the world, they are able to share their experiences as well key pals are able to do the same. Communicating stories back and forth. Yes it is a positive experience but it may not always be a happy experience. For the students of Brenda Dyck, this was the case. For each reflection we are given a guide to base our writings on. For this reflection the guide given to us was based upon a teachers experience in using the telecollaboraitve lesson method. This teacher was Brenda Dyck of ABC Charter Public School in Canada. At the time she was teaching middle school. Her telecolloborative project was having her students key pal those in Israeli. At first the conversation was of any normal 13 or 14 year olds, talking about music, sports, weekend activities. The students had grown close. The students had learned through their key pals in Israeli that they were privileged compared to them. Their key pals would explain their feelings of insecurity within their own "home", how they do not feel safe while doing such little things as going to the movies with their friends. Her students then came across a CNN video of a recent Israeli bombing, the students were silent and in awe at what had happened. Worried that their key pals were in danger.

In conclusion telecollaborative lessons are very positive, opening the eyes of students to real world issues. I'm sure Brenda Dyck's students had learned a lesson. Learned to appreciate the little things they are able to do such as going to the movies or just feeling safe within their own home without worrying about bombings occurring. One thing we should all be thankful for is the gift of life, to be able to start a new day.

Reflection 5:What is Cooperative/Collaborative Learning?

When talking about both cooperative and collaborative learning we must first define each. Even though they are both similar as far as grouping students they still have their own differences. Cooperative and collaborative learning differ from the traditional learning methods in that the students are learning to work with each other rather than competing. Theses learning methods are very helpful within the students growing process in so many ways.
Collaborative learning would be described as a group if students coming together to better understand and explore an assignment or question. They group together to discuss a lecture or project but this is done over the internet. These groups can be also be called teams or be made of up students from various schools.

Cooperative learning are also students formed as a group but each student is given their own set of work to contribute towards to the final assignment. They work together more face-to-face rather than over the internet. In order for cooperative learning to take place three things must occur. To begin one, the students must feel a sense of security, they must feel safe. Two, the groups cannot be too large. The groups must be small so that each students opinion is heard. Last but not least, three, the work that is given to the students must be understood, clearly defined.

Cooperative and collaborative learning is a very helpful way within the students growing process because they are faced with challenges that they will also face in the real world. Challenges such as learning to deal with conflict amongst others. When a group of people are put into groups there is going to be conflict due to the fact that everyone is different and is entitled to their own opinion. Being social is also an important part of growing and this occurs during cooperative and collaborative learning. The students are improving their interpersonal skills by having to talk to their fellow classmates, getting to know them and understanding their opinions. By doing this the students are becoming open minded and when a student becomes open minded they become educated to the real world and those around them.

In conclusion cooperative and collaborative learning helps students gain more knowledge is several ways. The students are actively participating, diversity is welcomed while all opinions are a contribution, learning to use research tool such as the internet, students are able to learn how to deal with conflict when it occurs. More positive results sue to cooperative and collaborative learning would include increase in self-esteem, better understanding in the lesson, improved achievement in grades and higher motivation.

Reflection 4: What is Inquiry-Based Learning?

When first talking about inquiry-based learning it is important to first define inquiry which is understanding the knowledge and solving a problem, questioning. Inquiry-based learning is a process in which the students involve themselves within the learning to help better understand what is being taught and to also better understand or make sense of what is going on around us. It was formed by theorists Freire, Piaget, Vygostsky, Dewey and many more. Author Joe Exline stated “Tell me and I forget, show me and I remember, involve me and I understand.” Everyone learns differently but I personally feel that learning hands on helps tremendously. To inquire is something we have all done since birth by recognizing faces and voices, environments and objects.
Inquiry is an important learning method because without it nothing can be understood. To implement inquiry based learning we must change the “traditional” ways of learning such as memorization. Many use the memorization as a method of learning but this will not help you in the long run. Even though one would memorize what is being taught the student is not able to understand, which is the most important. To learn one must understand what is being taught. When you understand the information it is being brought with you for a lifetime. We must process the information and put it into sense in our own way. A good example would be math. Math is a subject that not many enjoy. It is something you must understand, if not, there is no sense. To understand math you must be able to use your own steps in what helps you understand. Another example of inquiry would be passages. During elementary school it was brought to both my parents and I’s attention that I was having difficulty in understanding what I was reading. A way to help test your knowledge is to have a reading passage, then questions, questioning your knowledge and understanding in what was being read. Effective inquiry includes questioning such as a framework of questioning, different levels of questioning, and a context for questions. Within in inquiry we must also bridge what we know to how we must come to know.
Inquiry learning is active learning, more hands on and being involved. When you involve the student, they are being forced to try and understand what is going on also teaching them step by step on what to do. You are just guiding them while the student is learning and understanding themselves.

Cité Soleil

This poem is in concern to the conditions of Haiti. A very deep poem that speaks truth, informing us of the trials and tribulation of what Haiti has and still is facing today. The poem talks about the non-caring government, the corruption, the violence, and especially the abuse Haiti's women are experiencing. One verse that stood out to me was "no female is safe.the penis is a weapon;a tool of control." It is brutal honesty. When all is gone, even though theres is such sadness occuring it is important for each to maintain hope and faith, like stated in the last verse "where there’s life, there’s hope.where there is hope, redemption."

A Mule of A Different Sort

This blog is in concern with the recent passing of Arizona's Immigration law SB1070 signed by Gov Jan Brewer. The law states that any person of "foreign" looks is allowed to be randomly searched for documentation of residency. Gov Jan Brewer also made a foolish statement by saying majority of those who come across the southern boarder are drug mules. I feel this statement is just ignorant and ignorance such as this is what I would call being close-minded.

Yes, people crossing the border illegally, has always been a problem but what needs to be enforced are strict border patrol. From my view it is obvious that racism is the bigger picture within this topic. The world has come a long way from slavery days but this just shows that there is still racial inequality occurring. It is important for all of us to open our eyes to reality. We should not go against diversity but embrace it because it is diversity that educates another in so many ways.

for frederico garcia lorca

This poem was in dedication to frederico garcia lorca. It seems he was a big influence due to a poem you had came across written by him. You were able to relate to him in relation to a passing away of a loved one, for you it was your father. The poem helped you overcome your fathers death that you are not alone through this tragedy. No matter how much you try to prepare for a loved ones death the feeling is unimaginable when it actually happens, the pain is unbearable knowing that no matter what, nothing will never be able to bring back that person. Within the poem I feel Frederico's is saying yes you have lost a loved one but it is something you must overcome.

"nature does not mourn & the fickleworld has already forgotten hisheroic death."

One thing we must do is mourn. It is never healthy to hold in feelings. To mourn is to let go of everything. To experience death of another is something we all must go through. A painful experience but it is those painful experiences that make us stronger. Makes you realize that you cannot take anyone for granted, you must appreciate your loved ones because it is not up to you but up to God as to when it is their time to go.

Reflection 3: What is a Constructive Lesson Plan?

When defining a constructive lesson plan we must first define constructivism which is basing or “constructing” your knowledge upon your own personal experiences. There are six elements within the constructive lesson plan and they are situation, groupings, bridge, questions, exhibit, and reflections. Learning theorists for constructivist approach includes J. Dewey, L. Vygotsky, J. Piaget, and J. S. Bruner.
The six elements of the constructive lesson planning are designed to help teachers focus on the development of students learning. To better explain each element; Situation is for teachers to come up with a situation putting the students in a position where they must explain. When forming a situation the teachers can use processes such as creating metaphors, solving problems, drawing conclusions and much more. The second element is known as grouping. This involves two categories of groupings which are students and materials. You ask how you are going to group the students. Individually, whole class, in teams for collaborative learning? Next is grouping your materials. How are you going to group the materials needed for the students to explain the situation whether it be by physical models, graphics, reflective writing and more. To bridge would be the third element, this is building a bridge between what the students already know and what they will learn through the lesson plan. The bridge activity would include such things as playing a game, having a class discussion. It recommended that you do these activities either before or after the students have been put into groups. Questions is the fourth element of constructive lesson planning involves all six elements, introducing the situation, arranging groups, setting up the bridge, prompting exhibits, and encouraging reflections. The teacher must influence questions to encourage their thinking. To exhibit is the fifth element, this includes students showing what they had learned amongst their classmates and by doing so they will explain the situation, they can use visual representation such as graphs or charts. Physical representation can also be used by doing role play, using models, photographs, or videos. The last element would be reflection. This is for students to look back on their thoughts throughout the lesson, their thought process as far as how they felt, images they used from their imagination, their language. Reflection also has the student’s think of what attitudes or skills they have learned that they can use. You would link three questions, similar to the bridge, which are what did the student previously know? What do they want to know? And what did they learn?
In conclusion the constructive lesson plan is students will have a different way on thinking or solving problems due to what is being presented and what it forces them to do at the end of the lesson.

Reflection 2: What is the difference between the Behaviorist Lesson Plan format and the Constructivist Lesson Plan format?

There are two different formats in lesson planning and they are behaviorist lesson planning and constructive lesson planning. There are many differences between the two. Behaviorist lesson plans were influenced by many theorists but one in particular would be Madeline Hunter who based behavioral lesson plans upon eight elements being the objective approach while constructive lesson plans are based upon six elements being the cognitive approach.

Behaviorist lesson plans were influenced by theorists B.F. Skinner, R.F. Mager, R. M. Gagné, and M.D. Merrill but like stated earlier the most influential educator within behaviorist lesson planning would be Madeline Hunter. She dedicated majority of her career to making teaching more efficient. Hunter came up with eight effective elements that improved and pushed learning to its full potential. These elements are said to work regardless the grade level, teacher’s personal style, curriculum, or economic background. The eight elements include purpose or objective, anticipatory set, input, modeling, guided practice, checking for understanding, independent practice and closure. To further explain each; Purpose or objective would be the main focus of the lesson plan. Anticipatory set would be a short activity for students to complete as they enter the room, and example of this would be one or two problem written on the board, the students will have to complete this problem as soon as they are seated. Input are important skills such as vocabulary or concepts that the students must know in order to continue on with the lesson being taught. Modeling, this when the teacher shows the final product of what was taught. Guided Practice, the teacher helps guide the students to perform necessary skills. Checking for understanding is for teachers to question the students to determine their understanding. Last but not least closure is the eighth element, this is a review of the lesson.

The second format would be constructive lesson plans. This is based upon our own understanding due to personal experiences. This was influenced by learning theorists J. Dewey, J. Piaget, L. Vygotsky, and J. S. Bruner. Constructive lesson plans consists of six elements; Situation, teachers should put students into scenarios for them to explain. Groupings would be characterized into to two groups; One, how would your group your students and two how would you group your materials. The next element would be bridge this is to build a "bridge" between what the students already know and what they will learn. Questions introduces the situation while also keeping the situation going. Exhibit is for students to show off their understanding. Last but not least reflection, for students to explain what they had learned.

Reflection 1: What is A Lesson Plan

Something that is very vital when it comes to the profession of teaching are lesson plans. It is important for teachers to have the ability in creating their own lesson plans. I would define a lesson plan as a guide that shows a detailed description in what you will be teaching your students, keeping you organized and having the class run smoothly. In order to achieve this, lesson plans must contain certain elements. There are also two different types of lesson plans, such as behaviorist lesson plans and constructive lesson plans. Each would be different according to whomever prepared it and through this you are able to determine what type of teacher that individual is.

What makes up a lesson plan is important, like stated earlier it must contain certain elements and these elements include the title of the lesson, how much time the lesson will take up, material needed, objectives, set, instructional component, independent practice, summary, evaluation, analysis, and continuity. It is usual to keep these elements in the order as to the way they are listed. To further explain these elements; to have objectives are one of the most important elements. The objective states what will be taught throughout the lesson, basing it upon the students developmental level. Without objectives there would be no main focus. Set would be concepts on how to have your students comprehend or process the information such as using pictures or asking questions. Instructional component includes the teachers input, using their own skills to guide the students. Independent practice gives students time to go over the information on their own. Summary is when the teachers answer any questions the students have, ending the discussion. Evaluation are for the teachers to test the students seeing how well they understood what was being taught. Analysis, this gives teachers time to look back on the lesson, determining what needs improvement and what worked well. Last but not least, continuity; this element is somewhat similar to analysis, also reviewing and reflecting back on the lesson.

Behaviorist and constructive lesson plans are two very different approaches. the behaviorist approach was designed by learning theorists B.F. Skinner, R.F. Mager, R. M. Gagné, and M.D. Merrill. Madeline hunter is also someone important helping teachers better understand behaviorist lesson planning. This approach is based upon behavior where as constructive lesson plans are based upon your own experiences. the constructive approach was designed by J. Dewey, J. Piaget, L. Vygotsky, and J. S. Bruner.

When designing a lesson plan, it is important to meet the interests and needs of the students. Even though all teachers should include the elements listed above, as each person is an individual, each teacher is different and in addition to this, each teacher has different skills and methods to offer. The way a teacher designs his or her lesson plan shows a lot about themselves in relation to their philosophy of education. For example just as you are able to learn about a painter through what artwork or how they paint, or just as you as you are able to determine what type of artist or how well an artist is through their music; the same goes for a teacher. In conclusion the message given is that lesson plans are an important part of the profession of teaching.

Who's Evey

To start off my name is Ernestyne-Eve Macapagal but to make things easier my nick name is Evey. My background has always been confusing to others; being born in Miami, Florida, growing up in Bermuda, but both of my parents are originally from the Philippines. Growing up between these three countries has taught me a lot. I represent all three with great pride. My interests would include anything that has to do with the arts, which is something I absolutely adore. Depending on the setting, when first meeting someone, I can be described as shy; sometimes my shyness can come off as “stuck-up” but as the motto goes “Never Judge a Book by Its Cover”. Behind the shyness is a cheerful, vibrant, free-spirited, passionate, respectful, and positive young lady.

Like stated earlier, the arts is something I am very passionate about. I appreciate art, poetry, dance and music. Every Sunday during a special season in Miami, along Lincoln Road on South Beach are little Art stalls selling beautiful vintage goods. There are also many great museums along this road that I love to visit. Dance is also a passion of mine, starting at the age of three years old. Out of all the arts Music is what I adore, it's my escape. Music expresses what you yourself couldn't put into words. Music heals the heart and makes it whole, flows from heaven to the soul. Because of having such a diverse background with the countries Bermuda, USA, and Philippines behind me, it has grown me into becoming a very open-minded young lady. I embrace my diversity and uniqueness. I constantly travel back and forth between these three witnessing and experiencing both the good and bad, but this is what has forced me to open up my eyes to what you call reality, becoming aware of what has and is happening in today’s society all over the world. Growing up and spending majority of my time in Bermuda, I consider it to be my home. It is a very beautiful island, even though it is similar to other Caribbean islands, it is under the British being a British Colony. The island is very small with a population of only about 60,000-63,000 people. There are pros and cons of living within such a small community. The main problem I would consider growing up in Bermuda would be the close-mindedness. It is important for everyone to realize that the world does not revolve around you or one country. A pro of growing up in Bermuda would be, being surrounded around such beauty. Another pro would be the importance of closeness, family, and morals. Another beautiful island that is close to my heart would be the Philippines, a country where both my mother and father originated from. My last visit was in December 2009/January 2010. I have visited the Philippines many times but each time feels just like the first. As you get older you learn to appreciate the little things in life, the simple things in life. My last visit, December09, was one life changing experience. I embraced everything from the fast-paced city life to driving through the beautiful mountains breathing that fresh air to waking up in the country side and taking a walk down the river. One thing I inherited from my mother is her big heart; she is the CEO of a charity located in the Philippines, named ANCOP(Answering The Cry of The Poor). This charity raises money to build villages for those affected by the big mudslide that occurred in the Philippines. Such effects include deaths and loss of houses and goods. During my visit to the Philippines I was able to visit the villages built and the families. The children have nothing, no TV, no computers, no video games. All they had were sticks and stones to play with. Even though they didn't have much they seemed happy to just be alive. I then heard the "ice-cream man" ringing his bell, I decided to buy ice-cream for all the kids in the village, they were all so grateful. Even though this was something huge for them, I felt a need to do more. This was the moment I decided that I wanted to take over my mother's charity in the future and open up a school in the Philippines, helping the less fortunate children.

In Conclusion God made us all separate, he made us all unique to become our each individual. Society paints us out to be a certain way but it is our choice to embrace our individuality and use that to our advantage. We must also open our eyes to reality, educate ourselves in what is going on in the world and what we can do to help. So far I have truly enjoyed this class and look forward to more.