Well I
guess this is a hello again to the blogging world. I have had my first taste of
what it takes to be a teacher. After four years of learning about teaching from
a book, I was finally able to experience it! Even though it was a whirlwind (as
noticed by my complete absence for two months), I met amazing teachers that
taught me new things each day and a wonderful group of students that I will always
remember. It challenged me each and every day, pushed me to do things I never
thought I could do, and showed me that I can reach what I set out to accomplish.
Getting the opportunity to be in the classroom, I am itching to get right back
in there.
This
short, yet meaningful teaching experience also gave me the chance to envision
my own classroom. Combined with 21st century education discussions
that have taken place in my teacher education classes, my mind is overflowing
with all of the possibilities. Completing a placement in a school with minimal
technology, I saw the large gap that exists between those schools that have
technology and those that do not. Feeling the constraints of limited technology,
my ideal classroom would of course have interactive technological devices
available to my students. While this seems like a no-brainer for a 21st
century classroom, it’s hard to choose specifics when I know technology is
constantly changing. Computers may be beneficial now, but they may be outdated
in five years! Regardless of the type of technology, I recognize the uttermost
importance of giving students innovative outlets to express their learning.
My 21st
classroom would also encourage students to engage in critical-thinking and collaborative
learning activities. I saw first-hand the benefits of students working in
groups, and was amazed at what they could accomplish together through hands-on
activities and critical questioning. In addition to collaboration, my 21st
century classroom would also include experiential learning. Providing students
with the chance to learn through a hands-on “experience” they can relate to the
content through personal connections. However, in order for these learning
opportunities to be successful, an open-minded and accepting environment between
students and teachers needs to be created.
Aside from the technological
components and a positive accepting learning environment, a 21st
century educator has “ideal” expectations as well. Getting involved in
team-teaching, community activities and staying current will only increase my
success as a teacher in the classroom. There is a lot to look forward to as a
21st century educator, and an even more exciting time to be a 21st
century learner. It’s great that I have the chance to expand my knowledge in
both of these areas!
What does your ideal 21st
century classroom look like?
You mention the gap between those schools who have access to technology and those who don't. I think one aspect we need to focus on is how we can shrink that gap. In an ideal world, we could develop a way to implement current technology into all schools, but unfortunately the reality is totally different. As educators, I feel we really need to challenge ourselves to find some way to make the students' learning experience as modern and engaging as possible, even if we can't access tech tools.
ReplyDelete"Regardless of the type of technology, I recognize the uttermost importance of giving students innovative outlets to express their learning." I agree, innovative opportunities to demonstrate what they have learned is essential to 21st century teaching and learning. Educators need to be cognizant of the fact that they don't have to wait until the tech toys come into the classroom. All educators can be 21st century teachers.
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