Chapter 3 Representing To Learn

Chapter 3 was very interesting to read.  The journaling I found very interesting and will try soon.  I enjoyed reading about the start up activity.  This could be an activity to see what prior knowledge the students have about a certain topic.  It was interesting to read about clustering which can help students to map and remember key concepts. My students will love mindmapping because they love to draw.  I feel that most teachers use the thinking maps, but it is always nice to learn of different strategies and activities to use.  Students become motivated with new strategies and ideas.

Marianna Cotten EDUC 520 Teaching The Best Practice Way Chap. 1/Chap. 2

  I found reading Chapter 1 very interesting.  It is very true that personality, background, tastes, attitudes, experiences, and what we learn as a student of teaching are factors that determine how we go about teaching.  The key structures of teaching:  reading-as-thinking, representing-to-learn, small group activities, classroom workshop, authentic experiences, reflective assessment, and interactive units are strategies that teachers use everyday and play a key role in being an effective teacher.  There is a lot of diversity in the classroom and many different learning styles that need to be addressed and acknowledged.  Technology is an important asset in the classroom.  Students learn by using and/or applying technology; this is very true.  Teachers need to want to learn up to date technology so we want lose the students.
     I found it very interesting reading about the different strategies of teaching reading.  I agree that you have to capture a child's interest of reading through their interests and helping them to make connections.  As a teacher, I enjoy using the senses to help students to comprehend what they are reading.  The KWL charts, bubble maps, and the Venn Diagram are thinking maps that I used effectively in the classroom.  I enjoyed reading about the strategies in Chapters 1 and 2.  Some I have used and others I will certainly try. 
    

Welcome to my blog!

My name is Marianna Cotten.  I graduated from East Carolina University. Now I am attending Chowan University to complete the Education Graduate Program. I work as a second grade teacher at Willis Hare Elementary School in Northampton County.