2+Reflective+Journal+November+9th

This week, I had to absorb something completely different from last week. I like the building blocks that we're taking going from one unique idea to another. I actually like that we're combining practice with theory. If nothing else, it's generating new ideas that I can start using in the classoom right away. I first thought that much of this course would be review, and to some degree it has been. I've created web pages before, utilized wikis, and I am bit of a gadget addict. However, part of me has been reluctant to use those skills and interests in the classroom. I am interested to see what I can dream up in the next few weeks and years.

The article on Constructivism was interesting for me. I stepped back from the article and had to truly think about it. Part of me feels that a good teacher would find those practices a common part of their daily curriculum, but I also realize that good teaching must a be a conscious effort. You can't be a good teacher because you have the gift of speech or understanding. You have to constantly reflect and be cognizant of the needs of the students. Constructivism was a buzz word throughout my undergraduate work, but it's a term that has partially escaped my mind for the last few years. I'm glad I was reminded.

I see exactly how the survey unit plays into constructivist practices. An important part of teaching any subject is knowing where the students are. I use KWL charts in many units to know what I have to teach and to know what is already understood. I'm actually very excited to see the results of our survey because I have theories that I want to test.

I think our team has done a very good job at conceptualizing what our survey will look like. I don't think the building of the survey will be too difficult, but I think finding the right questions will be. I believe that surveys are a science and asking the right questions is very important. I have had much experience with taking surveys, studying surveys, giving surveys, and utilizing surveys. However, I'm not confident that I know exactly the right questions to ask to get a response that will be helpful to me.

I enjoyed reading your reflection Thomas! Constructivism is frequently studies with technology integration as a philosophy that is supported well through use of technology by students in collaborative ways. Good luck with the student assessment, I think you are right in the fact that asking the right questions is the key to the value of these data! :) Cheryl