Chapter 7: Thinking about Teaching and Learning

The book "The Joy of Teaching" gives me a lot of insight on my teaching philosophy. One thing I got from the book was Ralph W. Tyler's approach to teaching. I think that his steps make a lot of sense. I liked how his approach sounded lees scientific than everyone else's approach. Another idea I am going to take from the book is that a teacher should keep in mind how people learn and develop mentally. One idea I did not like in chapter seven was using the philosophy of existentialism in teaching. I feel this philosophy is very inappropriate for a teacher to use. 

Chapter 13: Improving Teachers and Schools, and School Reform

There are a few things I would like to do make my resume stronger and my specified to the teaching profession. I would like to substitute teach so I could be more experienced in dealing with students. I also want to create good contacts with my teachers of my education classes and Practicum so they will be able to give me good recommendations. 

In the first five years of me teaching I would make sure I included technology in the classroom. I would also improve my resume by becoming National Board Certified. I know that this is looked as a very high achievement. I would also attend teaching workshops because they would train me even further on becoming a better teaching.

Things I Need To Know

I read about three important things that UMF Secondary Education majors should know:

• Praxis: I need to know the scores needed on both the Praxis I and II in the state if Maine. But one question I had was if a student gets three or less points below Maine's Praxis I standards, can he or she still take Practicum? I had been told earlier that a person could.

• Practicum: I learned about the different requirements needed for me to take Practicum next fall. I now know that I will have to get a C- or better  in both EDU 101 and SED 125, I needed to get a C or better in English 100, I needed to pass Praxis I, and I need to have a GPA of 2.0 or higher. So far I have finished all of these requirement except for my final grades in EDU and SED but I will find out those grades at the end of this semester. 

• Transfer Major: If I were not already in the Secondary Education major I would have to know the many things needed to transfer into the Secondary Education major. I would need a 2.5 GPA, gotten a C or higher in English 100, I would have already taken and passed Praxis I, and I would need to write an essay on myself.

How do I start thinking like a teacher (instead of as a student)?

I think I am starting to think more like a teacher, especially after reading the "The Joy Of Teaching". The book affected the way I think because it talked about how certain things in education are harder to attain than I had originally thought. I had originally thought English was incorporated in all schools. However, after reading the book I now understand that, especially in the southwestern part of the country, the English language is less prevalent.

However, I still do think like a student for the most part. This is because I have not thought a lot about how I would teach and actually experienced being a teacher. 

Which theories and historical influences should most impact the schools we'd like to have?

I think that it is important to include ESL teachers in all schools and cater to the needs of every student so that all students can  get the best education as possible. I also feel that communication is very important between students and teachers; if communication is not possible then neither is and adequate education. I also agree that each core subject decided by the Committee of Ten are equally important and should be taught as so. 

How can I use knowledge of the learner to be a better teacher?

I can use knowledge of the learner to be a better teacher by using that knowledge in assignments. I feel that it is very important to ask students about what is the best way for them to retain information. Each student learns differently and because of this I will have to adjust assignments. I will also be aware of students who are not as proficient in the English language because it will make class harder for them. 

How Can I Be Successful At UMF?

I can be successful at UMF by communicating with my teachers. I know that it is important to keep up with my assignments. I also know that I will need to get help when it is needed. I try to check the syllabus of each of my classes because some teachers do not talk about the assignments due for the next class. However, as I have said before, communicating with my teachers is the most important thing is to communicate with my teachers.