Chapter 7b p. 296-274 & 283-287

In this section of the textbook, the discussion of assessment was the main topic. One area that it mentioned was test anxiety and how to help your students who struggle with it. I personally like the suggestions that the book gave (deep breathing, stretching, and/or thinking of a happy memory). Test anxiety is very prevalent in today's classroom, it is extremely important that teachers take this into consideration when administrating tests. In my future classroom, I will surely use these techniques before a test is given. I think that the entire class can benefit from these activities whether or not they have test anxiety.

Chapter 7c p.788-303

When reading this section, there were 12 types of assessment items that were discussed. I personally found this section of the book extremely valuable. Most of the assessment examples I have already seen in tests that I have taken, but there were some types that I had not. It was interesting to learn about the advantages and disadvantages for each assessment item. In my future classroom I will obviously have to administer tests, it is hard to get around that. I will definitely be using the different assessment items throughout my tests to provide a range of assessment for my students. 

Chapter 6c p. 245-265

In this section of the textbook, the seven basic elements of a lesson plan are more throughly explained. I think that all elements are extremely crucial when writing out a lesson plan because it gives the teacher a great resource to look to when teaching, especially if it has been a year since they taught the lesson. I personally believe that the reflection and revision part of a lesson plan is crucial. Every lesson can be improved. I think a part of becoming a better educator, you must be willing to make changes and find new ways to make your lessons more successful. In my future, as a teacher, I will be sure to take time and revise and reflect on the lessons that I have taught to my class.

Chapter 7a p. 274-283

When reading this chapter of the book, most of the information on the was to assess student learning. Several ideas were presented, such as student portfolios, checklists, observations, and rubrics. My favorite teacher, Mr. Swanson, used a variety of of these assessments. I remember that at the end of each trimester, we had a student led conference. During this conference each student had to present a portfolio which they put together themselves. This was a opportunity for the student to show off work that they were proud of as well as work they thought needed improvement. In my future classroom, depending on the grades level, I hope to implement some type of assessment like this. I think that it gets the students more involved and allows them to reflect on their learning. 

Chapter 6a pp. 223-235

In this section a lot of the material focused on differently learning styles and how to adapt your teaching style to accommodate your students. I think that this information is extremely useful because every student learns differently and as a teacher it is your job to find out how you can best help your students learn and grow. I personally like Gardner's Theory of Multiple Intelligences but it was nice to be introduced to the three-phase learning cycle as well as the learning experiences ladder.

Chapter 6b pp. 237-244

Most of this section outlines the use of planning out and writing lesson plans. Personally, I believe that I will fully write out all my lesson plans during student teaching as well as the first couple years teaching in a classroom. I think that having a thoughtfully written out lesson plan helps the teacher stay organized, keeps classroom time on pace, and makes sure the students are always involved in their learning (there is no time for irrational misbehaviors to arise).

Chapter 5b pp. 185-202

In this section it focussed a great amount of time on lesson planning and objective writing. I think that as a teacher this is very crucial, especially as a first year teacher. A well thought out and written lesson plan seems to help teachers tremendously in their organization and confidence while teaching. While reading, there was a lot of emphasis on learning outcomes and the creation of aims, goals, and objectives. As a future teacher, I will continue to write out objectives for each of my lessons because I think that is the main point of what you are trying to get your students to learn. If they cannot successful complete the learning objective you have set for the lesson, then the students have not complete grasped the concept trying to be taught.

Chapter 5c pp. 202-220

When reading this section, the main topic that spoke to me was the use of integrated curriculum. In my personal classroom, I hope to use this approach often. I think that students learn best when they can connect their learning to meaningful, current or past, experiences. Also, I gained more knowledge about the pros of using having a syllabus for your class. When I teach, I will have some type of syllabus. If I teach Middle School, my syllabus may be more extensive than if I teach Elementary. I would be sure to include general information about the class (teacher name, grade, course, course description, attendance, materials), but also expectations and procedures that my classroom and I will brainstorm together.