Week 6: Recap
There has been a lot of useful information provided during this course that I plan to take with me and use within my classroom. I'm excited to execute many of the strategies that were discussed in our text and the online articles.
There are too many take-aways to compile a full list of from this course, but I'll discuss some that I found very important or that may have resonated with me.
I really enjoyed learning and understanding about the importance of middle schoolers thriving now and in the future really requires becoming lifelong learners and demands more than a basic understanding of reading, writing and mathematics. The curriculum, pedagogy and programs of middle grades schools must be based upon the developmental readiness, needs, and interests of young adolescents.
It's also very clear and vital that teachers know their job goes beyond the academia part and doesn't end when the bell rings for the day. For example, in the article, Middle Schools - The Emergence of Middle Schools, Growth and Maturation of the Middle School Movement, one area that was highlighted and is vital is when middle-grades students perceive their teachers care about them and their learning. When this occurs, they are more likely to try their best and do what their teachers ask of them. They are invested in their learning and doing well. I see this first-hand with my students and the various classes that I push into throughout the day. I know right away if that caring and respectful relationship is intact. Students respond well to teachers who care about them and respect them. In turn, students will show the same feelings of care and respect for their teachers. I've also seen the opposite of this when respect and care is not a part of a classroom culture and climate. The students shut down and are not invested in their own learning and don't care as much. Poor behavior is also more likely to occur in a classroom that is not built on a foundation of respect.
There are too many take-aways to compile a full list of from this course, but I'll discuss some that I found very important or that may have resonated with me.
I really enjoyed learning and understanding about the importance of middle schoolers thriving now and in the future really requires becoming lifelong learners and demands more than a basic understanding of reading, writing and mathematics. The curriculum, pedagogy and programs of middle grades schools must be based upon the developmental readiness, needs, and interests of young adolescents.
It's also very clear and vital that teachers know their job goes beyond the academia part and doesn't end when the bell rings for the day. For example, in the article, Middle Schools - The Emergence of Middle Schools, Growth and Maturation of the Middle School Movement, one area that was highlighted and is vital is when middle-grades students perceive their teachers care about them and their learning. When this occurs, they are more likely to try their best and do what their teachers ask of them. They are invested in their learning and doing well. I see this first-hand with my students and the various classes that I push into throughout the day. I know right away if that caring and respectful relationship is intact. Students respond well to teachers who care about them and respect them. In turn, students will show the same feelings of care and respect for their teachers. I've also seen the opposite of this when respect and care is not a part of a classroom culture and climate. The students shut down and are not invested in their own learning and don't care as much. Poor behavior is also more likely to occur in a classroom that is not built on a foundation of respect.
Throughout the course, one key point that resonated with me was that middle schoolers deserve an education that will foster a love for lifelong learning and will prepare them to succeed in the world. In This We Believe, much emphasis is on the important role an educator has in helping students at the middle school level become successful and responsible learners and global citizens. In my current role at Fairview, I take this role seriously. There are many days where students want to give up or don't always make the best decisions so it is my job to help navigate them through this process. I want my students to know that I'm with them and cheering them on to success. It's my job to empower them, challenge them and support them.
We've done a great deal of reading about how middle school teachers have to have great patience, creativity, dedication and a great sense of humor. Without a sense of humor, well then, don't be a middle school teacher. A teacher needs a sense of humor on a daily basis!
Lastly, another important component that resonated with me was that of the school needing to actively involve families in the education of their children. Research studies clearly link the involvement of family and other adults in the community with higher levels of student achievement. I am blessed to work in a district that involves the community along with parents. In our school district, we offer many opportunities for this to happen through field trips, family math nights, members form the community come to school to talk with the kids about disabilities, being kind and not bullying, persevering, etc. We also have scientist come share their findings or botanists share their knowledge about plants. We also have a variety of charity donation opportunities or a giving tree to give to families less fortunate. It's amazing the various opportunities that are available to the students in this district.
It's been a great course and I've learned a lot of meaningful information that I'm very excited about to implement in my classroom or just hold in my back pocket for future use.
Kirsten,
ReplyDeleteI agree wholeheartedly with your synopsis. Middle school has always been treated as a purgatory of sorts and the treatment of its students have also mirrored as such. It is awesome that more and more attention is being given to these crucial times in students' lives. In my opinion and experience, I do feel like junior high school is the foundation of their higher education because of the way its format mirrors high school and college.
Kirsten,
ReplyDeleteGreat blog! I love your mention of family and how important it is for middle schools to involve them in a student's education. Unfortunately, I have seen parents and guardians take a back seat when their children are in middle school. That said, schools should make programs where parents become more involved and have an opportunity to learn what the students are learning. I believe most parents will take kindly to this and want to participate. In the end, it can only help the students feel they have a supportive group of adults on their side.
Kirsten,
ReplyDeleteYes!!! Fantastic post, my friend. I definitely also took away that middle school is the age that teachers have an incredible opportunity to help shape lifelong learners. Providing a safe, inclusive, encouraging, supportive, positive, and responsible classroom environment is imperative in helping to guide these students to achieve their potential, and gives them a foundation to build on that will help them achieve success beyond the walls of the classroom, as well.
-Lisa P.
Kirsten,
ReplyDeleteGreat points! I agree with your assessment of this class, it providing a lot of useful techniques that can be used in the classroom. I agree that middle school teachers must show patience, creativity, and dedication. I especially like the great sense of humor aspect as well. We must remember that we are dealing with children and a little fun will not hurt learning.