End of Semester Wrap-Up
I enjoyed my Role Reversal and Fall Placement overall. My teacher was wonderful; the school was a little RIGID for my taste. The classroom kids were unique individuals who really liked to share. I gained a lot of experience of the do’s and don’ts of classroom management. I am very greatful for this experience. My ESOL experience was different in that I felt I had little opportunity to practice teaching. I felt they really didn’t know what to do with me. I plugged away and jumped in where I could. My ESOL teacher had lots of great advice and was willing to share her thoughts on push-in vs. pull-out ESOL. It would be interesting to get to participate in both a push-in and pull-out model. Hope that you all have a great holiday season; see some family; get with some friends; enjoy yourself. – Kelley
Add comment December 6, 2008
kelmart26
Wow, I’m in!
I am so excited to actually be able to access my blog and my GSU e-mail now.
I am really enjoying the readings. The Hilliard and Palmer articles were just the boost I need. It is so easy to get bogged down in the day-to-day and to feel that you are all alone. I know that having several members of the cohort at my school helps to encourage me also – Thanks Mario and Desiree!
Also, the book excerpts from Marion Wright Edelman were awe inspiring. I had mixed emotions following the Mays lecture in that I was sad at how many children are suffering, but I was also exhiliarated by the call to action that Mrs. Edelman put out. I want to be a fleabite to challenge the status quo and the deficit-theory thinking of too many in the education field.
Kelley
Add comment October 15, 2008
kelmart26
Culturally Responsive Pedagogy – K Martin
In discussing the different philiosophies of Oppression, Assimilation, and Plurarlism, I really took time to reflect on how they differ and how it appears to apply to the United States of America. Currently, I see more characteristics of assimilation than any other philosophy in our policies, curriculum, and just in everyday life. We have some attempts at pluralism, as in cities where they have signs written in more than one language (usually Spanish). I know that as a Teacher, I want to strive for a more plurallistic curriculum. I want to teach from a perspective that I can value each person as an individual, and I can learn from the children in my room. I like the idea that knowledge is fluid and not static; my hope is to teach in that manner and to develop critical thinkers. This class has been my first step. We all have to take baby steps before we can run.
2 comments May 23, 2008
kelmart26
Idlewood Elementary – Kelley Martin
I really enjoyed our visit to Idlewood Elementary. I thought that overall the school looked very kid friendly, especially with the different murals – in the restrooms (viewable from the hall) and the cafeteria. Also, I noted that many of the signs, bulletin boards displayed children from different races- not just white and black. The children were very open to talking with us and to show and tell us what they’ve learned. Also, hearing from the teachers who have been through the UACM program was very enlightening. I can really see how having at least one other person in the school that is going through some of the same things that I may go through would be really helpful. Also, it seems that they really know how to work together – in light of discipline issues and help each other out. I think I anticipated a school with very little color on the walls, on boards, in the rooms with possible ceiling tiles falling or carpet in need of repair. I am glad that the picture in my mind was not the reality at Idlewood.
Add comment May 23, 2008
kelmart26
Faith and Hope – Kelley Martin
“Now abide these three, faith, hope, and love; and the greatest of these is love.” 1 Corinthians 13:13. My faith in God is grounded in the security of His love for me and for all. Because of this faith and love, I have hope that even when things are the most bleak and I don’t understand why injustice exists or why seemingly bad things happen to good people that there is still hope to see wrongs righted. I may be an idealist, but I am not naive. My faith and belief in a God that is wise; too wise to be mistaken; a God that is too good to be unkind; and that when I don’t understand, when I don’t see His plan, when I can’t trace His hand, I can trust His heart (lyrics to Trust His Heart by Babbie Mason). This faith and hope I know will help to see me through the tough days of the everyday teaching; the injustices and unfairness of a system that fails too many of our children; and will give me the strength to take action that will help level the playing field of education. Not by my own strength, but in joining with others who want to make the field level and see all children have the chance to succeed.
Add comment May 21, 2008
kelmart26
Children’s Books – Kelley Martin
I really love children’s books, and our readings have not dulled that love. They have, however, raised my awareness of possible themes in them that can be stereotypical of racial and gender roles. I want to develop a more critical eye when I read them; develop questions for topics of discussion so that children can become better critical thinkers, too. I also want to ensure that I have a more culturally diverse selection of books for my classroom. Some of the ones that I heard in my group today were really good! I look forward to hearing the writings of the entire class. – Kelley
Add comment May 20, 2008
kelmart26
Multiple Intelligences – Kelley Martin
I know that Gardner commented that multiple intelligences differ from learning styles. I believe he distinguished between the two concepts in that learning styles means that you apply it consistently throughout different learning experiences; whereas, multiple intelligences means that you may have one or two that you excel in but that you move fairly fluidly through many or possibly all of the intelligences when processing new information. In writing this, it helps me to distinguish between the two. I’ve been introduced through Sunday school training, to the idea of learning styles; however, this is the first time I have heard of the theory of multiple intelligences. It does make sense to me; since a part of the brain can be damaged due to trauma or stroke and other parts of the brain compensate. The person can still perform other skills. It is amazing how much we don’t know about the brain and how we learn. – Kelley
Add comment May 19, 2008
kelmart26
Where Do I Stand? – Kelley Martin
The readings regarding gender roles and sexual orientation really made me stop and think. Today’s discussion also helped clear up some things and help me to see that when I think of homosexuality, I do go straight to thinking of it in terms of sex. I know that homosexuals are individuals, human beings with feelings and a need for acceptance. I also realize that the children we teach may have two moms or two dads. It really is not prudent to ignore their existence; it’s not going to make it go away. I know that I need to be sensitive to the needs of all involved; because I do believe that you can “love the sinner, and despise the sin.” It is not easy; however, it is a cornerstone of my faith and I try to live by that belief.
I often find it hard to bring my faith and tough issues like those presented in class about civil rights regarding sexual orientation and religion into some kind of synthesis. I know that too often throughout history, people have tried to manipulate and use the name of God to justify their wars, their discrimination of certain groups, and to assert some idea of their superiority. I also know that my faith as a Southern Baptist Christian presents a certain filter with which I see the world. In my filter, there is no room for degrading or beating or blowing up people whose actions which I believe are in conflict with the precepts of my faith. I also take exception when people, often people with higher education, take a snobbish view of people who proclaim faith and classify them as weak or close-minded. I do believe that the Holy Bible is the Word of God. It is not antiquated; it is error free. I do believe that there are many precepts that are clearly defined in the Word as being right or wrong. I believe in being able to listen to the thoughts of others with respect and an open mind; hopefully like the quote from Ghandi who was so sure in his beliefs that he could learn about other ideas without being blown away by them. My mind can be like an open window with a screen; my mind needs to be open but not to the point that my brain falls out in the process. I do want to be a critical thinker. – Kelley/p>
Add comment May 16, 2008
kelmart26
Culture Activity – Kelley Martin
Between Nacirema and the Alphaland Betaland activity, I’ve looked at some of the American culture up close and personal and gotten just a small taste of what it must be like to come to America from a foreign country. One basic need of all humans is to feel accepted. The children who will be coming to our classrooms will need to feel accepted. I want to ensure that I am doing everything that I can to see that every child feels accepted. Having children work together on projects; giving opportunities for the children to speak in their native language are two ways that I can encourage their inclusion and validation of themselves. I want to encourage myself and my students to look at what we have in common not just our differences. Again helping them to see that different is just different; one is not better or worse; it’s just different.
1 comment May 15, 2008
kelmart26
| Previous Posts |
