What exactly is a "student teacher"?

For all those student teachers:this will sum it up and make student teaching as clear as mud!

What exactly is a "student teacher"?As I understand it, a student teacher is a person of student age who is far enough along in his education to be doing some teaching. But a "student teacher" could also be someone who simply teaches students, a student teacher. Which is what all teachers are. Or a student teacher might be a student studying to become a teacher. Not yet a teacher, still a "student teacher." Such a student, studying to be a teacher, could also be called a "teaching student," which is, after all, what our original "student teacher" was: a teaching student. Sometimes teachers, later in their careers, go back to school for further education, and once again they become students, while still remaining teachers. Well, if a younger student who is doing some teaching is a "student teacher," then wouldn't an older teacher who goes back to school logically be a "teacher student"? Or I guess you could call her a "student teacher," couldn't you? So far, that's three different kinds of student teachers. Now, these teachers who go back to school obviously have to be taught by "teacher teachers." And if one of these teacher teachers were also taking a few courses on the side, that would make her a "student teacher teacher." And if she were just beginning that process, just learning to be a "student teacher teacher" wouldn't that make her a "student teacher teacher student"? I think it would. Now, don't ya get it!?!

George Carlin (1997), Brain Droppings

Final Reflection

Final Reflection? Already? It is hard to believe that the semester is almost over, and we are another step closer to having our own classroom full of students! Yay!! There is so much to say about this semester, and of all the 'block' classes, especially CUAI 4220, Integrated Social Studies. I believe the goal of any teacher is to take a student's negative attitude about a subject, and transform their way of thinking. If a teacher can do that, then it should be taken as a high compliment! Dr. Meier should feel very proud of herself for this reason alone. She has transformed, not on only my opinion of social studies, but the way I look at it, and plan to teach it. In one semester, she has undone 31 years of thinking that social studies was boring, uninteresting, and just disconnected facts about some old dead guys. This course has been so beneficial for me, as a student, and as an educator. I have learned HOW to make social studies fun and interesting, while connecting it to life, so students have a real purpose for learning! As a student, I was motivated to want to learn about social studies and the different ways of teaching it, so I want the same for my students... motivation to learn! I also believe that students, including myself, don't understand anything unless they understand it in more than one way. Here's a fun fact... I did not take one note during this course, yet I learned more than any other class this semester... stuff that I will actually remember, because I was actively engaged, and now I know how to utilize this knowledge in the classroom.

Social studies is important, even for the youngest students. The purpose of teaching social studies to elementary school students is to allow them to be able to understand their world around them. Social studies provides students with knowledge and understanding of the past, which allows kids to make informed decisions for the future. Teaching and learning in the elementary classroom should be meaningful, integrative, student-centered, and active. These qualities of powerful social studies learning are foundational to the development of students' knowledge. Thanks to this course, and Dr. Meier's instruction, I will be an advocate for social studies instruction. If all else fails and my administration feels that social studies is not important, then I will integrate it with other content areas... I know there is a way now!

I believe a culturally responsive classroom is also important. Culture is central to learning. It plays a role not only in communicating and receiving information, but also in shaping the thinking process of students. Instructional methods that acknowledges, responds to, and celebrates diversity offers various benefits for all students in the classroom, while making everyone feel welcomed and part of a community within the classroom. Culturally responsive teaching is a teaching method that recognizes the importance of including students' cultural references in all aspects of learning. I plan to have a classroom that is culturally responsive, by allowing the students to dictate how the class should be ran, including the procedures, aka rules, like the 'classroom compact.' Student-centered instruction encourages students to collaborate with classmates, and take control of their own learning by working with other students on research projects and assignments that are both culturally and socially relevant to them. Students become self-confident and actively engaged in their own education.

In closing, this course has been a pleasure to take, and it's a bittersweet ending. I love my block family, and enjoyed every minute of block... even the "made a tremendous headache, not-so-good stuff" seems beneficial now! Yet, we are a step closer to graduation and a classroom of our own! All good things must come to an end...

Social Studies CAN Be More Than Recall!

Throughout the semester, I have learned so many things regarding social studies, including various teaching methods. As a matter of fact, my opinion has changed about social studies. I no longer think it is boring, and just recall of facts. Yes, this is what many students believe, but it is because this is the exact way they are being exposed to social studies.... in a boring way! Social studies can be SO much more!!

I can assure you that I am now a strong supporter of history and social studies education. Due to standardized tests, teachers are being forced to cram in math and reading, because there is so much emphasis on these subjects. As a result, social studies is being slashed, or even left out of instruction. If the school district, or principal, does not support social studies instruction, there are other ways to incorporate it into the day. Historical literature can be used during reading lessons. For example, trade books that are historical in nature, can be used during “story time.” This would provide an opportunity for mini lessons. For older students, chapter books, such as the historical fiction books that we shared for book talks, can be used along with those boring textbooks, if the curriculum allows it. These chapter books can be used for weeks to incorporate social studies, while still achieving the reading objectives.

The goal is to integrate social studies and history content into reading. By using social studies content for reading, it will encourage teachers to expose children to as wide a range of social studies content as possible. Instead of the simple social studies fact memorization that is emphasized now, teachers will need to focus on context which makes field trips, interactive assignments and other teaching methods that familiarize children with important social studies and historic context more important.

Diversity in December

As we begin December, and the traditional celebration of the holidays, I am reminded of how important diversity is, and that is does exist in the classroom. Let me explain.... recently, during my field observation, I met a very sweet, 6^th grade student that is a Jehovah’s Witness. He exhibits good behavior, and appears to be a good student. His religion is not a secret to other students or faculty, because he does not participate in the Pledge of Allegiance each morning. Jehovah’s Witnesses are not allowed to celebrate Christmas, birthdays, Easter, Thanksgiving, or any other holidays, claiming they all have pagan roots.

Yet, a Language Arts teacher gave an assignment, dealing with Christmas in other countries. The basis of the assignment is to research the country and how they celebrate Christmas. This Jehovah’s Witness student refused to do this assignment. Now, this should not of been an issue, because the assignment could have been easily modified to accommodate the student. But, rather than make the adjustments, the teacher did not offer an alternative assignment. As a matter of fact, she was upset that he refused to do the assignment. Another teacher said that the student never mentioned anything in her class when they watched “Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer,” so they concluded that he was just being lazy, not offended. Several of his other teachers agreed that the student was just using his religion as an excuse to avoid work. I was flabbergasted!! I witnessed the entire conversation among these teachers. (Note to self: avoid teachers' lounge!) How can someone, such as these teachers, be so ignorant? We are in a melting point of diverse cultures and religions, yet we have teachers that are still so ignorant and disrespectful of others. This saddened me at first, then I felt sorry for the student, then I got angry! If this student is offended by the assignment, than it is more than likely, that there are others that are afraid to speak out. This student is being outcasted, because of his religious beliefs?!? CRAZY! The assignment was not the big deal, the way the teacher handled it was the big deal!

At this point, I do not know the outcome of the situation. I assume the parents will become involved, and the situation is going to escalate. UNNECESSARY- just make the accommodations and learn to respect all diverse students. Final thought: It's bad enough that all individuals are not treated equally, but isn't this illegal, and couldn't this teacher find herself in big trouble!?

As teachers, it is important to educate ourselves about other cultures and religions. Below is a great link about Jehovah's Witnesses and their beliefs. Education is the key to avoiding ignorance!

http://www.towerwatch.com/Witnesses/Beliefs/their_beliefs.htm

Living History Museum

The “Living History Museum” is one of the most exciting things that could happen in a social studies classroom. Students, of any age (obviously) would not only enjoy creating the characters for the museum, but they will actually enjoy learning this way. I did! I learned more than I ever thought possible. If nothing else, I learned about my own character, and I'm actually interested to learn more about her now. This activity is different from the traditional textbooks or projects, which means its exciting, and excitement breeds curiosity! : ) Curiosity is the basis of learning.

I love the idea of living history, because in these museums, students take on the roles of real historical people. Students are required to stay in character for a given period of time, so it forces them to be responsible for their own part. It also motivates....with the living history museum as motivation, the students will do the necessary work, such as research more than they would if the assignment were to write a report or study for a test. This was just an awesome experience, and another "goodie" to put into my box for future classroom use!