Sunday, September 22, 2013
Teaching as an Art and as a Science
Teaching is an art
and teaching is also a science. There is a science to artistry. There is
technique, method and a systematic application of rules of governing
aesthetic and functionality. As an artist, there are rules that state
where and how color placement should be employed. Alignment to these
constructs create a vibrant equilibrium, and even when there is a shift
or a change in what is deemed beautiful or socially accepted, the
prevailing norms are those that adhere to a rubric that defines the art
itself. Pointalism, Constructivism, Romanticism, Colonialism; these and
the myriads of other schools of art are disciplines in and of themselves
that tell the world which lens to look at them from and how they should
be evaluated. Likewise is the reality of teaching. There is a set body
of principles which instruct us in the way the mind works, and
research-based instruction that is aligned with best practices will
always be a scientific element. What makes it scientific are the
principles that govern it and its application. There is research that is
both qualitative and quantitative in scope. The outcomes must be
measurable and concrete. Creativity comes to play in the ‘how’ of
instruction. Tailoring instruction to the needs of various learners is
an art indeed. Taking what will work for one set of students and
improving upon it so that other learners with different learning styles
can cognitively access this learning is an exercise in this form of
application and should be appreciated as an arduous task that employs the
art of being creative while also being scientific in approach.
Teaching with Technology
Hello all!
I was pumped since graduation to get my degree. I went on to a different college to complete the terminal degree in Education Media Design and Technology.
It has been one ride trying to get a job in the field, so I decided I'd teach it. One University has an excellent program of study that leads to the PhD degree in the field. I was attending it, but decided to get my teacher certification first then return to complete it.
It's easier to be recognized when you've been groomed in the trenches, and as a Para, no one really listens to you, no matter how many degrees you have. Folks just think you're crazy or that something is wrong with you because you have a degree but aren't using it.
I deliberately shied away from teacher certification initially because my kids were 2 and new born. I wasn't trying to take on the responsibilities of teaching with such young children as a single parent. Being a Para was perfect at the time. I got the top pay on the salary step which helped, but had I stayed there forever, there would have been no growth intellectually or financially.
So when my children became older, I decided to make it official and pursue my teacher certification.
Trust me! It's way easier!
So my best suggestion for anyone looking to attain higher education would be to just do it. No one needs to know except for those who count...like the HR office when applying for salary steps and differentials. Everyone else will just give you their own opinion.
My current teaching job is amazing. I get a chance to teach a combined third an fourth grade class. The techniques that I've been using in the classroom, has truly been helping me. The district has mandatory meetings for new teachers that assists them in training, portfolio preparation and reflection. While there are indeed many technologies that I could use in the classroom, the best technology is your brain, and using it to be prepared. Our projector broke, and we don't have a smart board. So I try to get the lesson up on the board first, before the class enters, this doesn't always happen, so I use my prep to make posters of the lessons that will be covered. Talk about student engagement! Doing this minimizes classroom misbehaviors. Technology can be distracting to certain students as one of my friends who teaches Special Education has expressed. The SpEd student will be more likely to click their way through and not check their answers. From her experience, paper testing is best. But there has to be some middle ground.
As most of you know, I have been a huge advocate of technology and how its use can help Special Education Students to receive an education whilst not endangering or otherwise distracting other students. In this area, I'd say knowing your students is best. SAVE room? Or Dean's office? In class or call home? It's your call.
I was pumped since graduation to get my degree. I went on to a different college to complete the terminal degree in Education Media Design and Technology.
It has been one ride trying to get a job in the field, so I decided I'd teach it. One University has an excellent program of study that leads to the PhD degree in the field. I was attending it, but decided to get my teacher certification first then return to complete it.
It's easier to be recognized when you've been groomed in the trenches, and as a Para, no one really listens to you, no matter how many degrees you have. Folks just think you're crazy or that something is wrong with you because you have a degree but aren't using it.
I deliberately shied away from teacher certification initially because my kids were 2 and new born. I wasn't trying to take on the responsibilities of teaching with such young children as a single parent. Being a Para was perfect at the time. I got the top pay on the salary step which helped, but had I stayed there forever, there would have been no growth intellectually or financially.
So when my children became older, I decided to make it official and pursue my teacher certification.
Trust me! It's way easier!
So my best suggestion for anyone looking to attain higher education would be to just do it. No one needs to know except for those who count...like the HR office when applying for salary steps and differentials. Everyone else will just give you their own opinion.
My current teaching job is amazing. I get a chance to teach a combined third an fourth grade class. The techniques that I've been using in the classroom, has truly been helping me. The district has mandatory meetings for new teachers that assists them in training, portfolio preparation and reflection. While there are indeed many technologies that I could use in the classroom, the best technology is your brain, and using it to be prepared. Our projector broke, and we don't have a smart board. So I try to get the lesson up on the board first, before the class enters, this doesn't always happen, so I use my prep to make posters of the lessons that will be covered. Talk about student engagement! Doing this minimizes classroom misbehaviors. Technology can be distracting to certain students as one of my friends who teaches Special Education has expressed. The SpEd student will be more likely to click their way through and not check their answers. From her experience, paper testing is best. But there has to be some middle ground.
As most of you know, I have been a huge advocate of technology and how its use can help Special Education Students to receive an education whilst not endangering or otherwise distracting other students. In this area, I'd say knowing your students is best. SAVE room? Or Dean's office? In class or call home? It's your call.
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