Course Summary
Affects of MED560 On My Teaching
Reflection
When I enrolled in this course I really only saw it as a way to get my professional development credit. I didn't realize I would learn so much about what it takes to be a successful secondary educator or that education has changes so much since I originally graduated college in 2009. This course also opened my eyes to where my weaknesses are and where I need to start improving myself as an educator.
Topics I've Learned
Technology
Over the course I've been able to evaluate the impact technology has and will continue to have on education. I've learned where my strengths and weaknesses are when it comes to successful integration of technology. Through this course I've been exposed to wonderful technology tools that I can incorporate into my content.
Cultural Awareness & Competence
Cultural awareness and competence has also been something I've valued and knew I wanted to incorporate into my teaching. This course refreshed my memory of why it's an important component in education. I've already experienced obstacles but I won't let that stop me from my overall goal.
Critical Thinking
I've learned first hand that critical thinking is a struggle with my students. I've developed useful strategies on how to help my students tap into their thinking skills and how it really is a component of intelligent behavior.
Creativity
Ensuring my students are learning in the most creative ways possible has been a struggle for me but with the tools I've learned during this course, I know that practice will help me develop an even more creative classroom environment.
Collaboration
Collaboration has been a main element of this class and I've learned so much through the communication of my fellow classmates. I've learned how collaboration can be an effective tool not only for students but for teachers as well. Before this course I felt when I asked questions it showed incompetence but this course has taught me that collaboration and communication is what successful teachers do and it's part of the list of best practices.
Assessments
I've learned that assessments can be fun. Teachers don't always have to harbor negative feelings when they hear the word assessment. This course has made me understand why assessments are important and how to properly plan and use them.