Homework

Homework is a word many children do not like to hear. Students go to school five days a week, for seven to eight hours per day, and then have to bring books home to do assignments with. It is the pattern that occurs in every school system for many years now. Although many children and young adults do not enjoy doing homework, I believe it is definitely a necessity. Homework gives students a chance to review the information they have learned that day and continue to build on that knowledge as the year goes on. It keeps them busy and trains them to be disciplined in work/study ethic. I, personally, have sometimes enjoyed homework, and sometimes not. I really believe students' feelings regarding homework can depend on what it is (an essay, a project), the subject (math, science), how it is given, (worksheets, textbook exercises), who gives it (a teacher they like as opposed to one they do not) and how much time is given for the work (over night, a few days, one week). All of these effect students' thinking and ultimately, how they see things. I, personally, enjoy writing education and sociology papers and am not particularly fond of history ones. So, it takes me a longer amount of time to write a history essay whereas an education paper with information dealing with children would naturally flow from my mind. It is always seen that students do not like homework, but has anyone thought about the teachers? They distribute the homework, grade it, assess it and sometimes re-teach it. They have to do as much work or possibly even more than the students. This is not realized much of the time by the students. What should be taught is that "homework" does not have to be the negative word it has become. Homework can be fun and enjoyable with the right mind set. Students should be taught the benefits of doing homework such as: it will keep them busy and focused on their school work and it can teach them new ideas about the world. They should be told that if they look at it in a positive way, it will be less of a strain on them to complete. Parents should find out which subject their child enjoys most and highlight the work in that area. Children should also take breaks and snack times in between homework to relax and clear their minds. Giving them too much work at once is not beneficial or healthy to a child. Homework is and has always been a part of school and will ultimately help students in the future. Since it is something that will probably not change, students should be helped in seeing it as a positive thing. *Always think of the glass as being half full.*

Rubrics

What is a rubric? When I hear this word I think of: "a set guideline of what is expected on an assignment." I was never given a rubric to work with or accompany any of my assignments in elementary school. I believe my teachers always made their objectives and expectations for each assignment clear and we, as a result, understood what to do. If we were not satisfied with our grade, we would speak with our teacher and he/she would explain how they graded that assignment and how to make it better for next time. I was first introduced to a rubric my sophomore year of high school and was a bit unsure of how to use it. It was not as developed as the ones on Rubistar and my teacher did not fully explain what it was. In my Teaching Science class with Dr. Redden last Fall, we were given an assignment in which to make a rubric for. I was unsure of what exactly I should include in mine, not being taught over the years how to do so. It is not until I entered Tests and Measurements this year that I have come to realize how important rubrics really are in the classroom. I have always envisioned teaching without rubrics because I did not know the importance they would be for students. Now that I realize this, I will make sure to always have one for each of their assignments. They will give students a clear outline of what is expected of them and how they will be graded. Rubrics are not just essential for students, but parents, teachers and administrators as well. We, as teachers, must be able to explain how each individual student received his/her grade and present those criteria in writing. This will be useful at parent/teacher conferences and meetings with the principal displaying our responsibility to lay out what we expect from students and if they have met those certain standards. If a child does poorly on an assignment, they can refer to the rubric for the information they failed to add and why they received that particular grade. Overall, I think rubrics are great. They are just a more detailed form of grading with numbers or letters. With sites such as Rubistar, this process of creating them will be not only simple, but convenient for teachers to use and expand over the years.

Fairness in Assessment

Fairness in Assessment is a complex topic for me to speak about. The reason for this is I believe teachers have many different ways of assessing their students. I feel there are more formal assessments than others, but there is no single correct way of assessing students. For example, teachers may work better giving students tests and essays while another teacher may prefer oral presentations and class discussions. I believe every teacher is different and unique in his/her own way and they assess their students according to their students' individual needs. Since no class will be the exact same, the types of assessment will vary. As a child in elementary school, I was primarily assessed through tests and projects, as well as class work and participation. As I went to high school, class discussions oral presentations were added on to that. Now in college, I am being assessed in a variety of ways by each individual professor. Although I feel every teacher has their own way of assessing, I do believe they should adhere to certain guidelines such as: making sure to have rubrics for assignments to explain to students, parents and administrators. I feel if they have standards and follow them diligently, then they are assessing their students fairly. I also believe students' progress is a sign of "good" or fair assessment. Their "pro" or "de" gression will allow the teacher to modify his/her assessment techniques and help to serve the students better. The main idea teachers must keep in mind is "students" - it's all about them. If they conduct their class accordingly, they will do a great job in fulfilling what is means to be a teacher.

Response to "Education of Today and Tomorrow" Video

I watched the video posted by Dr. Luongo and I do have a few comments. The video showed the education world of years ago and that of it today. It also asked which is better for society. In my opinion, I would have to say both types of education are beneficial to students. I say this because years ago, there were no computers, smart boards, internet access etc. People still went to school and were educated with the materials they were provided with. There are many educated people of the past, who succeeded without being provided the modern technology we have today. So, it is possible to learn with just books and simple instruction. I believe having limited resources also makes students work harder and learn how to think for themselves. For example, I feel it is important students know how to multiply, divide, subtract and add without using a calculator. To depend on technology and modern tools is not benefiting the student in the long run. He/she must know how to perform tasks that can be done without technological assistance so that student can truly think for his/herself. If you are dependent on machines and technology and suddenly it is all taken away, then what?? Since many things can be taught without technology, students should know this way of learning. I do, however, believe that technology is important in the world we live in today. I feel with all the advances being made in computers, students must know how to use these new tools to their benefit in school and keep up with the times. There is so much that can be done with technology. Therefore, I believe students should have a mixture of both "old school" teaching and modern technology to make them well rounded in their studies.

What is assessment?

In my opinion, I have always believed assessment simply meant "evaluating students' work." I now know, through my years of education, that there are many different types of assessment that can be used in the classroom. Students can be graded in a number of different ways that do not necessarily have to be strenuous or even known to the student. For example, instead of taking a test that can cause anxiety and stress to students, a project can be given out wherein the class is able to work on an assignment in the comfort of their own home and then submit the finished product when it is due. Teachers can even assess students' work "secretly" through classroom discussions, essays, or journal writing, in which students will not be pressured into being timed to hand something in. Instead they are given assignments, such as those, where they can gather their thoughts and express themselves in detail at their own leisure. Although these forms of assessment relieve pressure off of students, I believe tests should remain present in classrooms because they are a part of life. At some form in everyone's life, they will have to take a test or examination whether it be in school, the workplace, etc. Tests also instill qualities of discipline, in students especially, where they must complete a set of questions, learning how to recall information in a timely and ordered fashion. Since students excel in different aspects of classroom instruction and assessment, these varied forms provide them with a number of options to display their works. I believe no matter which you use in your classroom, you must always do your best to deliver the proper information to students so they benefit from the results. Teaching is a very important job. Therefore, students should be given the proper guidance and assessment they deserve so they can become well-rounded adults when they enter the working world.

Why I feel teaching is so important

I just want to write a bit on why I believe teaching is so important in the world we live in.
Education is the foundation of a student's life. It is what makes a young child become a competent adult in society. I recognized this very early on in my life. I was so fortunate to have gone to a wonderful elementary school that I look back on with fond memories, not only because of my personal accomplishments, but how I was able to achieve them - with the assistance of my caring, dedicated teachers. I still accredit my personality and certain behaviors to their teaching. I have never forgotten them or what they have done to shape me into the woman I am today. A teacher makes a difference in the life of a child, whether it be in a positive or negative way. He/she is not only an instructor, but a role model, adviser and possible friend. I feel it is a profession, as Dr. Luongo said, that you must love doing. I have always held this view because teaching is not an easy job. You will not make millions of dollars, which is an important aspect of many peoples' lives - money. But, I believe the success of a student in the field of learning and the self-gratification you get from making a difference in the life of a child is priceless. Money does not buy happiness. You must be content with the life you live and love what you do to be truly happy with yourself. I believe no matter where life has taken you and where you have been, you never stop learning. Life is a developmental process, and maybe even more importantly a journey, in which we are constantly changing and hopefully, improving ourselves. Education begins in a child's home and then carries into the classroom. "The life you are given is God's gift to you; what you make of it is your gift to God." - anonymous. Years from now I want to be able to say, "God gave me a beautiful life and I became a teacher."

P.S. Thank you for reading my current blogs and commenting. I appreciate it. =)

My Introduction

Hi everyone!

My name is Kristina. I am a senior at Saint Peter's college double majoring in Elementary Education and American Studies. I have always wanted to be a teacher since I was a little girl. I love children and enjoy working with them. Teaching is the profession I know I was born to excel in. I know it is not an easy job, but I am up for the challenge! =) I also plan on pursuing my Masters in education when I graduate. I have enjoyed all of my education classes at Saint Peter's and am looking forward to this semester.
Some other things about me (on a personal note):
*I am of Italian and German heritage.
*My astrological sign is Taurus.
*I love to go shopping =)
*I love life and being around nature.
*One of my dreams is to get married and be a mommy. =)
*Having a yorkshire terrier for almost five years now, I have grown to love animals.
*I am a shy and quiet person around people I do not know. But, when I know you, I am very outgoing and fun.
*My faith in God and family are extremely important to me.
*My mother is my best friend.

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