Chapter 11

When I think of writing in the classroom, my mind is automatically taken to a language arts class. I guess because this seemed to be the only class that called for me to do any type of composing in my past school days experiences, other than the occasionally history paper. For the most part, the writing that my other classes were to answer question. Nothing that really required me to create or compose any type of writing. I feel as though others have had the same experience, which often result in the attitude of writing should only exist in Language Arts. Obviously that statement should not hold true, and writing that requires think and composing on the students' part should exist in all subject areas.

The points that chapter eleven point out are great for preparing students to write in the classroom. Not only can these topics help a student prepare to write, they can help the students prepare their writing in ways necessary for the subject they are writing about. For example, the portion on teaching students how to plan their writing discusses how students should develop a plan and set goals to fulfill the plan when writing. When writing a paper in science class, then plan should obviously be geared toward what the student is trying to achieve scientifically through their writing. The writing in no longer about proper grammar (although students should still be held accountable for this), the paper holds a scientific purpose. A teacher can use the ideas that chapter eleven give (like the writing check list) and gear it toward the purpose of the writing assignment.

Many times, students do not know how to write. They can write words, but do not really know how to compose a written work. This holds more true for writing on a subject. Students are all to familiar with journal writing or book reports, but a clueless when it comes to writing about science or math. Many time students feel as if there is nothing to write about pertaining to these subject. It is important that teachers teach students how to write on these topics. When teaching writing skills in language Art, a teacher can easily implement writing that pertains to other subjects. This is a great opportunity to integrate subjects areas. by doing this, students will be better prepared for a higher education. We all know writing is required in everything we do in college. This will also help the students when entering into the real world. Jobs in the work force require people to write as soon as the application process begins. Many applications asks what one thinks the job being applied for would be good for the job seeker. Writing geared to all subjects can be very beneficial in the situation.

Knowledge of SmartBoards and Promethium technologies

When reading the assignment requiring the class to write on their experiences with smart boards and Promethium technologies, I asked what the difference was between the two. This leads me to believe that I have very little knowledge on both topics. I do know that they both provide great assistance to a teacher. I have used what I believe is called an Elmo to deliver class presentations for different classes in the Speech and Hearing building. I am unsure if that is considered one of these technologies, but I am sure it does realte. I have heard great things about the two technologies, and I am very anxious to learn about what they can bring to me as a teacher and my future classroom.

Chapter Seven

It can be seen in any class that some students are excited and motive while others are not. At times it can be hard for a teacher to determine why this is so. As an onlooker, it can be very plane to see why a student may not be enjoying the class. There are always going to be students that like school and or class. There are also going to be students that will always hate school and or class. This is where the real dilemma comes into play for the teacher. What does one do to motivate those that have such a negative preconceived notion toward school?

The book pointed out that there might be more than the obvious as to why a student may not be motivated. When class is boring and full of lecture, it is very apparent as to why students may be unmotivated. However unmotivated students can be found in classrooms filled with activities and centers. How can this been? It is often thought that the reason students are not motivated is because the class provides no motivation; however, this is not always the case. Prior classroom experiences or home background can play a huge role in motivation. Past experiences with peers can also cause lack of motivation on a student’s behalf. With so many factors that can cause a lack in motivation, the teacher should try to implement ideas that will address these issues.

The book gave three great examples of factors that would result in a lack of motivation which are as follow: prior experiences with success and failure, differences in home and school values, and teacher experiences. I can totally see how these three factors would affect the motivation of a student. It is the teacher’s job to determine what is causing the missing motivation and what can be done to restore the motivation in the student. All three areas can be very delicate issues to address with a student, and will call for much work on the teacher’s part. However with time and effort, the teacher can solve the problem and develop a new and improved attitude within the student that will result in student motivation.