http://www.readingrockets.org/
High school readers had to start somewhere, right?
Monday, April 21, 2008
Thursday, April 17, 2008
Adult Literacy program
At work yesterday, I was speaking to a former elementary school teacher who now supervises a program in Brooklyn, New York. The program teachers parents how to speak, read, and write English, as well as their native language (because they are illiterate in their own languages also sometimes). This program falls under NCLB, and not every state has it. I think it's a good program since I am a believer that education begins in the home.
If parents aren't able to communicate with their own children, what kind of home life do these kids have?
If parents aren't able to communicate with their own children, what kind of home life do these kids have?
Friday, April 11, 2008
Flocabulary?
In class today, we looked at www.flocabulary.com
The site features educational songs set to rap beats. While that may sound like a good idea, I do not think this is something I would use in my classroom.
Click on the above link to see what this is all about.
More to follow...
The site features educational songs set to rap beats. While that may sound like a good idea, I do not think this is something I would use in my classroom.
Click on the above link to see what this is all about.
More to follow...
Monday, April 7, 2008
Environmental Psychology in the classroom
Sorry I've been behind on my posts. It's been crazy around here since I returned from Rome. My trip was incredible! I had the best time of my life-I can't wait to go back.
When I returned from Rome, I began to really think about my honors thesis (which I have spoken about in a previous post). I am going to write about environmental psychology and its effect on classroom design and cognitive growth in children. I handed in some preliminary work to Dr. Hopkins today, and I have posted it here below:
My honors thesis topic will focus on environmental psychology’s role in the classroom. To my knowledge, an educational based thesis has yet to be done for the Honors program here at the college. I have spoken to a few people who think this thesis is a joke. Their criticism only makes me want to write and research this topic even more. So far, based upon preliminary research, my thesis statement is “Certain aspects of environmental psychology are directly related to academic success and have the potential to reform the future of learning in the American elementary classroom.” I intend to answer the following questions:
1. What is environmental psychology and why is it relevant to classroom management?
2. What must be understood about the psyche of a child and cognitive development in order to apply the principles of environmental psychology to classroom learning?
3. What adaptations need to be made for special needs students integrated in the standard American classroom?
4. What aspects of the “modern” classroom are too trendy for its own good and/or unnecessary?
5. What is the appropriate balance between assets in traditional classroom settings and the classrooms of the future?
6. Should classroom design courses be implemented into college education programs?
7. Do other parts of the school (library, playground) affect the child’s development? Does effective learning and interaction in these areas relate to the learning that takes place in the classroom?
As part of my thesis, I will be doing field work in various elementary schools. I will observe all aspects of each classroom. After gathering data, I will choose three or four classrooms to rearrange according to my research. I will hope to see learning and test results increase because of this. I will be interviewing school teachers and administrators. I also plan on interviewing interior designers. I will hopefully be able to interview as least one environmental psychology expert. I have begun looking up professors at CUNY who specialize in environmental psychology. Being so close to Manhattan, I do not anticipate too much trouble finding designers and teachers who will speak to me. I may also find it necessary to interview students. I will obviously be observing their actions, but their feedback may be just as important as the people I mentioned previously.
I have chosen Dr. Jennifer Ayala as my thesis advisor. I will be meeting with her on April 17th to discuss my thesis for the first time. She said via email that she was glad I had chosen to do such a topic. I seem to have her support and this is very encouraging. Once I meet with her, I will begin developing questions for my interviews, emailing and calling professional throughout the country, and developing studies for my field work.
I have perused many articles so far, all of which are related to my topic. One article in particular, “Designing Better Schools” is from The Magazine of the American Society of Interior Designers. The article deals specifically with the physical surroundings’ effect on childhood development and learning. I will be using this article as a starting point in my research. Fortunately, I was able to find many other articles that fall right in line with my thesis topic. For now, I have been relying heavily on materials from the internet. I need the help of Dr. Ayala and others to see which books will be essential for me to read.
Each of these areas will be researched and discussed in depth:
Color
Space
Lighting
Class Size
Wall Decorations
Modifications for special needs students
Seating arrangements and furniture selection
Preventing or limiting outside noise and distractions
Aside from the paper, I wish to make a model of the “perfect classroom.” Once my research has granted me the results I hope for, I will feel confident in constructing a floor plan of the classroom I find to be most conducive to learning.
I am optimistic about my thesis topic. I feel that at this point, I am on the right track. I guess my only fear at this point is falling behind on the research. From now on, I am going to have to read at least one article a day, and really begin analyzing what I want to use in my paper. Keeping in contact with Dr. Ayala is going to be a key component to the success of this thesis.
I may focus specifically on the special needs classroom. I have not decided yet. Your feedback on this is appreciated!
When I returned from Rome, I began to really think about my honors thesis (which I have spoken about in a previous post). I am going to write about environmental psychology and its effect on classroom design and cognitive growth in children. I handed in some preliminary work to Dr. Hopkins today, and I have posted it here below:
My honors thesis topic will focus on environmental psychology’s role in the classroom. To my knowledge, an educational based thesis has yet to be done for the Honors program here at the college. I have spoken to a few people who think this thesis is a joke. Their criticism only makes me want to write and research this topic even more. So far, based upon preliminary research, my thesis statement is “Certain aspects of environmental psychology are directly related to academic success and have the potential to reform the future of learning in the American elementary classroom.” I intend to answer the following questions:
1. What is environmental psychology and why is it relevant to classroom management?
2. What must be understood about the psyche of a child and cognitive development in order to apply the principles of environmental psychology to classroom learning?
3. What adaptations need to be made for special needs students integrated in the standard American classroom?
4. What aspects of the “modern” classroom are too trendy for its own good and/or unnecessary?
5. What is the appropriate balance between assets in traditional classroom settings and the classrooms of the future?
6. Should classroom design courses be implemented into college education programs?
7. Do other parts of the school (library, playground) affect the child’s development? Does effective learning and interaction in these areas relate to the learning that takes place in the classroom?
As part of my thesis, I will be doing field work in various elementary schools. I will observe all aspects of each classroom. After gathering data, I will choose three or four classrooms to rearrange according to my research. I will hope to see learning and test results increase because of this. I will be interviewing school teachers and administrators. I also plan on interviewing interior designers. I will hopefully be able to interview as least one environmental psychology expert. I have begun looking up professors at CUNY who specialize in environmental psychology. Being so close to Manhattan, I do not anticipate too much trouble finding designers and teachers who will speak to me. I may also find it necessary to interview students. I will obviously be observing their actions, but their feedback may be just as important as the people I mentioned previously.
I have chosen Dr. Jennifer Ayala as my thesis advisor. I will be meeting with her on April 17th to discuss my thesis for the first time. She said via email that she was glad I had chosen to do such a topic. I seem to have her support and this is very encouraging. Once I meet with her, I will begin developing questions for my interviews, emailing and calling professional throughout the country, and developing studies for my field work.
I have perused many articles so far, all of which are related to my topic. One article in particular, “Designing Better Schools” is from The Magazine of the American Society of Interior Designers. The article deals specifically with the physical surroundings’ effect on childhood development and learning. I will be using this article as a starting point in my research. Fortunately, I was able to find many other articles that fall right in line with my thesis topic. For now, I have been relying heavily on materials from the internet. I need the help of Dr. Ayala and others to see which books will be essential for me to read.
Each of these areas will be researched and discussed in depth:
Color
Space
Lighting
Class Size
Wall Decorations
Modifications for special needs students
Seating arrangements and furniture selection
Preventing or limiting outside noise and distractions
Aside from the paper, I wish to make a model of the “perfect classroom.” Once my research has granted me the results I hope for, I will feel confident in constructing a floor plan of the classroom I find to be most conducive to learning.
I am optimistic about my thesis topic. I feel that at this point, I am on the right track. I guess my only fear at this point is falling behind on the research. From now on, I am going to have to read at least one article a day, and really begin analyzing what I want to use in my paper. Keeping in contact with Dr. Ayala is going to be a key component to the success of this thesis.
I may focus specifically on the special needs classroom. I have not decided yet. Your feedback on this is appreciated!
Friday, March 21, 2008
Inspired by my upcoming trip...
I'm leaving for Rome, Italy on Sunday. I can't even believe it!
I decided to do a little research on the Italian education system.
http://www.euroeducation.net/prof/italco.htm There's some really good information-including teacher education. It's interesting to see the differences and similarities between Italy and our country.
Have a happy Easter, and break from St. Peter's--we need it :)
I decided to do a little research on the Italian education system.
http://www.euroeducation.net/prof/italco.htm There's some really good information-including teacher education. It's interesting to see the differences and similarities between Italy and our country.
Have a happy Easter, and break from St. Peter's--we need it :)
Tuesday, March 18, 2008
My Access:Quick Reflection
I am extremely impressed with the My Access online writing program. We spent time in class today discussing its advantages and disadvantages. I personally do not see flaws with the program (we had a one hour demonstration, so there wasn't really an opportunity to find the flaws). Any aspect of the program which may seem like the computer is doing all the work can be disabled. However, the prewriting tools and tips are used effectively and I feel they should be as the students' fingertips.
I can see myself integrating this program into my curriculum. I will be teaching history, and assigning writing prompts using this site will make my life easier (and will also make me look technologically savvy!)
Check it out!
http://www.myaccess.com/myaccess/do/log
I can see myself integrating this program into my curriculum. I will be teaching history, and assigning writing prompts using this site will make my life easier (and will also make me look technologically savvy!)
Check it out!
http://www.myaccess.com/myaccess/do/log
Saturday, March 8, 2008
Music Education--just a brief thought
I hope any school I ever teach in has a good music program. When we talk about literacy in schools, most often discuss the importance of efficiently reading textbooks, novels, classnotes, and things of that nature. However, I do think a school with a good music education program should teach students how to read music. I enjoy singing, and I'm glad I get to do it at school and occasionally at home. I do not play any instruments which is really unfortunate. I can read music to a certain extent, but not well enough to teach anyone how to do the same. The earlier children learn to read music, the easier it may be for them to pick up other instruments and/or sing a variety of songs. I think this is a really great thing, and I am willing to help students achieve this with my limited knowledge (and hope that one of them will be able to teach me piano).
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