Week 1 (Jan.23, 2007) Agenda for today Learning community building Course overview Next week
Top 10 reasons why taking EDU651 Reason 1: I have to Reason 2: I have to … … Reason 10: I have to … Gee, do I have to!!!
Wish List Get an A if not an A+ No stress No readings. No lectures… Writing? Tell me what to write and show me how, or you write it for me
Why this course
My Teaching Philosophy
What do I believe The goals of College Education Broaden students’ intellectual horizons Provide a moral compass Develop critical thinking Develop both hubris and humility knowledge and skills to earn a living Promote character and integrity
Why this course Asking questions about education in general Asking questions about your own classroom teaching in specific Brainstorming…
Hot Topics School Homework? Constructivism? High-Stakes Assessments? Full Inclusion of Disabled Students? Computers Home Schooling Bulling, school Violence, Zero-Tolerance Policy?
My Teaching Philosophy I strongly believe the social-cultural perspectives of learning. Instruction is more effective when it takes form in discussions or dialogues in small groups wherein learners interact with peers and teachers who challenge, support, and scaffold their learning. I expect you participate in both small group discussion and whole class discussion.
My Teaching Philosophy (cont.) I measure the value of a student not by aptitude, but by a desire and motivation for learning. I measure my success not by popularity, but by the progress of my serious students. I will consider myself a successful teacher if these students know that they are more knowledgeable and better thinkers because they have taken my course.
Developing a Goose Sense of Community The Goose Story
This spring when you see geese heading north for the summer flying along in a "V" formation, you might be interested in knowing what science has discovered about why they fly that way. It has been learned that as each bird flaps its wings, it creates an uplift for the bird immediately following. By flying in a "V" formation, the whole flock adds at least 71% greater flying range than if each bird flew on its own.
People who share a common direction and sense of community can get where they are going quicker and easier, because they are traveling on the thrust of one another.
Whenever a goose falls out of formation, it suddenly feels the drag and resistance of trying to go it alone, and quickly gets into formation to take advantage of the lifting power of the bird immediately in front. (If we have as much sense as a goose, we will stay in formation with those who are headed the same way we are going.) When the lead goose gets tired, she rotates back in the wing and another goose flies point. (It pays to take turns doing hard jobs - with people or with geese flying north.) The geese honk from behind to encourage those up front to keep up their speed. (What do we say when we honk from behind?)
Finally (Now I want you to get this), when a goose gets sick, or is wounded by gun shots and falls out, two geese fall out of formation and follow him down to help and protect him. They stay with him until he is either able to fly or until he is dead, and then they launch out on their own or with another formation to catch up with the group. (If we have the sense of a goose, we will stand by each other like that.)
Classroom Guidelines and Expectations Bring with you a positive attitude and enthusiasm to the class every Tuesday evening. Be punctual (3 points bonus). Refrain from side-conversation.
Shufang Shi Homepage EDU651 Course Website
Course Overview Syllabus Outcomes: EDU652 Master Theses and EDU651 Research Proposal Assignments and Due dates
For next week Lib time and WebCT 1. Bring one article 2. Post a bio on WebCT next Tues.
Bio posted to WebCT Your full name, where are you from? Your major. Where do you teach or substitute teach or work? Who are the significant others in your life? (Pets are people too) Your strong point and weak point
Readings for next two weeks