Religion in Public Schools

Having attended Catholic schools all my life, I am used to praying before class begins, taking Theology classes and going to mass as a school community. As a result, I am naturally uncomfortable with the topic of religion in public schools. However, since there is no guarantee that I will always teach in a Catholic school, it is something I'd like to become more familiar with. One way that I'm sure this will happen is through my observations this semester. Having been placed in a public school, in addition to observing how math is taught, I want the see how teachers show their faith in an appropriate way. I do not want to change who I am to fit into a job, however, I want to make sure that I can show who I am in a way that will not get my school or me into trouble.

Portfolios

Portfolios are beneficial for a number of reasons. First, they clearly show a student's growth over a period of time. This is helpful for teachers, students and parents, as all parties can make sure that the student is progressing as he or she should. Second, if students know that their work is going to be put into their portfolio, they are more likely to work harder and do a better job. If they know that either they or someone else is going to look at it again, they will not want to be embarrassed by their lack of effort. Finally, especially in math classes, students can see how current topics are built on previous ones. By looking back over their old work, they can make key connections between mathematical ideas. Overall, if used correctly, portfolios can be of great value in the classroom.

What type of presenter will you be?

Having been a student for over fifteen years, I have encountered a wide variety of teaching styles - some good, others not so much. While I have enjoyed a number of different types, they have all had one thing in common: the teacher did a great job presenting the material. As a result, I have developed high standards for myself when it comes to giving presentations. First, I will be engaging. It is crucial to find a way to connect the topic of discussion to the audiences' interests. While it isn't always easy, it will make a huge difference. For example, rather than just rambling on about the mean, median and mode, if I have a classroom full of baseball fans, I can use examples that reference major league players' statistics. Next, I will not talk in circles or beat around the bush. From experience, I know how annoying it is to just listen to someone ramble or over-emphasize their point. Therefore, I will make sure to be brief and to the point, while still relaying all necessary information. Finally, I will be prepared, lively and energetic. I will make sure I know what I need to talk about ahead of time so that I can put all my passion and energy into my presentation. If I live up to these three standards, I am confident that I can be an effective and exciting presenter.

Textbooks

Teachers will be much more efficient in teaching their students if they have a quality textbook. However, before choosing to use a certain textbook, a teacher needs to determine whether or not it will be effective on a number of levels. First, they need to make sure that the content is appropriate for their students. If the students are supposed to learn algebra, the textbook should focus on exactly that. Next, the textbook must be of the proper reading level for the students. For example, a book that is at a ninth grade reading level would not be appropriate for middle schoolers. Books should also be relatable and up to date. It is more beneficial for students to learn math concepts in the context of relatively current events, so the textbooks shouldn't be focused on mostly examples from the past. Finally, teachers need to ensure that the books provide motivation to both the teacher and the students. Teachers and students will be more excited to teach and learn if they feel the drive to do so. While evaluating textbooks can be a tedious process, if teachers learn how to assess them effectively, they will be more successful in their classrooms.