Site Search
Three sites that are helpful in molding me into a better teacher are: Edutopia, Match Minis and Pinterest.
Edutopia- This site would enable me in becoming a better teacher for the virtual space because there are blogs that give advice with tips on how to succeed in virtual lesson delivery. Technology integration by Johnathan Eckart wrote a blog on this site entitled 10 Teacher Picks offers a wide range of online tools.The blog contains highlighted information regarding the use of the tool. A teacher who lacks information in online delivery will be able to gather information and ideas to be able to manoeuvre the online platform to cater to the needs of the 21st century learners. The tools mentioned in the blog post, will ensure that learners remain engaged without being bored from a lecture style online conference. In order to be an effective teacher in the 21st century, where schooling is strictly online; the teacher needs to be able to manoeuvre the tools. The ability to manoeuvre the tools cater to the different learning styles, and helps in lesson delivery using a specified time frame. The site serves as a guidance tool for teachers as a means to improve on pedagogical skills. The blog entilted 8 Quick Checks for understanding, has suggestions on different methods of formative assessment for the virtual learning space. In assessing students virtually with the use of the online tools mentioned in the blog, I am better able to follow the progress of students in order to make necessary preparations for improvement.
Match Minis
This website would assist me to become a better version of myself as a modern language facilitator. This site has disposable videos on the following topics: Building Classroom Culture, Proactive Classroom moves and Reducing Fixed Mindset Behaviors. Building Classroom Culture requires classroom managers to build an atmosphere of consistency where students can develop intellectual trust. After having interacted with these videos on Match Minis, I can now discern important details that will assist me in offering the best service. As a beginning teacher, the site proactive management of the classroom plays a vital role in order to hold students to clear expectations. This site is a virtual coach for classroom management, because there are strategies available through the use of emotional intelligence.
As a classroom classroom manager in the 21st century, it is imperative that children remain intrinsically motivated for learning to take place. In going so the site informed me that a teacher must try to have a growth mindset. A growth helps us as teachers to make room for improvement without blaming external factors. Teachers with this mindset is more likely to design a classroom culture where students are open to constructive criticism and willing to make necessary adjustments for self actualization.
Pinterest, an online pin board, created with visuals is a site that would help me to adhere to the 4C’s in education. There are a wide range of materials for teaching foreign languages. Some students part prefer visuals such as pictures and videos, rather than viewing a crowded powerpoint with typed information. This site has vocabulary activities, grammar activities, and songs for language learners. As a modem language classroom manager, it is imperative that students collaborate. Pinterest, as a visual platform can be used, where students can share and pin images for presentations. This is a less intimidating way to ensure that the classroom is interactive and engaging. Students are able to take advantage of information in a simple format, which will better cater to their learning style, because of the user friendly nature. Education is evolving and as a teacher, I must be aware that my students use social media. This means that using social media as a learning tool is a better way to grab students’ attention. Pinterest helps me to be more creative, who offers quality service to students, who are considered to be my customers.
Part B
As an emerging teacher I am in the process of conducting a research with the following topic "The Effectiveness of Pronunciation Drills in enhancing pronunciation of Spanish words in a grade (7) seven class". The participants presented with the issue of pronouncing words in the target language with the following consonants and consonant clusters: r, h, ñ, ll, rr. After having reading my observation field notes, my findings are that students have issue with pronunciation in the target language as a result of: native language interference, lack of expose to the language and language methodology. The participants required immediate attention as they struggled with clear communication through the different intervals of the lesson, as a result of mispronunciation. The teacher-researcher utilized the repetition of tongue-twisters and dialogue scripts to fix the issue of mispronunciation. According to the lesson evaluation and open-ended questionnaire, it is evident that not only did students enjoy the drills, but their pronunciation and intonation improved at a rate ranging from 30%-40%.