Blog Post #8

What Can We Learn About Teaching and Learning from Randy Pausch?

Randy Pausch created a masters degree program based solely on project-based learning and it was unbelievably successful. It is one of the only if not the only program in the United States that guarantees jobs to its students before they even get accepted and I think the reason for this is that they are getting their experience before they graduate. Everything that they will have to do in their career is being taught with hands on experience. I think more teachers should adopt this method especially in college. Maybe then we wouldn't have so many people that are unhappy in their careers because if you do all of those things ahead of time you will know whether you like it or not.
One of the main things I got from Randy Pausch's Last Lecture is that we have to have fun teaching and that will make the students have fun learning. When discussing his project "Alice" he said it has been so successful because you have, "Millions of kids having fun while learning something hard." The program has had well over a million downloads because teachers and professors have figured out that when you incorporate having fun into a lesson the information is retained much better.
Another thing I learned from Randy Pausch is that teachers should always attempt to make their students dreams come true. Ultimately that is what teachers are for. Be the teacher that makes a difference in your students' lives. You'll be a better teacher and person for it.
Randy Pausch also left us with a few things to not only take with you when it comes to teaching and learning but also to take with you in your everyday life. These are the ones that I took the most out of.
1. Brick walls let us show our dedication
2. Don't bail...
3. Don't complain, just work harder
4. Find the best in everybody. Even if you have to wait a while, everybody has good in them.
5. SHow gratitude
6. Be loyal to others and they will be loyal to you
7. Be prepared;luck is where preparation meets opportunity.

Project #8 Book Trailer

My Passion Is...

My Sentence is...

Blog Post #5

What Did You Learn From These Conversations With Anthony Capps?

My understanding of project-based learning is much more clear now. When I hear project, I automatically think project boards and arts and crafts, but Mr. Capps showed me that there are many different types of projects, like the one he did with his students where they wrote a letter to the congressman explaining why women should or shouldn't be put in combat. I like his way of teaching and it makes me rethink what method of teaching i want to use. Project-based learning is growing on me. Also, I love how Professor Strange pointed out that being a teacher is not just about teaching. It's about learning as well and that is what makes this profession so enjoyable.
Another thing I learned from watching these videos is that you don't have to be an expert in technology in order to incorporate it in your classroom. It's a learning process for the student as well as the teacher. And although I am not a big supporter of so much technology in the classroom, I now understand that it is necessary and there are ways you can use it to make your job easier, such as letting the students record what they learned or a summary of a story using iMovie. It's fun for the student and great teaching tool.

Bog Assignment #4

What do we need to know about asking questions to be an effective teacher?

When asking questions, we need to make sure that every student at least attempts to be able to answer the question. Meaning, instead of calling on a student and then asking the question, we should ask the question and then call on the student. Asking the question first lets all the students know that they could be the one who is called on to answer the question, so they take the neccessary steps to be able to answer it.
Another strategy for asking questions is to make sure you set times during your lesson to ask questions. Don't wait until the very end of the class period to ask questions or open the floor for students to ask questions. They'll be less likely to ask if they know their class time is almost over. Also, keep in mind what goal you are trying to accomplish when asking your questions. What do you want the students to learn?
One of the most important strategies for reesponding to questions, in my opinion, is to not interrupt the students' answer. I cannot tell you how many times a teacher has interrupted me thinking they know what I'm about to say and they were completely wrong, and that is very frustrating. Interrupting students can also discourage them from answering a question the next time.

Project #3 Presentation