...Challenges and Rewards of Teaching/Final Exam Sheila Wright Liberty University INTRODUCTION I know that my first year of teaching will be filled with many challenges and many rewards; after all you cannot have roses without thorns. Just being new to the profession is going to be challenging. I am sure I will be anxious, nervous and extremely excited to finally have my own class. I am confident that the excellent education that I will receive will help me meet the challenges head on and appreciate the rewards as they come. In this essay I will discuss my top three challenges and rewards as it relates to the text and information presented in this course. CHALLENGES The multidimensional aspect of the classroom will be challenging. Having a large number of events occurring at the same time will make it difficult to decide what to deal with first. I will have to be prioritize the events as they unfold, therefore making snap decisions will become an everyday practice. This leads me to another challenge; classroom management. According our textbook from 1960 to 2004, polls identified classroom management as one of teachers’ most challenging problems and from 2004 to present, it ranked second behind only behind school funding. (D.Kauchak, P. Eggen 2011) Lastly, I think that language diversity is a challenge that I may be faced with. As we read in chapter 4 of our text- “immigration has brought increasing numbers of students with limited backgrounds...
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...The Rewards and Challenges of being a Teacher First day of school! First day of teaching! First day to change children's lives! Many first time teachers get discouraged because they aren’t prepared for their first year of teaching. Starting your first job at a new school can be intimidating because you don’t know what that year has in store for you. However it’s okay if you ask other teachers for advice as you work with students throughout the year. Being a teacher comes with a lot of challenges and rewards. Some rewards that I will face while teaching are building relationships with students and parents, influence a child's life, and share my passion for teaching with students. Some of the challenges that I will face while teaching are time management, bullying, and conflict between students. To begin with teaching is one of the most rewarding jobs. A national survey found that teachers are generally satisfied with their career choices and their level of satisfaction has increased in the last 25 years (MetLife, 2009). Teachers have the opportunity to build relationships with students and their parents making their bonds very strong. The teachers spend most of their time with parent’s children and it's important to let parents know that they will be taken care of. I believe that it is important to know each student individually and make every one of them feel like they are important to the teacher and to their classmates. In addition one challenge that I will face is time management...
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...becoming a teacher. “What are three rewards and three challenges that you will face as a teacher?” I'll be talking about these challenges and rewards in the next few pages, on how I feel teaching make a major impact on not only my life, but hopefully the lives of thousands of children to come. At the end of the day I'm hoping to be that one teacher that my students will remember forever. What greater gift could I be given than to make a positive impact in a child's life and future? So, with that said let me begin with the rewards! The first one that comes to mind is the achievements of my students, in more detail student discoveries and the exciting new things they will learn through me teaching in my classroom. In doing so, I can show them how to untangle things they are struggling with, challenges they face, or problems that might occur; by showing them a different light. The smile that comes across a child’s face symbolizing that they understand or I've got it! Is one of the best feelings I feel, a teacher could have. This would show to me that I'm doing my job well and I helped a child cover new exciting things! In hopes that they would not be stuck at a lower intellectual development level; not being able to problem solve. I want to see all of my students excel to their fullest potential! That to me would be one of the best rewards that there could be, because in return I would be given a gift of making a difference. My second reward that I feel is important seems...
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...10 Effective Teaching Techniques: How to capture and maintain your student in Science and Mathematics. Tip #1: Engage • Engage the students in material that has personal relevance and is meaningful i.e. real life examples and problems Tip #2: Variety • Give the students assignments that involve a variety of learning styles Research with books Technology Hand on Experiments Tip #3: Students Teaching • Provide times when students can teach each other the material within the classroom i.e. group presentations – Leadership – Ownership – Mastery Test #4: Review • Every other day or so, allot 10 minutes at the beginning of each class for students to discuss among themselves what they learned in previous lessons. Tip #5: Reward system • Implement a reward system for students to encourage them to take their learning outside the classroom • Reward students who can apply the material to real life examples • Reward students who improve from test to test • Reward students who engage in group discussions outside of the classroom to discuss ideas on how to use their knowledge to solve problems. Tip #6: Goals • Help students establish short term, self referenced goals at the beginning of the term and have them check up midterm to see if they are still on track to accomplishing their goals Tip #7: Stimulate group work • At the end of each class, present the students with a “challenge for the night” and allow students to work in groups of 3 or 4 to solve...
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...experienced teachers that have impacted the lives of so many students. Teaching is a way of helping others, which to me is quite fulfilling. The reason I am pursuing a degree in Educational Studies is to prepare for work in teaching. Teaching has so many rewards. Just knowing that I have the ability to mold the minds of students who have the potential to go so far is a huge reward. I plan on pursuing a career in teaching in the future with my degree. But, if I ever decided to change my career choice of teaching there are other options available for education degree holders. For example: preschool teacher, tutor, and teaching life skills in prison. Addressing ideas from "101 Ways to Combat Prejudice" in my profession: "Watch language and avoid stereotypical remarks and challenge those made by others." "Read and encourage children to read books that promote understanding of different cultures as well as those that are written by authors of diverse backgrounds." "Create a school calendar with all the holidays and important civil rights dates represented." There are numerous resources from the website "Critical Multicultural Pavilion" that I could incorporate in future employment: Awareness Activities, for example, watch a film with enough time for dialogue. Equity & Diversity Quizzes that are designed to challenge some of the false information about difference and equity. Printable...
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...Joys and Struggles Liberty University Abstract Teaching is a calling that comes with many joys and many struggles. Rewards include knowing that we are making a difference in the lives of our students, the opportunity to be a lifetime learner, and having a desirable work schedule; challenges include having to create a productive learning environment, dealing with reforms in education, and low pay. As teachers, we have to be able to both love the joys and overcome the struggles. Joys and Struggles One day, we will walk into our own classroom to find twenty-five little faces gazing up expectantly at us, waiting for us to teach them. At that moment, we will finally be able to put into practice all that we have learned to live out our calling to become teachers. In that first year, and the many to follow, we will face both joys and struggles. Some of the rewards include knowing that we are making a difference in the lives of our students, the opportunity to be a lifetime learner, and having a desirable work schedule; challenges include having to create a productive learning environment, dealing with reforms in education, and low pay. Teaching won’t always be easy, but it will always be worth it. One of the greatest joys of teaching is being able to make a difference in the lives of students that enter our classrooms. Even now, there are teachers that I remember who did more than just teach me to read and write; they also invested their lives into mine. Mrs. Bobalek...
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...[pic] | | | | |SCHOOL DIRECT | | | | | | | | | | | |INDUCTION TASKS | | | | | | | |JULY-SEPTEMBER 2014 | | | | ...
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...on Strategic Innovation and Future Creation, Malta, March 2009 Shirley Pulis Xerxen 1 The knowledge and skills needed in the future may not even be known at the time a person attends school or university. As a result, these institutions cannot limit themselves to the transmission of set contents, techniques and values, since these will soon be useless or even detrimental to living a full life. (Cropley, 2006, p. 136)1 Introduction In this paper I attempt to provide some insight about the teaching of thinking and creativity in schools by drawing parallels between what is found on this subject in the literature, my experience as a teacher of thinking skills in Primary schools in Maltai and from findings that emerge from a questionnaire that I conducted with Maltese Primary and Secondary school teachers to analyse their perceptions on the teaching and learning of creativity, compatible with the educational values of current pedagogical practices. Facing today’s challenges Educators are being increasingly faced with the ever-growing call for entrepreneurial citizens who value openness, diversity and creativity, who are able to design the future in all areas of their life. This demands that a school’s curriculum must be open and flexible enough to accommodate these new perspectives. This paper focuses on the need for a holistic approach to creativity in education, an approach that takes into account all the aspects of creativity where education is concerned. Promoting...
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...implementing the STARS model and whether this was good management practice. In the beginning, when SU began the participation in the STARS pilot program, some of the faculty was not interested in participating. SU gained support for implementing the STARS model once people began to understand the importance of it and how it would help each campus and the individual departments. Some felt that the students should have been able to participate in the pilot program rather than just certain student organizations. 2. Determine the most difficult challenge faced by SU in implementing the STARS model. The most difficult challenge faced by SU in implementing the STARS model was getting the faculty to participate. Some did not respond to the survey nor did they provide any information pertaining to their teaching or research. It was probably mainly due to the fact that they did not understand what was meant by sustainability-focused or related teaching and research pertaining to particular programs. 3. Analyze whether or not SU’s participation in the STARS pilot study will/did add value to the institution. SU’s participation in the STARS pilot study did add value to the institution by pointing out the different things in which STARS should be giving points towards. SU’s feedback provided some very import factors in the consideration of the way in which points are awarded. For example, STARS gives out points for LEED certified or LEED equivalent buildings when they should really...
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...Operant Conditioning Paper Operant conditioning relies on the consequences of an exhibited behavior, and the impact the behavior has on certain learning experiences. This type of conditioning requires stimuli and reinforcers (both positive and negative) (Olsen & Hergenhahn, 2009). Along with using punishments that exhibit both positive and negative influences, both of which contribute to behavior and learning. Operant conditioning can be observed on a daily basis. It is a typical form of learning that some might take for granted. Operant conditioning can be used to influence certain behaviors as well as to decrease certain behaviors (Kirsch & Lynn, 2004). This is done when punishments or reinforcements are used to adapt or eliminate a specific behavior (including fear, anxiety and phobias). Reinforcements can be used strengthen or increase a behavior that accompanies the reinforcement (Barash, 2005). Positive reinforcers are events or outcomes that are presented after the behavior, thus allowing for better or continuous behavior. Children attaining good grades would receive a positive reinforcement that would allow them to continue to do well in school. Negative reinforcement is the removal of unfavorable events or outcomes after the behavior is displayed (Barash, 2005). This would strengthen the response by removing something that is considered to be unpleasant. Like an unruly animal that causes fear, taking the animal away creates a peaceful environment. When it comes...
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...Behavior Management by Jenna Bilmes Introduction: lists various previous management techniques author had used – clear limits, time outs, praise, rewards, “the look” – ways of gaining control of children. would not reward or punish learning to read, but teach. Respect children, empower them to be part of the solution An atmosphere of community, acceptance and and cooperation flourished for all the children in the classroom Chapter One: The Six Life Skills The journey from childhood to adulthood is a long one, teacher will be a part of the journey – envision what you want children to remember from you to carry on their unique journey Beliefs and Skills Children come to us with varied beliefs about how the world works depending on their previous life experience, and varied skills, traditions and customs Home Culture/School Culture There will be contrasts between home and school culture – these can present extra challenges for children – especially differing expectations for independence and interdependence – book has strategies for teacher goals such as • help recognize children as individuals and as part of a group • promote both independence and interdependence • work with children to balnce assertion with respect for authority • help children recognize their areas of strength and strategize how to work on their challenges The Six Life Skills Attachment – “I have a grown-up who cherishes me and keeps me safe.” • children need this to be successful in school and life...
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...guide and advise on social, moral, and educational issues; they also contribute in molding a child’s personality, aide in their attitude towards learning, which will impact their lives, and teach them to think and make good choice. Mrs. Looney was an advocate for her students, lending them a voice, in a world that often dismisses or fails to recognize a child’s need for intervention. Advocacy promotes the optimal development of each student, being able to identify possible deficiencies, as well as giftedness. Mrs. Looney was acutely aware of every student’s strengths and weaknesses. She also watched each child for changes, which might indicate a need for intervention. Mrs. Looney was an instructor, spending the entire day teaching (instructing) the children in all of the major subjects. She also instructed the students in proper ways to behave in each area of the school. Mrs. Looney taught them how to treat one another, as well as their classroom and school property. Mrs. Looney became Nurse Looney many times over the course of my observation. She treated small, sometimes invisible, cuts or abrasions. She carried a first aid kit with her to the lunchroom and playground. She often applied bandages to her student’s “boo-boos”, real or imagined. On the first day of my observation, before 8:oo am, I witnessed Mrs. Looney in her role as a diplomatic mediator. She had received an email from a parent who was concerned over an...
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...A classroom teacher wants to face the challenges of the classroom in an easy and effective way. It is possible if the teacher understands the qualities and nature of child and human psychology. The subject Educational Psychology is also a challenging field through which different complex problems of educational system can be solved. The knowledge of Educational Psychology has a great relevance for the teacher, because it helps the teacher to realize his objective of effective teaching and educating the pupils properly. Precisely speaking, the knowledge of Educational Psychology helps the teacher in the following ways: (1) Understanding the child: It has been rightly recognized that the teacher can truly teach the child only when he possesses the knowledge of child psychology individual as well as collective. For example, the teacher must know how children think; what are their interests at various stages of their development; and how their energies can best be utilized for educational purpose. In fact, all modifications in the techniques of teaching are really the growing application of the knowledge of psychology to the process of teaching learning. (2) Understanding individual differences: Previously it was presumes that all children are more or less alike and therefore, almost same speed of progress was expected of them. Moreover, it was also thought that the mind of the child is just like a clean state and therefore, anything could be written on it. Now, from the knowledge...
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...Ms. Gonzalez is a bilingual fourth grade teacher in Gilbert elementary, Irving ISD that I interviewed. She has been teaching for thirteen years including this year and it's her first year teaching fourth grade. She came from Tamaulipas, Mexico and used to be a a gymnastics teacher in Mexico. She discovered that she loved teaching and decided to enroll in a university in Mexico. After she graduated and began teaching in Mexico, she was offered in the exchange program to teach in the U.S.A. She learned English through the program and later transferred to America five years later to begin teaching kindergarten. I have known her for a year by helping out in her classroom from time to time and have become good friends. She was the first teacher that saw and treated me as a teacher and not a student or a teacher's...
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...interview, researchers analyze teachers' responses. All teachers responses showed that they teach or have taught overcrowded classes in some point of their teaching career. It also revealed that teachers are not comfortable in teaching large number of learners in class because it hampers teaching English language. Based on the first question, the variance in teachers' opinions is due to the fact that every teacher has his own perception about the number that makes large classes. Defining a large class depends to great extent on how the teacher perceives a large class. It means that the perception of large class is subjective and can depend on a number of variables according to teachers. According to Todd (2006), the definition of large class from the point of view of teachers depends on three variables including the subject taught, the largest size they taught and the content being taught. In addition to other variables such as the age of learners, their motivation and the room where lessons are taught. Therefore, it is argued that teachers have various perceptions of large classes. Nevertheless, in the current, we can assume that the ideal class size that is visible with peoples’ work is 25 students per class. Concerning on the teachers' responses for the second question, the research inferred that all teachers are familiar with teaching overcrowded classes in university. All the participants agree that the number of learners they teach is beyond the normal standard and is considered...
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