Welcome Spring 2019!

Today was the first class of my Spring semester at Mount Saint Mary College. I began my Social Studies Methods Class with Dr. Smirnova. I already took Dr. Smirnova last semester for my Science Methods class and I learned so much and I'm so excited to see what this semester holds for me! Our first task today was to create name tags then write numbers 1-4 on the back. She told us to close our eyes and imagine our first memory of learning about social studies; what the classroom looked like, what we were doing, how the seats were arranged, posters on the walls, etc. Then for number 1, we wrote the name of that teacher that we remembered from that memory. For number 2, we wrote three things we thought teachers should be like while teaching social studies. For number 3, we wrote what we thought about social studies in general. Finally for number 4, we wrote how we thought social studies should be taught. Once this was completed, we found a partner and discussed our answers with one another. Comparing what we had in common and discussing the differences found among us. Next to we grouped together with another pair in the class and discussed our answers even further. We were then told to make up a group name and select a spokesperson for our group to share the general idea of all of our answers to share with the class. I learned that a lot of my peers had the same experiences and thoughts about social studies as my group and I. From that exercise I learned the method of think, pair, square. This is when you think individually, compare your thoughts with a partner then group with another pair to further discuss. Think-Pair-Square exercises help diminish fears about speaking up and help build relationships. I would love to use this in my classroom because it shows students that the classroom is a safe place to share. This takes away anxiety from students that find it hard to just share their individual thoughts to the entire class. This is best done through peer-to-peer sharing. I love that I learned this exercise because it will definitely be used in my future classroom. 

 The video was created to encourage educators to use technology in the classroom to elevate their students' abilities. I thought this video was interesting because it showed how often students use technology in their day to day lives. It is important for educators to incorporate technology however, educators need to be provided with the tools and information to effectively use technology in the classroom. Often times educators drift away from technology in the classroom because they are not properly trained in ways to make technology beneficial to students. With that being said, it is important to find the creative ways to find a use of technology since it is part of the students' daily lives. Throughout this semester, I hope to learn useful ways to bring technology to the classroom while making everything fun and enjoyable for the students.