My Sentence Is....
My Passion Is....
Thursday, September 25, 2014
Monday, September 22, 2014
Tuesday, September 16, 2014
Blog Assignment #5
Personal Learning Networks
This class is the first to introduce PLNs to me; PLN stands for "Personal Learning Network". Personal learning networks help teachers and students gather multiple sources of information on a certain topic, from one common place. The components of a PLN include the people and tools you receive assistance from. Some forms of PLNs include twitter, facebook, and/or blogs. For my PLN I chose to use Twitter. To build my PLN I started following specific current educators that also use twitter. Along with older teachers and peers in my past, my PLN will continue to grow and become more useful as time passes. I can use my PLN to ask questions I don't know answers to, and to get new ideas from resources added by others.
This class is the first to introduce PLNs to me; PLN stands for "Personal Learning Network". Personal learning networks help teachers and students gather multiple sources of information on a certain topic, from one common place. The components of a PLN include the people and tools you receive assistance from. Some forms of PLNs include twitter, facebook, and/or blogs. For my PLN I chose to use Twitter. To build my PLN I started following specific current educators that also use twitter. Along with older teachers and peers in my past, my PLN will continue to grow and become more useful as time passes. I can use my PLN to ask questions I don't know answers to, and to get new ideas from resources added by others.
Sunday, September 14, 2014
Using Multiple Search Engines
I always say, "Google is my best friend!". Any time I get on the internet, whether it be by phone, desktop, or Ipad, Google is the first site pop up. Sometimes even if I know the site I need to go to I type "Google.com" first, out of habit. As an assignment we were required to look up and test 8 other search engines. The first being "Wolframalpha.com". After only 5 minutes, I was hooked. It is so convenient! The organization is immaculate, and the information is extremely thorough and specific. However, I do feel as though it is more of a biographical research type of site instead of a general search engine site, such as Google.
My other sites I found by looking up "Search engines for beginners" because although I use technology quite often, I do not feel as though I have it even close to figured out yet.
Site #2: From a list for beginners I found, "Dogpile.com". This search engine is very similar to Google. It has all of the same options such as images, videos, shopping, etc. It gave results in a timely manner and they were well organized.
Site #3: "AskJeeves.com", I used nearly every day as a child. I was introduced to this search engine in 2nd grade and used it especially for my TAG class. This site is also very similar to Google in that you can specify your search with image, news, videos, etc. However the layout seems to be easier to read, a reason my teacher chose for us to use it.
Site #4: "Bing", is a very well known search engine. This search engine is quick and gives many specific links for the topic searched. It would seem to be very useful for Microsoft users.
Site #5:, "Yippy.com", is especially good for academic searches or government related topics. Search time was efficient, and the pop ups were limited.
Site #6: "Webopedia.com", is a great search engine for technology related topics. It is a resource site for encyclopedic information on technology and computers. Great for non-technological people!
Site #7: "Archive.org" is good for going back to past web posts and websites. This search engine allows us to go back to specific events or times without having to sift through all of the results from Bing or Google. Very well organized, and easy to use after some time.
Site #8: "Mahalo.com" is a site powered by people. This means actual people go through various site of information and research to find the best and most specific results. There are many less results, but they are very specific and well researched. I enjoy this site because it has suggestions in categories for searches. It seems to be very easily understood and used.
My other sites I found by looking up "Search engines for beginners" because although I use technology quite often, I do not feel as though I have it even close to figured out yet.
Site #2: From a list for beginners I found, "Dogpile.com". This search engine is very similar to Google. It has all of the same options such as images, videos, shopping, etc. It gave results in a timely manner and they were well organized.
Site #3: "AskJeeves.com", I used nearly every day as a child. I was introduced to this search engine in 2nd grade and used it especially for my TAG class. This site is also very similar to Google in that you can specify your search with image, news, videos, etc. However the layout seems to be easier to read, a reason my teacher chose for us to use it.
Site #4: "Bing", is a very well known search engine. This search engine is quick and gives many specific links for the topic searched. It would seem to be very useful for Microsoft users.
Site #5:, "Yippy.com", is especially good for academic searches or government related topics. Search time was efficient, and the pop ups were limited.
Site #6: "Webopedia.com", is a great search engine for technology related topics. It is a resource site for encyclopedic information on technology and computers. Great for non-technological people!
Site #7: "Archive.org" is good for going back to past web posts and websites. This search engine allows us to go back to specific events or times without having to sift through all of the results from Bing or Google. Very well organized, and easy to use after some time.
Site #8: "Mahalo.com" is a site powered by people. This means actual people go through various site of information and research to find the best and most specific results. There are many less results, but they are very specific and well researched. I enjoy this site because it has suggestions in categories for searches. It seems to be very easily understood and used.
C4T Summary
"Wisdom Begins with Wonder"
The teacher I was assigned to was Mr. Rice, teacher at an Indian Reservation in Washington. His blog is about improving education in the classroom in every way possible. He has posts regarding standardized tests, technology in the classroom, and different teaching methods. For my posts I commented on the most recent posts. The first from June 4, 2014 and the second from February 21, 2014. In my posts I made sure I introduced myself and my reasons from commenting. I enjoyed his posts because he seems to be very passionate about ensuring his students are learning in his classroom. He seems to really care about being his best to help them become their best.
June 4, 2014
"My name is Tiffany Wake, and I am an elementary education major at the University of South Alabama. One of my classes requires me to comment on assigned blogs each week, and for this week I was assigned yours. I think your methods for teaching are exactly what education needs! Hands on, fun activities that keep the students engaged is exactly what we are being told to do in our classrooms for the future. In high school we had to take the same test you are speaking of, and as test time got closer we got stuck using the book reviews and worksheets much more than desired. I felt as though it took from my learning experience and I was doing more memorizing rather than learning. I wish you the best of luck in your with these exams, and your classes. Keep pushing for the, “Real-world learning” you aren’t alone in your efforts!
Tiffany Wake"
February 21, 2014
"Mr. Rice, To better ensure I got the entire message of the song, I looked up the lyrics. Just as fellow students have posted I believe the lyrics are not appropriate for younger ages, but the message is fit for all. I am also, an eternal optimist, always hoping for and going for the best. I believe attitudes can be contagious, and you never know if you are the one person to send a positive message someone’s way. Teachers sometimes must be a confidant, listening ear, mentor, and educator all at once. They hope to instill good morals and positivism in their students so they can have/make a better future. Tests and grades shouldn’t be the only way a students education is measured. Children should be learning for the sake of bettering the future, not for the sake of a 4.0 and scholarship.
Tiffany Wake"
One post that stuck out most to me from his blog was this video. It has a very strong message to send about education. As he states in his post, this video does contain some profanity and is not for all readers.
Blue Scholars "Commencement Day"
![Socrates marble sculpture with quote]()
The teacher I was assigned to was Mr. Rice, teacher at an Indian Reservation in Washington. His blog is about improving education in the classroom in every way possible. He has posts regarding standardized tests, technology in the classroom, and different teaching methods. For my posts I commented on the most recent posts. The first from June 4, 2014 and the second from February 21, 2014. In my posts I made sure I introduced myself and my reasons from commenting. I enjoyed his posts because he seems to be very passionate about ensuring his students are learning in his classroom. He seems to really care about being his best to help them become their best.
June 4, 2014
"My name is Tiffany Wake, and I am an elementary education major at the University of South Alabama. One of my classes requires me to comment on assigned blogs each week, and for this week I was assigned yours. I think your methods for teaching are exactly what education needs! Hands on, fun activities that keep the students engaged is exactly what we are being told to do in our classrooms for the future. In high school we had to take the same test you are speaking of, and as test time got closer we got stuck using the book reviews and worksheets much more than desired. I felt as though it took from my learning experience and I was doing more memorizing rather than learning. I wish you the best of luck in your with these exams, and your classes. Keep pushing for the, “Real-world learning” you aren’t alone in your efforts!
Tiffany Wake"
February 21, 2014
"Mr. Rice, To better ensure I got the entire message of the song, I looked up the lyrics. Just as fellow students have posted I believe the lyrics are not appropriate for younger ages, but the message is fit for all. I am also, an eternal optimist, always hoping for and going for the best. I believe attitudes can be contagious, and you never know if you are the one person to send a positive message someone’s way. Teachers sometimes must be a confidant, listening ear, mentor, and educator all at once. They hope to instill good morals and positivism in their students so they can have/make a better future. Tests and grades shouldn’t be the only way a students education is measured. Children should be learning for the sake of bettering the future, not for the sake of a 4.0 and scholarship.
Tiffany Wake"
One post that stuck out most to me from his blog was this video. It has a very strong message to send about education. As he states in his post, this video does contain some profanity and is not for all readers.
Blue Scholars "Commencement Day"
Blog Assignment #4
What Do We Need to Know About Asking Questions to be an Effective Teacher?
Principal Ben Johnson tells the truth no teacher wants to admit, students do not always listen or pay attention. He says throughout his observations he noticed some children never answered even one question they just waited for others to do it for them. Therefore, we must get creative with our questioning process. Ben Johnson's blog says an effective method he researched was on of Mary Budd Rowe. She recommends asking a question and waiting three seconds to call a student's name to answer. She says this gives students time to think about the answer, and nothing else. I believe this would be an effective way of questioning because then the students would be trying to figure out the answer instead of looking around the room for other hands, or hoping not to be called on. Also, the random names will help keep students focused and ready to answer, if called upon.
Right Way to Ask Questions
Asking Questions to Improve Learning
One point that stuck out to me in this article was that teachers should avoid asking questions that could have the answer within them. As a student, I am guilty of favoring these questions on tests. I know they hinder my learning though because I don't retain that information. I am too concerned with knowing I got at least that one right. If students don't have to actually learn the material to pass, they won't. These days students get so consumed with passing they forget the whole purpose of school is learning and building skills for their future. As a teacher, I hope to stay away from these questions so I can ensure my students will remember what school is for.
Asking Questions to Improve Learning
Three Ways to Ask Better Questions in the Classroom
Maryellen Weimer's first point says to, "Prepare questions". I believe this will be the most helpful in my teaching. Preparing questions before class will help me ensure I am asking and or teaching the right things. By preparing questions early, I can look them over and make changes, or omit some if I feel they don't help the lesson. Having questions prepared, I can spend more time focusing on my students and ensuring they are paying attention and truly understanding the lesson. If we already know the questions, then there should be no confusion on what we are teaching and what we hope the students will learn. Her second point "Play with questions," gives the idea of keeping a question unanswered for a little while to keep the thinking process going. This could be helpful for discussions. Giving the students time to think more into their answers could bring up better and longer discussions. The final point given was, "Preserve good questions," meaning save some questions that were asked, to help. She says it also shows that the teacher remembered and took into account what the students say and do.
Three Ways to Ask Better Questions
Asking Better Questions
This video discusses the difference in close ended questions and open ended questions, and how they effect the learning. She says open ended questions are more challenging and require more thinking, but give so much more on the information. Close ended questions stop the students at yes or no and requires no more thinking than that. Open ended questions require students to think and tell more about their answers and beliefs. The example she gives is a questions about Rosa Parks and her effects on society after refusing to give up her seat. Keeping this question open ended allows for many more answers and discussions to come about. Learning is not just about what the teachers have to say and offer, but also about the surroundings and students' offerings.
Asking Better Questions
Principal Ben Johnson tells the truth no teacher wants to admit, students do not always listen or pay attention. He says throughout his observations he noticed some children never answered even one question they just waited for others to do it for them. Therefore, we must get creative with our questioning process. Ben Johnson's blog says an effective method he researched was on of Mary Budd Rowe. She recommends asking a question and waiting three seconds to call a student's name to answer. She says this gives students time to think about the answer, and nothing else. I believe this would be an effective way of questioning because then the students would be trying to figure out the answer instead of looking around the room for other hands, or hoping not to be called on. Also, the random names will help keep students focused and ready to answer, if called upon.
Right Way to Ask Questions
Asking Questions to Improve Learning
One point that stuck out to me in this article was that teachers should avoid asking questions that could have the answer within them. As a student, I am guilty of favoring these questions on tests. I know they hinder my learning though because I don't retain that information. I am too concerned with knowing I got at least that one right. If students don't have to actually learn the material to pass, they won't. These days students get so consumed with passing they forget the whole purpose of school is learning and building skills for their future. As a teacher, I hope to stay away from these questions so I can ensure my students will remember what school is for.
Asking Questions to Improve Learning
Three Ways to Ask Better Questions in the Classroom
Maryellen Weimer's first point says to, "Prepare questions". I believe this will be the most helpful in my teaching. Preparing questions before class will help me ensure I am asking and or teaching the right things. By preparing questions early, I can look them over and make changes, or omit some if I feel they don't help the lesson. Having questions prepared, I can spend more time focusing on my students and ensuring they are paying attention and truly understanding the lesson. If we already know the questions, then there should be no confusion on what we are teaching and what we hope the students will learn. Her second point "Play with questions," gives the idea of keeping a question unanswered for a little while to keep the thinking process going. This could be helpful for discussions. Giving the students time to think more into their answers could bring up better and longer discussions. The final point given was, "Preserve good questions," meaning save some questions that were asked, to help. She says it also shows that the teacher remembered and took into account what the students say and do.
Three Ways to Ask Better Questions
Asking Better Questions
This video discusses the difference in close ended questions and open ended questions, and how they effect the learning. She says open ended questions are more challenging and require more thinking, but give so much more on the information. Close ended questions stop the students at yes or no and requires no more thinking than that. Open ended questions require students to think and tell more about their answers and beliefs. The example she gives is a questions about Rosa Parks and her effects on society after refusing to give up her seat. Keeping this question open ended allows for many more answers and discussions to come about. Learning is not just about what the teachers have to say and offer, but also about the surroundings and students' offerings.
Asking Better Questions
Sunday, September 7, 2014
Blog Assignment #3
How Can You Provide Meaningful Feedback to Your Peers?
Peer editing takes place in classrooms of various ages and sizes. It can be a difficult task; we must always check that we are commenting on and correcting posts appropriately. For this blog post, the links provided gave information and tips on how to provide meaningful feedback to peers. Each link provided different materials, examples, and scenarios to effectively help students with peer editing.
The first link gave a description of what peer editing is. The video discusses the three steps for peer editing. The first step it talks about is complimenting. Always be sure to compliment the writer on what was done well in the post before beginning to critique. The next link was a slide show that also discussed these steps. Besides the first step, this link also mentioned the second rule suggestions. It provides us with examples of how to edit writings by complimenting and giving a suggestion on how to fix or enhance the writing. For example, "Your post on peer editing and corrections was very well written, but to help be more effective try adding some links to support your statements." Sometimes we do not realize there could be a better way to write something so it is nice to get feedback and suggestions from others. The final video link of the students was my favorite for it added humor to the lesson, and allowed the kids to have some fun. This video covered all of the steps as well, but the one I focused on was the final step, corrections. I enjoyed seeing the children act out different examples for giving corrections. Picky Patty was my favorite because it showed that by pointing out every mistake with no compliments or nice suggestions the other student is likely to get upset. Some people are easily embarrassed so it is nice to give corrections with positive attitudes so the student doesn't become offended and defensive. These videos were very informative, and gave me many ideas for my peer reviews yet to come.
![Peer editing acronym]()
Peer editing takes place in classrooms of various ages and sizes. It can be a difficult task; we must always check that we are commenting on and correcting posts appropriately. For this blog post, the links provided gave information and tips on how to provide meaningful feedback to peers. Each link provided different materials, examples, and scenarios to effectively help students with peer editing.
The first link gave a description of what peer editing is. The video discusses the three steps for peer editing. The first step it talks about is complimenting. Always be sure to compliment the writer on what was done well in the post before beginning to critique. The next link was a slide show that also discussed these steps. Besides the first step, this link also mentioned the second rule suggestions. It provides us with examples of how to edit writings by complimenting and giving a suggestion on how to fix or enhance the writing. For example, "Your post on peer editing and corrections was very well written, but to help be more effective try adding some links to support your statements." Sometimes we do not realize there could be a better way to write something so it is nice to get feedback and suggestions from others. The final video link of the students was my favorite for it added humor to the lesson, and allowed the kids to have some fun. This video covered all of the steps as well, but the one I focused on was the final step, corrections. I enjoyed seeing the children act out different examples for giving corrections. Picky Patty was my favorite because it showed that by pointing out every mistake with no compliments or nice suggestions the other student is likely to get upset. Some people are easily embarrassed so it is nice to give corrections with positive attitudes so the student doesn't become offended and defensive. These videos were very informative, and gave me many ideas for my peer reviews yet to come.
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