Eric Tarkalson

Dr. Harman

Ed 447

Discussion Board #10

I have learned a lot this semester, the first thing that I would like to talk about is helping the student
figure out the answers to the unknown. What I mean by this is that in the learning process the key
element, is the student. They have the ability to learn more effectively if we as teachers can guide them
to the end goal rather that tell them how it is or teach it to them. When I did my lesson, I recognized
that there were several times in the lesson that I was not patient enough to guide the students, helping
them find the solution. I just basically gave them the information or the solution, so they did not grow as
effectively as they could have. I hope this makes sense. I need to help them construct mean of
something new, on their own, with a little help from me. I don’t want to be the teacher that gets in front
of the class everyday and lectures, reads the information, and then assesses the students. I want group
interactions. I want lots of student participation, helping the students find the solution to the knew
concepts and ideas. I do believe that lecture has its place, but needs to be interactive. The second thing
that I have learned is lesson alignment. I may not be using the correct language for this concept, but
what I want to convey is the importance that what we teach lines up properly with what we are going to
assess. Reverse alignment is particularly important. Beginning with what I want the students to learn
and then work backwards to how I’m going to teach it in the classroom, so that they both align with
each other. I know this is nothing new, but for me, it taught me how important that it is. A student
should never be tested on information that I failed to teach them effectively. I’m looking forward to
having my own classroom and finding creative ways to deliver exciting lessons plans in an effective way,
while aligning it with a proper assessment. I believe that by applying these two practices, I’ll be a better
teacher and I believe that the students will respond better to the educational process. There are more,
but these are the two that stick out to me the most.