And now our final blogs…
A full semester, gone by just like that. My first steps in
the blogging world to my last, but what have I learned? More than just what I’ve
learned, what have I learned to do, to be? We’ve talked in class about the KNOW’s
DO’s and BE’s in curriculum and the expectations from learning further than
just the knowledge.
Of course this class has broadened and extended our awareness
of curriculum design and different types of assessment (the KNOW’s, the
content), but in my opinion the most important part of any class is how you can
use content, the DO’s and BE’s.
One aspect of this course that I really enjoyed was our
Curriculum Assignment. Although at times it caused myself and my group feelings
of confusion, loss of direction, and frustration, it truly forced us to
understand the curriculum. I’m leaving this course with the ability to actually
put my own curriculum together. Understanding of that this is just the
tip of the iceberg and there is much more to be learned, I feel like I’m
leaving this class with more applicable knowledge than any other course thus
far!
Forcing me to be creative and collaborative, coming up with
my own ideas on what my curriculum will look like and also keeping an open mind
to how others learn.
All this being said, the biggest thing I’m taking away from
this course is my newfound confidence with curriculum. I remember in high school
teachers telling me how difficult it is to bring new things into the classroom,
as the curriculum is too ‘packed’, and there was simply just no ‘room’. Perhaps
this is still an issue but I definitely do not feel as ‘confined’ as I did
before. Especially in math, where things seem to be so static in its ways, after
this class I feel enlightened and that there are ways to bring new teaching
ideas into the class while obliging to curriculum expectations.
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I’d like to thank our professor Susan Drake and our teaching
assistants Rachel and Nicole. A class based around holistic learning such as
this would not be possible without such helpful teachers, always available for
feedback, clarification and thoughtful input when needed. Especially to Nicole,
who was assigned to our blogging group. Every week giving us thoughtful
feedback on our blogs and always engaging in our blog discussions and bringing
new ideas for us to consider. It was a pleasure, thanks for all your help!
-- Sam
