Bob+Shaw

Journal 5
Agency and Gambare are two words that may be new to you this summer. What do you think they have to do with teaching science? What other words or phrases would you add that sums up your experience in this class? Fun and exciting are two more words that come to mind when I reflect on this class. The ideas and points of view shared in class and through Wiki posts and assignments give me great hope for the future of our profession. I am excited for each of you as you make your way through Webster University an into the teacher work force. You each have a great things to share with students and the adult school community. All this made the course fun and exciting in which to take part.

If you answered the question above, you are being reflective. How can reflection help you be a better (science) teacher? Good Question! Reflection can not only help you be a better teacher, but a better person. It involves taking the time to see how things are going, what can be done to repair any mistakes, and reinforce good decisions and habits. This will help you be a better evaluator and deep thinker about decisions yet to come.

What have you noticed about the classroom where we meet each week? What aspects do you like and what would you change, add, or remove if it was your classroom? It is different every week. The tables move around to meet the needs of the project. There is a class of elementary students that use the class daily for a summer camp science class. There are a few things stacked up, but those things are waiting to be stored or put away for the first time as they are new to the space. Soon the custodian staff will come and remove all the furniture and strip and wax the floors. That is the signal that the new school year will begin, then we need to do something about the garden. Yikes!

June 9: Journal 1: What was the best thing you took away tonight? This was fun. Get on the bus was a good way to get everyone in the mood and moving before the pretest. The Google Form worked well for the Pre-Assessement. I am anxious to read the results and determine how much we will cover the topics.

This is how I would expand this idea… I wonder if sharing the results of the pre-assessment would have value. How can this information be leveraged throughout the course?

What is Inquiry Learning and is it a valid way to teach? It may not be the only way to teach, but I find it the most effective way to learn.

What is ‘Gambare’ and does it have a place in science education? Although it doesn't sound like it, it is Japanese. There is a link in the resources Wiki page that may help. Gambare does have a place in every aspect of education, but science education especially.