Where did the time go!

My Semester has come to an end!

The fall semester has finally come to an end and i have truly learned so much. Social Studies Methods was a course in which I learned how to do so much. I have learned methods to teach Social Studies, learned about the different types of lesson plans (direct, indirect, cooperative), I have about how to instruct a class, and most importantly I have gained an enormous amount of knowledge about technology. 

This methods class was different from the other ones that I had taken in the past. This class had a major emphasis on technology an area I was very limited in and it would also be the first time I would have the chance to teach in front of a full classroom. Though I was originally very nervous, I quickly began to adjust. 

This class has been such a wonderful learning experience for me. I have learned how amazing technology is and there is so many things out there that can be used in the classroom to make lessons more fun and engaging for the students in your class. Programs such as, wordle, voki,and prezi are just a glimpse at the great free programs available online that work great in the classroom.  I now know more about the many resource that are out there and can't wait to use them in the future. I have also taken this new knowledge on technology and applied it in my other classes. One of my favorite things I have learned about is Google docs. This semester is the first time I have ever used the program and have grown to love it. I now use it for all my class especially when I have to work with other classmates on an assignment. I am so happy that I finally had the chance to learn and experience all of the great things that technology can offer. 

One other great experience I had during this class was my hours of fieldwork. Like I mentioned this was the first time I would be teaching a full classroom. I work with 4 other girls to create three lessons on the topic of goods and services in the community. Though this was a stressful time getting prepare, it was great to finally be in front of the class. My group did struggle at first when we were planning our lessons, but in the end I feel that we did a great job. Being able to hear so much feedback from our professor and classmates really helped to strengthen and improve all of our lessons. Also being able to watch as the other groups in our class taught helped me to see the things that my group could have done. For example my group struggled when we did our indirect lesson, but after watching the other three groups do the indirect lesson I feel more confident for the next time I need to do one. 

Lastly, this class has helped me think about the type of classroom I want to create for my students in the future. I want my students to be able to work together and share their thoughts. I want to encourage them to share their thoughts and opinions. I want to make sure that all my students feel comfortable and confident in the classroom. Most importantly, I also want to encourage students to use technology and explore the numerous possibilities. I want to show them early on how helpful and powerful technology can really be.