Module 2 Sutor

In this week’s reading for Module 2 I found that there were many topics that will make me a better, more compassionate teacher.  One topic that was covered that will help me become a more knowledgeable teacher is the section regarding individualized education program.  Since I do not work in a school setting, I was unfamiliar with the topic of IEP’s.  When IEP’s were mentioned in our previous class, I was not able to contribute fully because I did not have firsthand knowledge.  I feel that Woolfolk explained the IEP in detailed stating that they are “an important educational and legal document” (p 143) “between parents and the school about the services that will be provided to the student. ” (p 142)  Woolfolk explains what must be on the IEP’s, who is involved in the IEP, and the rights of the student and family.  After reading this section, and the following about challenges students and teachers face I feel more knowledgeable and better prepared to instill a growth mindset in my students and help them get passed a learned helplessness.

Language development, language diversity, and immigrant education caught my attention because I am a first generation American and can relate to some of the challenges written in the text.  Before reading the point/counterpoint about what is the best way to teach students who are ELL’s, I always thought the best approach is structured English immersion.  I felt this is the best option because I’ve seen friends and relatives of all ages learn English and excel in school with the structured English immersion approach.  After one year of this approach, they were able to speak and read English fluently and do well in other subjects.  Most of my friends and family members also went to Polish school were they were able to keep up their native language skills, but those classes were either on week nights or weekends.  After reading the counterpoint that the students’ native language should be maintained (dual-language instruction) I feel torn between both methods.  I do see benefits of both methods, but with so many different languages in the United States, I do not know if this method can be executed for all students.  For this reason I feel that Woolfolk is correct when stating “A combination of clarity of learning goals and direct instruction in needed skills seem to be effective and includes learning strategies and tactics, teacher or peer guided practice leading to independent practice, authentic and engaging tasks, opportunities for interaction and conversation that are academically focused, and warm encouragement from the teacher” (p 203).  One of my goals after becoming an Elementary Education teacher would be to further my education and become an ELL teacher.  I feel that learning all viewpoints will help me better relate to all my students. 

Finally, I felt Chapter 8 was very enlightening because I never understood how memory worked or connected to past knowledge and experiences.  The tips on reaching all students with Mnemonics to start, and the importance of “connecting to what the students already know…and deep processing” (p331) will help me become a better teacher.