EDU 100 : Developing our teacher identity involves constantly broadening our understanding of our historical, sociological and philosophical knowledge. By doing this we can provide a safe, nurturing, successful learning environment for the children.
von Rebecca Krampl
1. Personal experience: I went to the Royal Alberta Museum and I went and viewed the Aboriginal exhibit. It provided a lot of information on Aboriginal history and explained residential schools in Alberta and their locations.
2. Philosophical perspective
2.1. Classroom management chart by Levin: This chart can be used as a tool to help us identify how to manage a classroom efficiently whether it be the teacher running the entire classroom, a collaboration between teachers and students or just students.
2.2. Class discussion on the Jim Keegstra case: During this class discussion we talked about where to draw the line of expressing your opinion to the students. My group had decided that delivering multiple perspectives in a situation is necessary in aiding a student form their own opinions.
2.3. Personal reflection assignment: In this assignment I mentioned the qualities that I possess that will contribute to my teaching and qualities that I believed would contribute to my success. My qualities that would bring me success are my positive attitude, background in linguistics/languages, and my enthusiasm,
2.4. For best behavioural management I believe a blend between Coloroso and Canter's approaches will be the best. Coloroso uses the "inner locus of control": one modifies their behaviour in the moment and the behavioural change stays with them outside the classroom. As for Canter, modification of behaviour only matters in the classroom and is rewarded for their behavioural modifications. Depending on the age group and situation, both approaches will be used.
2.5. Personal belief: When I become a teacher I hope to provide students with a caring, atmosphere where they will be accepted and have fun. By doing so they will succeed. Bullying, discrimination and prejudice will not be tolerated.
2.6. Guest Speaker Mark Yurick: This presentation discussed what is expected of teachers in the form of professionalism and responsibilities. Mark also talked about the ATA and how it supports teachers.
3. Historical perspective
3.1. Guest Lecturer Rob Wilson: The presentation focused on the history of eugenics in Alberta and how people were sterilized in Alberta because they were considered to have mental handicaps.
3.2. Guest speaker Dr, Frank Peters: The presentation consisted of the history of the Education and School Act and a history of the legislative frameworks in Alberta,
3.3. The reading "Where is Jim Keegstra?" by William Hare provides a history of the Jim Keegstra case. Jim Keegstra taught false facts and brainwashed his students into believing that Jewish people are terrible people and that they should not exist. This provided us with a historical example that some teachers take advantage of their position to do terrible things. By sharing this story, it makes us aware that it is possible and now we know how to avoid it.
4. The reading Alberta’s Action on Inclusion Transforming diversity into possibility by the Alberta's Teacher association talks about how the feeling of belonging contributes to a child's success, this especially goes for students with physical and mental disabilities. The inclusion act allows these students to be incorporated into standard classrooms where they can feel more normal and accepted.
4.1. Personal Connection : I'm very interested in inclusive teaching. At one time I used to babysit a girl with down syndrome and it was very interesting and fun. I'm hoping I will get to provide my inclusive students with the best care possible and help them succeed.
5. Sociological perspective
5.1. Guest Lecturer Melinda McNie: explained the issues LGBTQ students face like identity issues and bullying. She provided resources for us to help them and how to deal with these issues.
5.1.1. Personal Connection: I was really content with this lecture knowing now there are so many resources for the LGBTQ community. I wish there were these resources for some people I knew while I was in school, it would have made their lives a lot easier and tolerance amongst homophobic people would be greater.
5.2. The reading: Bullying and Homophobia in Canadian Schools: The Politics of Policies, Programs, and Educational Leadership By: Gerald Walton shows us how he has challenged other educators on how to deal with homophobic bullying and how to create a safe atmosphere for students.
5.3. Engaged inquiry class discussion with Rob Wilson: we discussed whether or not we thought eugenics were right or wrong and how it affected society.
5.4. The reading Racism: A Hidden Curriculum by G. Rata explains how racism is an issue that is still found in Canada and that our schools expand children's multicultural views. Expanding a child's understanding on all cultures can help to eradicate racism and discrimination.
5.4.1. Personal Connection: I strongly believe that using education can definitely help to defeat racism. I was comparing my education to that of my family's education and I noticed that some of my family holds racist views because they never experienced the education I did as a child or now.