Lesson 1 Response

After watching the videos on brain architecture, plasticity, and understanding the impact of the environment on a child, how does this information impact you as a teacher?


As a teacher, I think that these videos on brain architecture, plasticity, and understanding really have a strong effect.  I feel that sometimes, I may not offer the most nurturing environment.  I do my best to encourage students; however, I believe at times that the students give me attitude.  Rather than taking it as something that they cause, I may need to think about how I can give the students a nurturing environment.  Also, at times, there is a lot of talking amongst students.  Potentially, maybe I am not creating enough of a learning environment.  At the same time, I find it difficult to design interesting and unique lessons, especially when it comes to college algebra and advanced algebra 2.

I am going to do my best to focus on fostering learning, and I am going to do my best to create a culture of learning within my classroom.  Rather than being frustrated with the students, perhaps I can ask them how we can make class more interesting and cultivate a culture of learning.  However, I will have to take their suggestions with a grain of salt.  Also, I need to better figure out what battles to fight, in regards to classroom management.

I believe that my biggest goal will continue to be that I would engage the students each day.  While this goal is big, I need to show the students that I care.  Also, I need to get all the support I can in teaching.  I am going to do my best to structurally help build the students' understanding as I "build a house" of learning.  I did not realize that students still have a long way to go before reaching full adulthood.  That helps me realize why even 17 year-old students are still kids, in a certain way.  Also, I believe that many of my students did not have a pleasant environment growing up, which creates difficulty for when they come to college algebra.  I am going to do my best to develop trust with them, as well as confidence.