Twelve and Thirteen

Twelve: How has Technology Changed Teaching and Learning?

In this modern day and age, technological advancement remains a norm in society. For example, a couple years back downloading music for free (piracy) and possessing mp3 players and i-pods replaced the simple act of purchasing a full-length CD album at the record store. Sure, it's a reflection of the worldwide economic decline, and the average consumer's desire to save money. However, it also serves as a strong indication that technology is continually developing and constantly changing.

In the modern American classroom, many tech tools are being utilized and incorporated into the student's learning environment to better enhance the student's learning experiences. For example, many teachers on Guam are using FREE on-line grade books that help them keep track of their students' grades and attendance from the computer. Students are also able to check their grades regularly if they have access to a computer and internet. Sadly, our public school system almost never provides out students with modern tech tools such as computers in the classroom.

In the U.S., however, a variety of tech tools are being utilized in the classroom. Many educators, including the professors in the School of Education at the University of Guam, require students to maintain blogs (blogger.com) and upload major assignments onto live text (www.livetext.com). Another nifty tool are interactive whiteboards, which are digital wall panels that are connected to computers that respond to the touch of a wireless pointer or pen. On Guam, there's alot of hoopla surrounding smart phones. Here on Guam, Blackberry smart phones are all the craze. With these smart phones, you are able to receive and send e-mails, text messages, and instant messages right from the phone.

There is a variety of tech tools that you can incorporate in the classroom, but on Guam, that can be an ever challenging feat. I wish our government had money to invest in computers and overhead projectors as well as digital textbooks. For years, political forums have always focused on education, yet we continue to see a decline in support on educational matters. As teachers, we keep waiting. Waiting for this government to change.


Thirteen: How Can You Survive and Grow in Your First Year?

Your first year of teaching is the year you learn the ropes, while the next three to five years are spent refining methods and strategies in the classroom. As an emergency-certified teacher during my first year of teaching, I have to admit that I learned everything on my own. Sure, I asked for help at certain times, but I really felt like I was on my own when it came to figuring things out. Luckily, I pick up things fast. The disadvantage of my situation was that I wasn't prepared to teach. I never took any education courses. My bachelor's degree was enough to get me a job.

Fortunately, I got a teaching position at George Washington High School, which is my high school alma mater. On my second year, I was fortunate to secure a position again at George Washington High School, which is where I intend to teach after I am fully certified. I'm praying and hoping that I will be fully certified by this December.

The last two years have been a great learning experience. I am glad that I went this route. It has made my certification courses easier in a way because I've experienced it all first hand. I know I've done thing wrong in the past, and I am often burdened by the feeling of not giving it my all, but I definitely feel more wiser, more knowledgeable in the teaching profession. I'm giving myself two more years to become a truly excellent, a truly amazing teacher in the classroom.

Wish me luck!

Ten and Eleven

Chapter Ten: How do Teachers and Schools Assess and Report Student Achievement?

When the topic of assessment comes up in everyday conversation, most quick are to assume that the only way to measure student achievement as well as student performance is by administering tests and quizzes in the classroom. As a teacher, how should you measure student progress? In the school setting, there are two basic approaches in measuring student progress. There is the norm-referenced approach, often called "grading on the curve." With this approach, each student's achievement is compared to every other student's achievement in the class. In contrast, there's the criterion-referenced approach, where each student's performance is compared to his or her performance on the school's standards.

For a teacher, the implementation of assessment in classroom curriculum is essential. There are several types of assessments that teachers can implement in the classroom. There are paper-pencil closed tasks (multiple choice, true-false items), paper-pencil open tasks (essays), informal assessments, performance-based assessment tasks (group projects, labs), and self-assessment or reflection. Teacher assessment is crucial as well. As teachers, we want to make sure that what we teach and how we teach is effective in the classroom setting.

INTASC Standard 3 and 8


Chapter Eleven: What will Influence Curriculum in the Twenty-First Century?

There are several factors that will contribute to the changes we see in the modern classroom. Of course, educational reform is here to stay. The most recent example would be the No Child Left Behind Act of 2001, which aims to close the gaps between Proficient English language speakers and non-English speakers, and improving standardized test scores on reading, writing, and mathematics. These subjects will continue to be the more concentrated subjects in school curriculum.

In the U.S., standardized testing is more likely to continue as a means to assess student achievement. In Guam, many feel that standardized tests DO NOT accurately measure student knowledge and student performance since our curriculum and standards are different from those of U.S. states. With a lack of funding and shortages in educational materials and resources, it is impossible for Guam to measure up to the standards set by other states. That is where accountability comes into play. Since the NCLB Act of 2001, school and teacher accountability is all the rage. In a way, it does make sense to hold teachers and schools responsible for their child's education, but support from the parents and the community can further the enhancement of a child's educational career.

INTASC Standard 3 and 4