First, I will be observing a traditional classroom (my Integrated Science class) to look at the traditional learning environment in a classroom then I will be going to the University of Pittsburgh at Johnstown International festival to see a unique learning environment. While there, I will be looking for how people approach one another in the setting, how questions are asked, and the differences/similarities between the two educational settings. Finally, I am seeking to find how the educational process and approach differs and is similar between the two settings.
Observation 1: Integrated Science Classroom in Biddle My first observation took place in Biddle 152 at the University of Pittsburgh at Johnstown at 11:00-11:50. Students were seated …show more content…
As stated by Stephen Krashen, students see through what is known as an affective filter, meaning their culture shapes how they view the world. Making these considerations could mean the difference from students being totally lost because of an example that does not fit their culture to helping relate a topic into the understanding of culturally and linguistically diverse students. Culture may also lead to particular learning styles and preferences as well, so taking these into consideration could lead to better understanding of my students and more effective teaching. I think sometimes there can exist a cultural mismatch between myself as an educator and my students. I think it may stem from having a unique background compared to some of the students that I will teach. I may not come from the same geographic location (as I plan to get my ELL certification) or population density (as I am also interested in teaching intercity youth and come from a rural background) or socioeconomic situation or religion or political stance as my students. Because of these differences, it is my duty to bridge the gap, celebrate diversity, and often keep my own beliefs or preferences silent as to not alienate any of my students. It is my duty to make my classroom a safe space for students to feel comfortable, which often times means keeping my own opinions to a minimum and only teach material. In addition, I must …show more content…
All of these molds together to form the lens in which I see the world. My perception did not really change although I did more visibly see two differing learning environments. I was able to see that both styles being taught by students themselves can provide as much information and experience as can the traditional classroom setting. In addition, I learned that presentation of material can be vastly different but equally as effective. Finally, I was able to see direct and indirect learning, which are both perfectly valid, equal ways of acquiring information. The biggest similarity was the emphasize on education as both environments were focused upon creating holistic understanding of the presented topics. The biggest difference was how the material was presented. Instead of one teacher, the International festival had many, who were not scholars in a field, but people a part of the culture. In the Cambria room, there were about fifteen presenters who shared cultural information. This will shape my cultural lens by helping me to be more open about various learning styles. It will help me to embrace new learning techniques and to maybe even facilitate a “fair” within my own classroom as to have the students teach and as questions of one another. It was an engaging, active way to present material that allows students to approach
Observation 1: Integrated Science Classroom in Biddle My first observation took place in Biddle 152 at the University of Pittsburgh at Johnstown at 11:00-11:50. Students were seated …show more content…
As stated by Stephen Krashen, students see through what is known as an affective filter, meaning their culture shapes how they view the world. Making these considerations could mean the difference from students being totally lost because of an example that does not fit their culture to helping relate a topic into the understanding of culturally and linguistically diverse students. Culture may also lead to particular learning styles and preferences as well, so taking these into consideration could lead to better understanding of my students and more effective teaching. I think sometimes there can exist a cultural mismatch between myself as an educator and my students. I think it may stem from having a unique background compared to some of the students that I will teach. I may not come from the same geographic location (as I plan to get my ELL certification) or population density (as I am also interested in teaching intercity youth and come from a rural background) or socioeconomic situation or religion or political stance as my students. Because of these differences, it is my duty to bridge the gap, celebrate diversity, and often keep my own beliefs or preferences silent as to not alienate any of my students. It is my duty to make my classroom a safe space for students to feel comfortable, which often times means keeping my own opinions to a minimum and only teach material. In addition, I must …show more content…
All of these molds together to form the lens in which I see the world. My perception did not really change although I did more visibly see two differing learning environments. I was able to see that both styles being taught by students themselves can provide as much information and experience as can the traditional classroom setting. In addition, I learned that presentation of material can be vastly different but equally as effective. Finally, I was able to see direct and indirect learning, which are both perfectly valid, equal ways of acquiring information. The biggest similarity was the emphasize on education as both environments were focused upon creating holistic understanding of the presented topics. The biggest difference was how the material was presented. Instead of one teacher, the International festival had many, who were not scholars in a field, but people a part of the culture. In the Cambria room, there were about fifteen presenters who shared cultural information. This will shape my cultural lens by helping me to be more open about various learning styles. It will help me to embrace new learning techniques and to maybe even facilitate a “fair” within my own classroom as to have the students teach and as questions of one another. It was an engaging, active way to present material that allows students to approach