Savannah Griffith Course 2 Blog Post 1

Chapter 2:

While reading chapter two, in table 2.1, I found it interesting how the authors stated that, "human brains are as unique as faces." This statement rings true throughout my classes. I am amazed at the different personalities, likes, dislikes, and everything in between that my students embody. My eight grade students are studying self-portraits and I explained to them how there is nobody in the world just like them. This chapter helped me understand how I must truly view my students as more than a group but as uniquely different minds and thoughts.

  Of all the five W's I would have to say that WHO I teach is by far the most important to me. I teach at a title one, primarily minority school. Many of these children come from difficult home lives, where some do not know when their next meal will be. I try to remember this at all times. Even when they are driving me crazy!

Chapter 3:

          If I could change my classroom to better gear it towards PBL I would first want a bigger classroom. I know most think my classroom is already very big compared to most but it would be nice to divide the room into large sections or centers to encourage student choice. I also would like some individual seating for students, because right now I only have large tables. It does work well for student collaboration, however some students may choose to work alone on certain steps and want their own space. I would like to have a reading/ research area that students could truly invest time in and have discovery on their own. I feel that if my classroom had space to walk around students would be less likely to wander around the room. I feel that these things would enhance the learning environment for students! I want to focus my learning environment, teaching, etc. around the best interests for my students! I truly enjoyed reading this chapter and reinforcing what I have learned so far in this course!