I am going to discuss the video Big Ideas for
Better Schools, and the video was made by the Edutopia Team. Here is the link
for the video: http://www.edutopia.org/big-ideas-better-schools. The ten big
ideas that were displayed in the video could really help schools in a positive
way. The first idea that was presented was project based learning. The idea is
to have more projects in the classroom, and this is a way to get students more
involved. One teacher in the video said the students become more passionate
about a certain topic because of the projects. The second idea that was
presented was technology integration within the classrooms. Students could use
computers and other tools in the classroom. The third idea that was presented
was interpreted studies, and each subject can be connected in the classroom.
The fourth idea was cooperative learning, and that is pretty straightforward.
Teamwork among students needs to be displayed in the classroom. The next idea
was comprehensive assessment, so instead of testing other ways to assess
students needs to be placed in the classroom. Then the idea of emotional
intelligence was discussed. Teachers are to help students beyond the textbooks.
Teachers should help mold the confidences in each student, and also help
students with other emotions too. The seventh idea is teacher preparation, and
this idea does not just mean the teacher needs to work harder on lesson plans.
Input from others such as the principal or other teachers will help in many
ways. Teachers can continue to always learn more. The next idea is to get the
parents more involved. Parents becoming more involved in the classroom can help
with behavior among the students. The second to last idea was getting community
partners involved for field trips and other educational reasons. The last idea
was maximizing resources in the school so the needs of the entire school
community is met.
This video gave ideas that would help schools in many ways, and the
video then described how the ideas could help the schools. The video backs
their ideas up by showing the ideas in action in schools. After watching the
video, all my thoughts revolved around hoping the school I get a job in
implements these ideas into the school. These ideas are improvements that could
help schools become better within classrooms and the school community as a
whole. Personally for me as a future teacher, I want to display as many of the
ideas in my classroom as possible. Learning never stops and neither should
improving. I want my students to be passionate about learning, and I want my
students to always feel confident in and out of the classroom. Comprehensive
assessment was one of the two ideas that stood out to me because I am not the best
test taker. There were many times where if I could of been tested differently
then I think the anxiety would of have not been so severe. I want my students
to not be fearful either. The second idea that stood out to me was emotional
intelligence. My worst experiences as a student in school was when my teachers
were not invested in my well being. I must make a visible effort with every
student who is my classroom. I want to show compassion and also be personable.
I want my students to respect me, but I do not want my students to dread coming
to class. There has to be a medium among respect and control in the classroom.
I will never stop learning even after I become a teacher, and I hope to always
use these ideas throughout my career.
