Best Practices

Math Methods Research Assignment

Best Practices: Education

Resources Found:
http://www.nami.org/Template.cfm?Section=schools_and_education&template=/ContentManagement/ContentDisplay.cfm&ContentID=47652

http://ozpk.tripod.com/00best

http://www.ctserc.org/s/index.php?option=com_content&view=section&id=8&Itemid=28

A closer closer look at the last link:   9 Steps
1. Clear and Common Focus
2. High Standards and Expectations
3. Strong Leadership
4. Supportive, Personalized, and Relevant Learning
5. Parent/Community Involvement
6. Monitoring, Accountability, and Assessment
7. Curriculum and Instruction
8. Professional Development
9. Time and Structure

Best Practices: Instruction

Resources Found:
http://www.saskschools.ca/~bestpractice/index.html

http://www.utexas.edu/academic/ctl/assessment/iar/teaching/plan/why-practices.pdf

http://www.ttms.org/best_practice/best_practice.htm

A closer look at the last link:    4 Ideals
1. Teaching practice can be defined
2. Some practices are better than others
3. Practice cannot be separated from theory
4. Best Practice is always getting better

Reflection

While researching this topic, I found that it was very difficult to separate both "education" and "instruction." The articles I found were all very similar in content, but differed only in language and what they listed. The goal of all was to become a better - more effective- teacher. I think that it is important for each and every one of us to really develop our own sense of who we are as a person and as a teacher, and use that (coupled with our knowledge of other practices) to develop our own unique style that works best for us. There were some practices I read, for example, that focused heavily on the use of technology, while there were others that spoke out against technology as the main tool. I personally know that I do not get along well with technology (for lack of a better way to state that) and know that while I will use it merely as a tool to aid my instruction. I do not and will not make it my primary form of teaching, as for my personal style, I know my instruction and teaching would suffer. Others, however, might do better with the aid and guidance that having technology may provide.

All in all, I think that the "best practice" in both education and instruction revolves around the idea that we must constantly adapt and change our methods through time as they will evolve based on you as a teacher, your students and their needs, and the subject matter and goals from which you are teaching.

About Me

Well goodness, I never know what to write about myself...
So here goes nothing!

I am nerd at heart and probably one of the most spontaneous people you will meet. I love to experience new things and go on crazy adventures, so I never know where I am going to be next. One second I am here, the next I could be jumping out of a plane, on the back of a motorcycle, or perhaps simply driving to the coast just to lay and read a book, run through the water, and throw a ball for my dog Tucker. Though extra slobbery, this highly energetic, 70lb, four-legged companion continues to share in my excitement and experiences in life. It is also not an uncommon occurrence to find me at home listening to jazz, sipping on a glass of red wine, throwing paint on canvas (or doing some other art project I have my mind set on at the moment). Life is just too short not to enjoy as much of it as you can!

I hope to use my creativity and passion of learning to become an excellent elementary/middle school teacher. While elementary is my primary focus in this MAT program, I am also pursuing my certification in both middle school math and health, as well as obtaining my reading endorsement. I think that really enjoying what you do is important not only for your own well-being, but for your students as well. I hope that I am able to use my energy and enthusiasm to instill a love of learning in my students.