Tuesday, November 29, 2011
Module 5 - Final Thoughts
We discussed many different aspects of the Effective Classroom this semester. Please give me some constructive feedback regarding the organization of this course in Blackboard, the usefulness of the assignments, and your overall thoughts on the course. (good or bad) This helps me to make adjustments to the course in order to improve. Thank you. Remember that other students will be able to see your post so if you have information that you want to be kept confidential, please email me. Thanks, Splichal
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
I enjoyed this course: Effective Classroom, the books assigned for this course help me to visualize the ideas on how to best arrange the classroom to how to become a teacher-leader. Its been a good course, I learned that is important to be a teacher who constantly learns be a professional educator. The assignments/modules helped me reflect and visualize how my future classroom will be, be prepared, the rules, routines, safe environment, lesson plans, discipline policies, explanation to students, activities, grade record book...and many other plans ...
ReplyDeleteI learned a lot in this course about using objectives and creating assignments to fit those objectives, to being consistent in the classroom,and having procedures and policies in place. But most importantly, I learned that you need to have a love and compassion for you students and have high expectations for them in order for them and you to really succeed. I really enjoyed reading "The First Days of School" and I intend to read it again. For any of those that may not have watched the DVD in the back of the book, I would strongly suggest it, it is tremendous! I look forward to taking information I learned in this course, keeping it with me for future reference, and implementing it when I get to that point.
ReplyDeleteI enjoyed this course a lot. I feel that I have learned more from this class than any of the other classes I am in this semester. I learned the importance of a discipline policy, and how important it is to be consistent with the students. I enjoyed the First Days of School textbook, and I intend to keep it handy throughout the rest of my classes and my student teaching. The blogging was fun, but I really enjoy the discussion boards more. The discussion boards seem to be a little bit more organized, and it was easier for me to keep track of what I had read. My favorite part about this class was that the assignments were all posted so if I had wanted to work ahead, I could. Some teachers will not do that, but I really like it when teachers do that.
ReplyDeleteI have enjoyed this class to the max. It has given me a great deal of tools that I was lacking. I feel that my confidence to be a teacher has improved and I am ready to start teaching. This class has provided me the information to not only be a teacher but an effective teacher. This was my first time taking online classes and would like to suggest that new students take the tutorials several times to understand the works of the online procedures. I found the class schedule after many weeks and realized a module was not due in one week. I agree that it was my fault but student would benefit from being directed to that information a second time. Needless to say, I was ahead of schedule until module 5. I want to thank Mr. Splichal for all the patience and dedication to answering all my questions. I would classify him as an effective teacher.
ReplyDeleteNorayma-I could not have explained it better on your thought of visualizing the classroom. This semester was all I could do seeing how I am going perform as a teacher, what my goals are, and putting the different ideas to work.
ReplyDeleteTEEL 340 and the text that went along with it was extremely helpful! I learned everything from dealing with disruptive students to planning classroom rules. I feel like this class really helped prepare me for my future classroom, and the management of running a class smoothly. The assignments within the modules helped to get my thoughts organized and really made me think about my future classroom. I learned a little more about the kind of teacher I want to be, how I want to set up my classroom, and what I want myself and my students to get out of my class.
ReplyDeleteI enjoyed this class and the books that accompanied the class. I've had classes where the books did nothing to enhance the class and that was not the case in this course.
ReplyDeleteI like how the modules are broken down into assignments, one due date per module and I love how they are meaningful and useful to what we will one be doing in the classroom.I prefer the discussion boards over blogging because it's easier to keep track of conversations.
I'm student teaching next semester and I've had the chance to already observe my cooperating teacher. She uses so many of the suggestions from Wong and Wong - I love seeing what we have been reading about put into practice!
This class has to be one of the top classes that I have taken at Fort Hays!! I love how this is broken down into modules and how you have all of the information at the beginning of the class if you choose to work ahead. I will have to say that I am not a big fan of this blogging. I feel that it is a little overwhelming for me sometimes to try and read everyone's comments and try to respond to a few of them. I do love the Discussion board I feel that this is more organized and a lot easier to read! Also the feedback from the teachers is amazing! When I have emailed the teachers (which has been quite a few times ;) ) They respond back in a few days. This is good, I have waited for weeks in other classes. I will say that this class is one that I will NEVER forget I have learned many new things and am looking forward to using them. Thank You!!!!
ReplyDeleteI have definitely loved this class. I had to explain why I wanted to take this class so early in the program-I am a full-time para and really needed this class.
ReplyDeleteI thought that the assignments are something that I am going to keep looking at throughout my teaching career. I really have not dreaded doing the assignments. I loved the text books also. Wong's book is something I am going to go over very thoroughly and put together a notebook of things that I want to establish in my classroom.
The only complaint that I have about the blogging is that it is hard to reply to just one post....and that you have to remember where you left off reading. I did like the blogging though. It is something different.
I learned a lot of important information and have really enjoyed taking this class. I hope that the rest of my classes are as fun as this one was for me!!
Like several of my classmates I liked the books that were assigned to this class. It helped me really see things. I loved how they were broken down and they were all related topics from each book combined so we can better understand things. I did enjoy the blogging. I think I may have liked it more than the blackboard discussion boards. This class was fantastic and I learned a great amount that will be great to use in the class
ReplyDeleteThis class has opened my eyes. I really liked the books, they have been the most helpful to me and I plan to keep them on my desk when I start teaching. I also truly loved how the assignments were due after a few weeks of being assigned, I did not feel rushed or had to speed read just to complete the assignments, this made it more enjoyable and I was able to actually learn and practice some of the tools.
ReplyDeleteI wish I would have posted earlier... I feel like I'm repeating what everyone else has said! I loved this class and the flexibility to work at your own pace. I am taking 13 hours and work full time, some classes had one or more assignments due every week, so it was really nice to be able to sit down and plan out when to do what and not have to stay up until 4am getting work done! I cannot express how grateful I am for that! I loved the textbooks and how it was so thorough! There were always things I wondered about like, how will I manage conflict, what all do you need to set up a class for the first time,etc. I feel confident and at ease (at least for now) that I will be more prepared to handle a classroom. I also believe there are sections of this book that make you really evaluate yourself too! On more than one occasion I had to really think about the questions in the text or assignments, and think is that me? Whether it was a good thing or a bad thing it made me think deeper about the issue and how it would affect teaching to me. I think after this course people would either be affirmed they want to be a teacher ( and have what it takes to be an effective one) or not. I personally like the blogs more than the discussion board. The discussion board at least to me had too many leads to keep up with. The blog is a nice and orderly way to read comments without clicking into someones post and then their comments and then back out to the main DB screen.
ReplyDeleteThis is not my first online course, but it is the first that has had a blog to read and post on. I am used to the format of Discussion Boards, but I like the idea of getting used to a blog. I think more and more blogs are being used and we need to progress with them. I have liked the comments that people have put on the blog as well. If I had my choice, I would stick with Discussion Boards, but blogging stretches me!
ReplyDeleteThis is also the first class I have taken that has separated assignments into Modules, and I really like that format. I was able to print out everything for each Module, and carry just that work with me. That format made it easier for me to see what assignments were coming up, and it also created a better connection for me between the reading assignments.
Of the 2 books for this course, I liked the Wongs' book the best. The textbook is laid out in a way that is easy to follow and emphasizes key elements of being an effective teacher.
And lastly, I agree with others that have posted this -- the included DVD is well worth the time to watch!
I have learned a ton this semester in this class. I feel that the modules were extremely helpful, along with the books that accompanied it. I am filing these modules with all my other projects that I will find truly useful when the day comes for me to have my first classroom. I feel that I have a great start on how to set up my room, setting up a discipline policy, and the kind of teacher I want to be.
ReplyDeleteI agree with Amanda on the part with the discussion board being easier to read and easier to use than the blogging. However, I have never blogged before now, so I learned a new technique as well.
Even though my road is not going to lead to teaching, I have found this subject to be quit an eye opener. Many people believe that teaching is a gift, that only a certain kind of person can do it. I would have to agree with them. The way this class is structured allows you to be successful. Very easy to follow instructions for assignments and quizzes. There is ample time between modules to get homework done. I have enjoyed this class and want to thank you.
ReplyDelete@Everyone:
ReplyDeleteIt has been a pleasure taking this class with each of you and wish you much success in your endeavors.
I've really enjoyed this class! First of all, I love the module set-up with due dates posted for the end of the modules. It's very evident how beneficial the text books will be for our future classrooms and teaching. I love the First Days of School text; I especially liked the Classroom Management unit. I also took Reading & Language Arts Methods and Internships 2; my internships class uses many of Wongs procedures and suggestions. I can tell this class material is going to be so valuable. I also really appreciated Mr. Splichal's prompt replies to emails along with other helpful communication regarding the class and feedback on assignments. I do like the informality of the blogs, as well as the opportunity to read some great thoughts, comments, and ideas, but I agree with another blog, that it is difficult at times to read all of them. I'm new to blogging, so I overall, I did enjoy it. The Effective Classroom is definitely a favorite for me! I feel like I have learned some very effective ways to be an impact teacher starting on the very first day of school!
ReplyDeleteI really enjoyed this class. It has been one of the first classes that I think really prepares you on becoming a teacher. Working on module assignments were beneficial because they were assignments that we will actually do when we become a teacher. I also liked how the module was set up. It was different assignments instead of a class based on doing the same thing throughout the semester. Another positive thing about this course was the Blog. I liked a blog rather than a DB. With a DB teachers force you to reply to others which sometimes I do not give effective feedback. This happens because I do not know what to say to others. Anyways I enjoyed the course. I think it really opened my eyes on what to expect when I become a teacher. I thought the book choice was great. I rented Wong book, however, I am going to buy it before I am a teacher. It really helped me see how to be an effective teacher. All in All this was my favorite class. I liked the set up, and material covered.
ReplyDeleteI really liked this course. The text was easy to read and understand and the assignments were related to what we read and discussed throughout the week. The assignments were also useful and definitely documents that I will reflect back on in the future when planning my classroom. I also liked the blogging rather than discussion board, it was less restrictive and I actually posted because I wanted to and was interested in reading everyone's posts rather than just posting the minimum about something that I had to in a discussion board. I do also have to agree with some previous posts, I felt like any time I had a concern I got a very prompt and useful reply. Thank you!
ReplyDeleteOk, I’ll be the black sheep. Honestly, this was not my favorite class. I’ve been pondering it for several days after reading the first comments about how everyone has loved the class. I think maybe it’s because I work as a substitute teacher and live and breathe this stuff a lot that I already understand the necessity and practice many of these methods. I did like the Wong book. I like the way that they are addressing some of the traditional methods we are still using in education that really need to be changed. My personal favorite is giving worksheets to fill time. It drives me crazy, and the students too, to hand out yet another worksheet. We, as teachers, need to think about the educational value of everything we do.
ReplyDeleteAs far as assignments, I do like the 3-4 week window to get the assignments done. It made it easier to juggle around other class work. I did like the objective and lesson assignment. It really helped me think about challenging my students with higher thought activities and how to write objectives to get there. It was hard at that upper level to figure out how to make it measurable. I finally asked some teachers I work with for guidance. I guess that is what I miss about a physical vs. online class is that questioning and clarification interaction that occurs face to face, but online classes are what they are and you cannot fix that aspect. I would have liked a little more personal feedback than the mass email, just to understand what was good or bad on my assignment and learn from it. I also would have found a rubric helpful on the assignments to help know as I was doing the assignment whether I was on the right track. One of my other classes uses them and it really does clear up the gray area.
I think that with on-line classes no matter what you do, communication is the hardest part. I found the blogging just one more thing to figure out and keep track of, but it was more of a discussion than the discussion board. I am not sure what the magic answer is there. I think it is just hard to create a “classroom” environment online.
I have to agree with Ellen on some aspects - I work as a para-educator and have substituted prior to that having 10 years experience in the classroom. Some of the discussions were definitely designed for the "newbie" but I realize that I am the exception not the rule for the average college student. I really liked the Module set-up, allowing me to do the assignments at my pace when I had time, rather than weekly when I may not be able to do my best when juggling my work, coaching, volunteering and mothering. I have had other classes where we had on-line classes at specific times which did give us the face-to-face we don't necessarily get taking courses online, however, scheduling was often times a nightmare. Overall I enjoyed this class, especially the Wong text and the Module set-up.
ReplyDeleteI really enjoyed this course. I really liked how all of the assignments were preparing me to be a teacher. I enjoyed writing my discipline policy and my expectations for my classroom. All of these things will help me when I am a teacher. I also really liked how the class was laid out how assignments were due a few weeks apart, as a full time working mom it made it possible to succeed in this class and do a good job.
ReplyDeleteI have to say I truly enjoyed this class. I love the way the modules were designed and that we could access them anytime so that we could work ahead if we had the opportunity. I love the text books that went along with this class. They will be by my side when I start teaching. I do agree with Amanda that I prefer the discussion board to blogging. The discussion board makes it easier to respond to others in the discussion.
ReplyDeleteI liked this class and the book by Wong was very useful. The way the modules were set up worked well. I liked the fact that we were given all assignments and a lengthy amount of time to do them. I didn't mind the discussion board but feel the blogging is double work. Overall this class was helpful and a positive experience.
ReplyDeleteI really enjoyed this class. I my ultimate goal is to be a Special Ed Teacher. This class really help me realize that I want to be a teacher more now then I have ever done in the past. I have subbed in school for years but this class really opened my eyes about a lot of things. I now know why classrooms are set up the way they are. This class also helped me understand why the teachers don't have "fun" on the first day of school. My girls entered Kindergarten this year and when I walked them in to the classroom I thought to myself man their teacher seems grouchy today. Then I started this class and now I know why she was doing what she was doing. She was starting the first day with good management and teaching them the discipline policy. So, like I said I really enjoyed this class and hope to take more from you in the future.
ReplyDeleteI really enjoyed this class. The assignments were great in my opinion. I enjoyed doing them because they seemed to be realistic as well as things that other classes do not cover. An example is this modules discipline policy. I had never really thought of exactly what I would do for this but this assignment made me sit down and think. I feel like all of them were this way and they really helped me think about teaching rather than just whats the task and how do I complete it to get an A on it. I really wish more classes had assignments such as this one.
ReplyDeleteI really enjoyed the course and the assignments. I thought the assignments covered alot of material and gave me a good foundation for building a discipline plan in my classroom. I also really enjoyed the First Days of School book. That is definitely a book I will keep with me. The last thing I really liked was the setup of the course with stuff being due every couple of weeks. This way I knew when stuff was due and could schedule my other classwork around so I had time to work on this class.
ReplyDeleteI agree with Ellen about the feedback and I didn't think about that before reading her post. But, that is partly my fault too because I could/should have communicated when I wasn't sure what I did wrong or why the points were docked. Communication works two ways and I wish I had asked more questions after the assignments were graded. I would love personal feedback on things I could improve on if I were taking this course again.
ReplyDeleteI found this course and the work to be very easy, effective, and important to future educators. There were many things that I had known going into this course due to the fact that I have worked in a school for 5 years, but there were many things that I found to be new to me. I don't see any improvements that need to be made to this course.
ReplyDeleteI really enjoyed this class. It was very informatative and I loved the books. I especially like coming up with assignments and plicies and my expectations. I know that they may change by the time I become a teacher, but it was a good start for me.
ReplyDeleteThe one thing that was hard for me was remembering to come to this blogging and post. I would forget every now and then especially in the middle of the semester. But I also really enjoyed the blogging, seeing what other peoples thoughts were on certain things.
This is probably my favorite education class I have taken.
I really enjoyed the class. I love how the modules were broken down. Each section is so beneficial for learning one topic at a time. I think the assignments helped me to research and understand fully what I needed to learn. I think continuing to get educated yourself will improve your confidence and knowledge for having your own successful classroom.
ReplyDeleteI thoroughly enjoyed this course. I gained valuable information from both of our textbooks; however, The First Days of School is the book I will constantly reference after I begin teaching. The lessons we were assigned to complete were also beneficial. The instructions were clear, stated the objectives of the lesson, and what we were to accomplish and learn.
ReplyDeleteThe instructions and assignments that one of my other virtual instructors at Ft. Hays posted each week this semester were so confusing and hard to follow, that I often spent more time trying to figure out what I was supposed to do, than the time it took to complete the assignment. I found this almost amusing at times because a lot of the assignments had to do with learning how to make assignments clear and understandable for our future students. Dealing with unclear and confusing instructions was still somewhat beneficial as it taught me what I do NOT want to do in the future. It also made me aware of how much I appreciated the instructions for this class and I will use the instructions for assignments from this class as examples in my future teaching career.
I also liked how the Modules were assigned and that we had several weeks to complete the multiple assignments instead of having assignments due each week. A lot of virtual students are non-traditional students and having a longer period of time to complete the assignments when our schedules allowed was definitely a welcome change. I also appreciated your quick response to every email I sent to you via Scatcat webmail. Unfortunately, this was not the case with all the virtual instructors I had at Ft. Hays this semester.
The way you organized Blackboard for this class was easy to follow and easy to use. One suggestion I have is that all instructors follow the same format on Blackboard. The format of one instructor had information scattered in various places. It not only was confusing, but it also took valuable time to find everything. In addition, it was easy to miss something I needed to read. I would like to see all the virtual instructors organize and structure their Blackboard in the same format used for this class.
The only thing I would have liked to be different in this course was doing the blogging. I repeatedly had trouble using it and getting my comments to post. I learned the hard way to write all my comments in a word document and then copying and pasting them to the blog site because on several occasions, the comments I typed directly on the blog site were lost when it would not post correctly. If I am lucky enough to have you as an instructor in the future, I would prefer using the Discussion Board on Blackboard Learn.
Thanks for a great semester!
Dear Professor Splichal
ReplyDeleteOverall the course was very well organized. I am a little scatter brained and sometimes I'd have to do some digging to make sure I knew what assignments were due. Usually going back to the sixteen week document or the grade book convinced me I knew what all had to be done.
If I could make any change it would be a weekly statement of assignments in the announcements, i.e. Mod 3 asgn 1 & 2, blog, etc. so that there was one place we could find all our responsibilities without having to check everywhere. That is just my ADHD request. I know its my responsibility.
You comported yourself in a professional and considerate manner in all things. I only hope I can exhibit the same qualities when I am teaching. Thanks for everything and have a wonderful holiday.