Social Bookmarking

1. After checking out the National Archives website there are several great features that stand out. I chose to visit the Watergate Files archive, which is not only packed with information but also includes primary sources. The site provides the viewer with access to the trial manuscripts, tapes, and even pictures of the various evidences used against President Nixon. Primary resources are so important to use in a classroom because it allows the student to get the true facts about a historical event, and investigate and research it for him or herself.
2. After looking at the ways to become a culturally competent educator several stand out as things I would want to do as a teacher. The first is to assemble staff meetings to discuss cultural diversity, attitudes, and beliefs. It is crucial as a teacher to work in an environment that is supportive of cultural diversity in order to best teach your students. I also like the idea of collecting culturally diverse resources that relate to the students and can be used by the school staff. Often a student and teacher are not relating because of a cultural gap, which can be bridged by materials or activities taught by the teacher to show understanding of the students culture. Finally, I think using “natural helpers” is a great idea in learning about various cultural groups in the school population. A person that lives in the community and understands the beliefs, practices, and attitudes of a particular cultural group can be a valuable resource tool for teachers.
3. I found a Christian based website about Big Idea Productions, which is popular because of Veggie Tales. The site content’s reading level is 3rd-6th grade.
4. In Kathy Schrock’s guide for educators I focused on the critical evaluation surveys. The surveys are a compilation of elementary, middle school, and high school surveys that allow teachers to survey their students in order to see how well they know a subject or technological area. I think this would be very helpful for teachers because it would allow them to find the students who have knowledge in a particular subject area, and use them to help teach the other students.
5. On the multiple intelligences website under the “why” section I thought the “Listening to Teach” information was very interesting and helpful. When I think of listening I always think of the students listening to the teacher in order to learn. However, this section suggests that the teacher listen to the students in order to learn about the class as a whole and the individuals. It’s important for the teacher to listen to get to know each student, to understand the rhythm of the classroom, the cultural and socio conversation of the classroom, and the acts of silencing by the students. These listening tools will help the teacher better serve the students because the instructor will better know their pupils.
6. http://www.tolerance.org/teach/activities/sidebar.jsp?p=0&si=21 My lesson is geared towards the upper level grades and is designed to help students understand the different cultures and commonalities amongst their peers. The lesson includes a worksheet on which students will fill out questions in one sentence or phrase a description about their beliefs, attitudes, and preferences. The students will then break into small groups and discuss the differences they possess and talk about why that person believes the way they do. In doing this students will find differences and commonalities within their groups, and realize there are many cultures within only their classroom. After the small groups get the students to attempt to define “American Culture.” Ask the students if American culture only consists of “American” ideals or are there other cultures mixed in? The purpose of this lesson is to help the students recognize, respect, and appreciate their peer’s beliefs and cultures.
7. Wow! I only got four right out of all fifteen… that’s embarrassing! One question that stood out to me was about the children who were maltreated the most out of the top 23 wealthiest countries in the world. The answer was the U.S. and the U.K., which shocked me! I would like to know why and how this is possible, and what the qualifications are for maltreatment. Another question that interested me was the one about the average U.S. workers annual salary in comparison to a CEO. The average U.S. worker’s annual salary is equivalent to the daily salary of a CEO! Not only was I surprised, but saddened at this fact.
8. Netiquette Quiz Score: 100% Teaching students about netiquette is very IMPORTANT :-@! Students need to understand that just because no one can see them they are still responsible for the person they personify through their writing. There are so many ways a person can offend others online without doing it on purpose. By educating students using netiquette it will help eliminate and appropriate student behavior in virtual environments.