Contextual Factors

Hello Girls...here's where I've been hanging out this week.

I'm really enjoying your posts here and just want to make a few comments about your last visit at the first school: In view of the fact that your contextual factors come from this environment, you may want to be extra observant of them since this will be your last look before you write your paper. Don't just count on stats you read in school report cards. Get organic info -- lol -- maybe that's holistic -- and after reflection, design the learning & teaching that fit your interpretation of the situation. (HUH?)

The first part of your paper is describing the factors given--the stats, the physical plant, the demographics, the categories. The second part of your paper is, now that you have the factors, what are the implications for successfully "educating" your students? You may want to share with your teacher that you have this assignment--maybe fill her/him in briefly on it--and in conversation you could pick up some great tips.

Also, now that you see that I'm leading you towards other ways: Web 2.0, student-centered, project based, real life, problem solving, provoking learning, saving/developing critical thinking, you could design your teaching plan (the second part of your paper) by considering ALL of this and more.

So, OK, I get that you have other classes, midterms, work, personal lives & more...it's the way it is. I just want to make sure that you get what it takes to be a real teacher to real students. Taking this assignment seriously with deep thought & reflection may help you decide if teaching is something you want.

You can also post your paper here--any form will do, printed, video, narrated photos...


So, I'll be looking for any questions you have--here or via email. Feel free at any time.

Can't wait to hear your latest field observations.