Digital Primary Sources

The use of digital primary sources in the classroom is still a relatively novel concept for me. In my own high school classroom experience, I cannot recall ever using digital sources. This is primarily because my History teachers were all in their 60's and 70's and I was in high school before these sources were widespread among high school teachers (1994-1998). Nonetheless, I do recall analyzing cartoon handouts in my US History class, albeit with a rather pessimistic attitude. I struggled to understand how this activity was going to help me prepare for the test. Isn't this just someone's opinion or perspective? Why does this matter? How does this help me learn the material for the test? I regret that this was my chief concern and that I failed to see the value in these exercises.

I do now believe that it is worthwhile to use these valuable resources in the classroom. I see them most useful in two ways. First, they are a great way to provide a visual during a lecture, say as a slide on a PowerPoint, so that students are given multiple representation's of the content material. You can also support instruction by using an audio of an actual speech in which you reference in a lecture. Secondly, once background information and knowledge is established in you students through lecture, reading, or research, having students analyze digital primary sources by asking them to respond to questions concerning the sources is a fantastic way to promote the development of higher level thinking skills in your students. This can be done by using different pictures or quotes to provide multiple perspectives of a single event and asking questions to that asks students to compare and contrast the sources. It is important for teachers to make sure that students understand why these activities are important. By first scaffolding these activities with background knowledge, students are provided the base knowledge to develop and access higher order skills. And it is through these skills of analyzing, creating, and evaluating that develops greater levels of relevance and meaning in learning

Tolerant Classroom

I do believe that having knowledge of the TCI ten steps for creating a cooperative and tolerant classroom is a good idea. Going into the classroom as a new teacher it is important to not only be aware of the potential issues and problems that you may encounter, but also to have a knowledge base in the resources and other preventative measures that can help make the first year as smooth as possible. The TCI step by step approach provides a thorough outline of the measures that can help establish a classroom environment where students and teachers feel comfortable and respected and thus make the most of the learning experience.

In my classroom I want first and foremost to establish a respectful atmosphere. I want my classroom to be a place where students and their opinions are valued, where differences are appreciated and understood, and where students are comfortable speaking their mind. As the teacher, I realize that I must set the right example in order for students to follow my lead. Therefore I will always respect student's opinions and never question or disparage a student comment, and thus expect the same form my students. Further, I will make this expectation very clear (step 2) from the first day of class and emphasis it's importance. Disrespect simply will not be tolerated and repercussions for disrespecting others will be explicitly clear. I will also organize classroom activities into group work and discussion groups (step 4) in order to have them learn how to work effectively with others in a respectful manner. I plan to progress these activities by ensuring that students change groups often so they have the chance to work with a variety of students who may be different than them (step 7). In forming student groups, I will have each group complete some sort of team building activity to promote understanding and cohesion among the group (step 8). Such an activity will promote respectful atmosphere for the group to work in. It will be important for me to first to carefully observe group work in order to ensure that a respectful atmosphere is being established, intervening where necessary. However I will want to eventually leave the groups to engage in their work without my intervention so that they can use the respectful environment to develop the critical cooperative and problem solving skills that are also key benefits to group work (step 9).

My social studies autobiography

When asked what my favorite subject was as a grade school student, my response was invariably social studies. My reasons are simple. First, I have always excelled in the social sciences and my very best grades have always been in these subjects. Second, I have always enjoyed the social sciences and find the study of human interaction to be personally intriguing. There is always something to be learned from the social sciences that can be directly relevant to my own life. I have never found that to be as consistently true in other academic disciplines. Thus, when deciding a college major I chose one that included study in several social science disciplines. While my undergraduate major in Management & Society has a silly name and means nothing to most people, it did provide me with a solid foundation of knowledge in history, economics, and sociology that I believe will greatly benefit me as a social studies teacher.

My interest in social studies deepened my 11^th grade year when I took U.S. History with Dr. Schmidt. His demonstrated a deep passion for learning and for the material that inspired me to appreciate history in a new light. He was a WWII veteran who had experienced several of the very events he taught us. He also had a very unreserved personality that made his classes fun and entertaining. He always made logical connection to our lives from the events we studied. He sensed my curiosity in his class and often took me aside to suggest books he thought I would enjoy. His influence allowed me to view history with a new passion and appreciation.

I believe that social studies is important because it teaches us so much about human behavior. Through the study of history we find the answers to important questions that can help us understand why things are the way they are today. We learn about the sacrifices of our ancestors, make connections of how those events impact us today, and can thus apply much of the lessons of history to our own experiences. It teaches us to be responsible and aware citizens. My own teaching style will center around a simple philosophy: you don’t have to like history, but you do have to appreciate it.

I am open to teaching any genre of history and hope to have the opportunity to teach several throughout my teaching career. In this course, I hope to learn teaching techniques and strategies that will help maximize my effectiveness as an educator. Because I lack classroom teaching experience, I feel that it is important for me to understand the resources that are available to me so that I can be best prepared for the classroom and reach my own teaching potential.