Reflection

Over the last seven weeks I have gained an immense amount of information that has completely changed the way that I approach my teaching in all aspects.  I gained the knowledge and use of tools that I never would have imagined possible in a Physical Education classroom.  Additionally, I have discovered that thinking outside of the box is much easier than I once considered and in the end it is going to make me a better teacher and my students will be more engaged and motivated to learn.

As a professional teacher, I have learned how to create my own blog, respond to others’ blogs, contribute to a wiki and make my own podcast.  Through my exploration and experience with these technology tools throughout this course, I have quickly realized their value and place in today’s classroom.  When I originally started this course, I felt overwhelmed about the idea of using blogs, wikis and podcasts, especially when it came to creating my own.  The overwhelming feeling quickly went away as I began working with these tools when I realized how simple and valuable their use was.  Having had the opportunity to use these tools has helped me to have a wider range of tools in my technology toolbox, specifically when I think about addressing the needs of my students.  Furthermore, the use of these technology tools could potentially be the hook that my students need for a higher level of motivation for learning.  Through the use of these tools in both my learning and eventually in my teaching, I have an increased knowledge for teaching and learning.  I have quickly realized the value in being a facilitator of learning and allowing students to guide their own their learning.  I think that there is a higher level of motivation for student learning when they have a choice and are able to relate to their learning. 

Obviously, I have changed my perspective on being teacher centered to student centered in my classroom.  There has been a gradual shift within my school district in regards to this.  Instruction is to be data driven, therefore based on student need or student centered.  Through the duration of this course we have heard several different resources share the benefit of instruction and learning being student centered.  I firmly believe that student centered instruction creates a higher motivation for learning and allows students to develop skills that are necessary for the 21^st century job market.  Students are now more able to know where to find specific information and how to use it appropriately.  Additionally, they are developing skills such as leadership and teamwork by guiding their own learning. 

With a focus on student centered learning, there also comes the topic of continuing to work to increase my knowledge for learning and increasing student achievement.  I am planning on developing ways to integrate tools such as blogs and wikis into my Physical Education classroom.  I often find myself struggling with this concept because it is an activity based curriculum and unfortunately due to circumstances well beyond my control, students need as much physical activity time as possible.  However, that does not mean that I cannot continue to work to build my own knowledge base to increase student achievement and motivation for learning.  Additionally, I continue to attend professional development workshops that address the use of technology to support instruction.  Finally I am planning on implementing the skills and strategies that I am learning through my participation in this program.

I recognize that through my learning, the only way to become more effective is to implement the strategies and skills that I am learning.  I have two goals that I am working towards, that I would like to accomplish within the next two years.  The first goal is to implement the use of daily blogging about student learning in my classroom and the other would be for each student to complete a minimum of sixty minutes of physical activity each day.  Both of these goals are going to require finding the time and holding students accountable for documenting their learning as well as completing their physical activity minutes.  While it would be nice to have the time to take students to the computer lab to blog about their learning during the school day, most likely the time for that will not be found during the school day.  Instead, it will become a homework assignment.  Students will be given a window in which they need to post to their blogs.  Additionally, if students do not have computer and internet access at home, there has to be an opportunity for them to complete their assignment at some point during the school day.  The purpose of the blog would be for students to share and provide insight about their learning, but also an opportunity to share the various activities that they are doing to meet their sixty minutes of physical activity.  The blog would provide an opportunity for students to learn from each other and to share their perspective on their learning.  Finally, it would serve as a learning tool for myself as a teacher as well.  Through the blog postings students would be providing me with items that I would have never considered before when teaching.  It would also provide a unique opportunity for reflection because I would be able to see the impact of my instruction on my students.

Finally, when I referred back to my self assessment checklist, I have discovered that many of my answers to the questions have changed.  For example, I have discovered the value of collaboration and realizing the importance of providing students with the opportunity to understand how their learning relates to their own personal lives.  As I reflect on my current teaching practices, it is my goal to guide students down that path each and every day.  Overall, I want my students to take away something new and exciting each time that they leave my classroom and it is my job to make sure that it happens.