Reflection #2

EDER 681

I have really enjoyed EDER 681, especially the opportunity to work with Barb.  We have taken courses together in the past but have never had the chance to get to know one another.  We are on the same wavelength and had a wonderful time.

This class can sure discuss!  I was away from my computer for three days and when I returned had missed almost 200 postings.  This phenomenon has occurred before in other WebCT courses I have taken.  I think it must have something to do with the personalities of the people in the class!  Sometimes there are more postings than others.  Although I enjoyed reading the discussions, I found that sometimes it was difficult to keep up with what was being written as well as with reading, responding, teaching and living!!

 Our discussion on how females learn has sparked my interest.  I find myself reflecting on how my comments and teaching could be potentially harmful to the self-esteem of my female students.  It has also given me something to think about regarding my own education and insecurity with my Masters program.

 Another interesting topic is “who deems what is important “ or “who decides what we teach”.  At this time of year especially, teachers are scrambling to meet objectives.  The curriculum guides have too many outcomes and it is unrealistic to assume that each and every one will be met.  Teachers then, must make judgments as to which ones are most important.  Those judgments will reflect the teachers personality and beliefs and thus too much is left to chance.  How do we fix this problem???  Fewer objectives, less emphasis on standardized testing?  It’s too big an issue to solve in one course!!  

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