Chapter 2: Today's Students

Kelci O’Neill

1/29/12

How does gender influence students?

                Although intelligence tests show no difference in the general intelligence between genders, studies have found boy and girls do have different skill levels in mathematical, verbal, and special skills. This is because females tend to use the left hemisphere of their brain more, so they are better with speaking, reading, writing, language, and other sequential skills. Males tend use the right hemisphere more, so they are better at mathematics, science, and tests of spatial visualization. In addition, boys prefer being more deductive, moving from general to focusing on details, while girls prefer to be more inductive, the opposite. Boys are also more likely to be bored in the classroom, and they need to be stimulated by movement, girls are more focused and social, and prefer working together on a project or assignment. Because of these reasons, teachers must be aware of the strengths and weaknesses of both genders and may need to adapt their lessons accordingly. 

Chapter 1: Becoming a Teacher

Chapter 1 of Joy of Teaching Assignment

Brought Me Joy

·         Mentoring/Induction Programs: When I read about Mentoring/Induction programs they have for new students I was very happy. This is because I knew that even though I would be nervous, there would be someone with experience to help me.

·         Rewards of Teaching: After looking at Figure 1.1, I knew that there were lots of good qualities of the teaching profession to negate the low salary. A couple of my favorites are: gives a sense of being respected and appreciated, has job security, and contributes to society and helps others.

·         Opportunity for National Accreditation: I was brought joy when seeing this because I was surprised that there was an opportunity for advancement, room for more salary, and that it would be easier to teach in other states if you are selected. The portfolio seems like a lengthy process, but I am sure it is necessary.

Did Not Bring Me Joy

·         Qualifying Scores: The fact that I may score high enough to teach my subject in one state but not in another made me real nervous. I was worried that I would be smart enough in one place but not in another.

·         Teacher Shortages: I was unhappy when I read that teacher shortages led to teachers teaching subjects that they are not qualified to teach. This seems unfair for anyone involved, especially for the students.

·          Salaries: I really could not find another thing that did not bring me joy. Hence, I picked the obvious one.

My First Blog Entry

However, this is only my first blog entry on blogger.com. I made a personal tumblr over winter break. I waited until winter break because I was trying to resist it. I wanted to be more studious. However, I have done most of my assignments this semester, so I hope it won't get in the way that much.

I am not thrilled about using blogger instead of Tumblr, but I will have to get over it.

I chose this name because in the official Pottermore site, I have taken the official quiz. It told me I was a Ravenclaw. Ravenclaws are suppopsed to be witty, intelligent, and creative, so in my opinion, we make the best teachers.

Hasta luego.
Kelci