Apparently I have a pretty good balance in the ways that I learn. I lean slightly toward being reflective (thinking a little before I act), intuitive (understanding better through learning concepts rather than straight facts), and sequential (I guess I understand concepts better if the follow a logical order).
I have a decided preference for visual learning. This is no shock to me! I have always taken in information much more efficiently in the form of charts, graphs and illustrations. It does appeal to my scientific mind and my ability to see concepts and patterns. The intuitive/sequential learning styles are also conducive to this visual learning style as well.
I use several techniques to accommodate this learning style. My notes tend to be a hybrid of diagrams and short-hand outlines of information. This is translated into my classroom in the form of whiteboard drawings, short videos and demonstrations/labs. This is a very beneficial occurrence since a learning style survey of our own students shows that a large percentage of our them are visual learners themselves. It is nice that I can pass on the tactics that I use to learn on to the kids that I teach.
Thursday, December 1, 2011
Thursday, November 17, 2011
Why I am a teacher
Have you ever met a kid who just wanted to know everything about the world around them? These are the kids who legitimately want to know "why?", not the ones who ask mischeiviously.
Well that was me.
From an early age I was curious about everything in the natural world. This eventually blossomed into my pursuit of a degree in Marine Biology, which I recieved from the University of West Florida in 2000. I worked in environmental monitoring and endangered species research for a few years, moving from agency to agency as positions and funding became available.
Over time I became aware of a desire within me to create something; to leave behind my own creation that would endure and expand beyond me. The opportunity to fulfill this desire presented itself very suddenly as one position with a state agency was terminated and a teaching opportunity was presented almost immediately.
I went from working for the Park Service to working for Citrus County Schools in 10 days. I am in my 2nd year of teaching Integrated Science to 6th and 7th grade students. My preferrence is for 7th grade students at this point, as their maturity and cognitive capacities are more in line with my teaching style. I went into this position looking for a job to get me by, but I think I have found a career
Well that was me.
From an early age I was curious about everything in the natural world. This eventually blossomed into my pursuit of a degree in Marine Biology, which I recieved from the University of West Florida in 2000. I worked in environmental monitoring and endangered species research for a few years, moving from agency to agency as positions and funding became available.
Over time I became aware of a desire within me to create something; to leave behind my own creation that would endure and expand beyond me. The opportunity to fulfill this desire presented itself very suddenly as one position with a state agency was terminated and a teaching opportunity was presented almost immediately.
I went from working for the Park Service to working for Citrus County Schools in 10 days. I am in my 2nd year of teaching Integrated Science to 6th and 7th grade students. My preferrence is for 7th grade students at this point, as their maturity and cognitive capacities are more in line with my teaching style. I went into this position looking for a job to get me by, but I think I have found a career
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