We have just finished the first full week of classes of the second semester. Classes are becoming routine and we are getting into the flow of class and homework everyday. This week in social studies our main focus was concept vs. topic. We watched a video, made a visual about it, talked about it and got plicker quizzed on it. I would say this is a pretty important concept and we need to know the differences between a concept and topic. We also have to be educated about what studies fall under concept and what falls under topics. For example war would be considered a concept because it is timeless, abstract, universal and is the big idea. The Civil War on the other hand would be considered a topic because there is a time period on it, it is not universal or abstract and it is focusing on one war so it would not be considered a big idea. This would be both teacher standards 3 and 4. Standard 3 is that teachers know the content they teach. If teachers do not know the difference between a topic and a concept and where different areas of studies fall, they will not be preparing their students for life when they graduate. Students need to know how to be good citizens in our country. That is more important than teaching them about dates and definitions. Standard 4 is teachers facilitate learning for their students. Teachers need to know how their students think and learn. While they are preparing their lessons to teach to the class, they have to think of each of their students and include differentiation so each of their students have an equal opportunity to learn. I will use this in my future classroom by making sure I know the differences between concepts and topics and learn as much as I can about them while I am in school so I can be the best possible teacher to my students as I can.
For my outside learning I have decided to learn about a new way I can use technology in my classroom each week. Since I am not very good with technology, that is something I need to work on. I found an article online called "12 easy ways to use technology in the classroom, even for technophobic teachers" This describes me perfectly. The first way I can include technology in my lesson plan would be to do a powerpoint "game show review". It is an easy way to create a power point with jeopardy or who wants to be a millionaire gameshow. It is a great way to use technology, learn and have fun all at the same time.
http://www.teachhub.com/12-easy-ways-use-technology-your-classroom-even-technophobic-teachers
This is the website I found!
Lindsey,
ReplyDeleteI never realized that I did not REALLY understand what the difference between a concept and a topic was until we discussed this. In my 410 unit, my concept was the U.S government, and that was not really a topic at all. I look forward to reading your blog for updates about how to use technology in the classroom. I have trouble being "outdated" when it comes to technology. The wonderful thing about technology, even when I feel like I can't keep up with it, is that it always brings some new way to differentiate my classroom. I loved that link!
Lindsey, I think it's great that you understand you have a weakness when it comes to technology and want to learn more so that you can include it as much as possible in your classroom. I feel the same as you in that I am not very good with technology and I found that your resource had some really great ideas. I agree that it is important for us as teachers to know the difference in concepts and topics because our students shouldn't just know important dates and textbook definitions. They should be able to fully grasp the whole concept once we are finished teaching.
ReplyDeleteLindsey,
ReplyDeleteI loved your addition of the title of the article, because I greatly empathize with you regarding your struggle with technology. I believe that I am likely going to have several students who are way more comfortable with technology than I am. As a technophobic, I will absolutely need to become more comfortable with smart boards, apps that are useful in my class room, tablets, etc. I appreciate that you chose to recognize your recognize your weakness in this area and come up with an example of how to use technology in a lesson plan to become more comfortable with it.
Lindsey,
ReplyDeleteI struggle just like you do in using technology in the classroom and coming up with creative ways to do so! It is encouraging to know that someone else struggles in the same area and I love the article you found. I love that it provides practical ways to use technology in our classrooms and it makes it look so easy! This is something I really need to work on and these resources make it helpful. Awesome job connecting the concept discussion to a teacher standard!
Caroline Marvin
Lindsey, I think it is great that you recognize a weakness and you have already found a way to help yourself become stronger in this area! Technology is such a wonderful tool and could/should be utilized more! Also, I like that you connected our in-class conversation to NCPTS! Great post!
ReplyDelete-Colleen Cockman
Lindsay,
ReplyDeleteHow can you change your PowerPoint review to something that is more impactful on student learning? What intentional connections did you make to your future classroom?