This is one of those classes that you take when you
first join the teaching program when you are basically clueless. Well, at least that is how it happened for me. Of
all that classes, this is the one I wish I could take again. It is something that I think about every day and can't help but feel
that I missed out on valuable information because it was all so new and I didn't know where to store it. Yes, I have
notes and a textbook, but I don't have Coila, my wonderful instructor, on tape. : ) I can't begin to tell you the amount
of insight, information, ideas, strategies and more that are in this course. I will never let go of that textbook,
my notes and papers. Thank goodness for the file folder that Coila had us create.
I guess I don't need to mention that this was
one of the most valuable classes that I have taken. I believe the reason was not only the content but the instructor.
Coila brought this course to life with her obvious passion for teaching.
The most valuable thing that I learned from this course is how
important it is to teach children based on all of their different levels, abilities, interests and strengths. Children need
to feel comfortable, safe, and to know they can succeed. That can only be provided by the teacher.
Another thing that I learned was the benefits
of group learning. I realize out of all of the topics, points, and ideas of the class this may seem unusual. In all of my
observations and all of the books that I have read, group learning has shown it's effectiveness. This simple technique
is something that I will most definitely utilize in my classroom.
