The Poor Scholar's Soliloquy Reflections

This boys main problem seems to be one that many students run into, and that's that he is not being given material in school that is pertinent to his interests. I think teachers could be aware that this boy is smart and capable, and they could work with him to teach him what he needs to learn in a way that will excite him.

I think that the teachers do not seem to like this boy because most teachers have a set lesson plan of what they want to teach on any given school day, and he simply sits there without participating anytime he does not feel that the assignment is important. This boy thinks that the teachers do not like him, but this may just be the students' perspective, and perhaps the teachers do not have any problems with him.

No, this boy does not seem to be mentally slow or deficient. He shows his skills in many academic areas, in real life situations outside of school. Geography, Language, Math skills are all present in this student.

I think that this boys uncle recognizes that the student is very talented and handy, and that he is able to be a good help to his uncle around the shop.

I would never give anyone the advice that they should drop out of school. That being said, this boy has the skills and the tools to be successful in the world, and if he feels that school is hindering him in that process, than that is his decision.

This writing took place in 1944. Many things have changed since then. I think that there are more resources available now to help students like this boy in staying in school and being interested. It is also much less acceptable now to miss school days to help an uncle with work.

Portfolio Review

After reviewing a few e-portfolios, I have found that they are a great tool that can be used to contain all pertinent information about oneself as an educator in a single place online. Important aspects of a portfolio include: a good navigation system to move through webpages, a list personal/academic accomplishments, an example of previous work, etc.  These can be used for personal reflection purposes, or for promotion purposes, such as during a job search.

Some commonalities among these portfolios:
Most contain resumes, standards, philosphies, quotes, lesson plans, evaluations of said lesson plans.

Questions: 

1) What is a teaching e-portfolio?

A teaching portfolio is a collection of samples of an educators work. It can also include typical resume materials, such as levels of education, and where an educator went to school. Generally, an e-portfolio is a website that contains simple navigation between several pages that highlight an educators academic and professional career.

2)Why would I need a teaching portfolio?

There are many reasons why an educator should have a teaching portfolio. One reason is for reflection purposes. If all of your work/material is in one place on-line, you can go back and make comments on how helpful each item was, or what improvements could be made. It is a great tool for professional development. 

Another reason is to promote the work that you have done. Having all of your accomplishments listed in one place, as well as a sample of your work can help during reviews and job interviews.

3)When should I start compiling a portfolio?

Now. I am already working toward a continual professional development as an educator. If I can compile all of my materials, I will be more prepared to enter a school setting and I can continue to reflect on my work to further my development.

4)How should I Start?

I should create a space online, a blog perhaps, and begin by compiling work that I have done in previous semesters. Then, I can continue to add to it whenever I accomplish something new. I already have many complete lesson plans from a previous methods class that would be great in a portfolio.

5) What are some guiding questions for my content area?

What do I know so far about Political Science/History?

What have I accomplished within these fields in relation to education?

Demonstrate knowledge of standards.

How can I use technology in these content areas?

What are the difference in these terms? What do I think initially?

• Educational Technology- Technology used to advance learning in a fast and interactive way.
• Instructional Technology- Ways for instructions to be given with use of technological media.
• Technology Integration- Ways to use available technology in a professional field.
• Technology in Education- Using technology in a school setting for educational purposes (ie-laptops at nmu.)
• Learning Technology- Technology with the specific purpose of teaching a skill.

What were my experiences with technology in my K-12 career?

In elementary school, we went to computer lab once per week. It was a big deal when we got iMacs around the year 1999. In Seventh grade one teacher worked with us with palm pilots in a Social Studies course. In high school we occasionally went to lab for research hours. There was a travelling lab with ThinkPads. All students were required to take a computer literacy course that focused on Microsoft word. I also took a Web Design elective class.

I think computers will continue to be an important aspect of life in the 21st century. As technology advances, from desktops, to laptops to mobile devices, and as society continues to understand the internet, technology will be used in education and all aspects of life.