Welcome to Teaching "On Fleek." Sit back and buckle your seat belts because we are beginning the roller coaster ride of what it means and looks like to teach and learn Purposeful and Powerful Social Studies in 21st Century schools.
As a future teacher, I am in the process of learning what it means to be a teacher who engages and prepares students to actively participate in the world in which we live. It is up to me to educate the future generations of our society what it means to be a citizen and what it looks like to be an active citizen. This task can be aided through the teaching of Social Studies in the classroom.
I came across an article called "Treasure Mountain Teacher Breathes Life into History." This title caught my eye. I can remember thinking as an elementary student "Why do I need to learn about the past?" To me, this teacher truly exemplifies what it means and looks like to be an effective Social Studies teacher.
Mr. Bald says that teaching is all about the energy. He said he thrives on being that someone who gives students insight on something they have never thought of. His primary aim as a Social Studies teacher is "to help his students become what he calls "smarter global citizens"." Mr. Bald pointed out that it can be tough to understand what is going on in the Middle East without understanding the history of the groups living in that region or knowing the treaties of World War I and II. This really grabbed my attention because I don't even know much about the treaties of World War I and II, let alone the history of the people groups living in the Middle East, which is why I do not understand many of the issues going on in the Middle East. If I do not know this history how can I give my students accurate answers to their questions about these topics? History is so important in understanding the world around us not necessarily because "History repeats itself," but more because "History explains much of what is happening in the present."
Mr. Bald creates a love for history, current events, and the connection between the two in his students. He even has former students who email him about a current event that they have come across and how they think it relates back in time to a historical event.
To me, Mr. Bald seems like the type of Social Studies teacher that I want to learn to embody this semester. I want to teach students to look for the history in the present world around them and I want to create an energy and excitement in my classroom when it comes to thinking about Social Studies.
http://www.parkrecord.com/ci_29347345/treasure-mountain-teacher-breathes-life-into-history?source=rss
Wow. This is a great article to discuss as part of your first blog!
ReplyDeleteThese sentences: "Mr. Bald creates a love for history, current events, and the connection between the two in his students. He even has former students who email him about a current event that they have come across and how they think it relates back in time to a historical event." speak volumes about teaching! This teacher creates an environment where students WANT to learn. This is huge! Sometimes, we skip over how important the learning environment is - but...it is huge! You know you are doing something right if your students WANT to be there!
How does this relate to the NCTCS?
I think that this can relate to all of the NCTCS. By being the teacher that encourages and creates a love for a subject you are embodying the Teacher Leaders standard. By encouraging students to find current events and the history that connects to what is going on in the world currently you must Establish a Respectful Environment where students feel comfortable in sharing their ideas about these events. Knowing the Content is key. As teachers we cannot begin to push our students in making connections and think at a more critical level if we do not first understand the content. Facilitating Student Learning must take place if we want to move away from a lecture based classroom where our students are free to share their opinions in a respectful manner and take charge of their own learning. I think Mr. Bald is a great example of what it means to Reflect on your Practice by seeing what resonates with students and how to build on the energy they create but also by bringing your own energy to the classroom as well.
DeleteLeslea! I hope that you are doing well! I haven't seen you in ages, and it was nice to see your name pop up on my screen.
ReplyDeleteI loved reading your blog, because it was everything that I want to say, but always have trouble finding the words. You and I have experienced great teaching together and also not so great teaching together. You and I know just how important a teachers attitude and teaching environment can affect the students and their learning! If I am not passionate about what it is I'm teaching my students, then why should they be passionate about what it is they're learning?
Mr. Bald sounds exactly like the kind of teacher I want to be. When you said that "he thrives on being that someone who gives students insight on something they have never thought of", that has always been a goal of mine! I want to give students ideas and thoughts that make them come up with their own beliefs and opinions instead of following the crowd.
I think that we could all learn a thing or two from Mr. Bald.
Lauren!!! It is so good to hear from you.
DeleteYou are so right that we have experienced some of the best and worst teaching, but those experiences will prove to be beneficial in the long run because we will use them in creating our on classroom environment and teaching style.
I love the idea of giving students the tools to make their own decisions because it is so common for the generation under ours to voice their opinion but then not fully understand the idea that they are supporting. As teachers, we must supply our students with all sides of the situation and allow them to make their "best" decision.
I am looking forward to getting to work together again this semester!