Nancy's Blogs

 "The United States has developed two kinds of education." says Patrick J. Finn. In these couple chapters he goes in depth as to how our society has changed education to especially keep the rich richer and the poor poorer. When reading this you come to realize where you have been placed in the astounding education system of the United States of American.  The author talks about empowering literacy and domesticating literacy. one that leads to leadership, power, influence, taking charge and another that leads to basic skill learning and taking orders and executing them.  When I reflect back to my experience, I acknowledge that I have experienced both types of teaching styles. In a charter school I had many projects and discussions and many different forms of practicing thinking and learning outside of the typical norm of sheets of paper. However, when I entered my public high school for Central Falls it was like I was relearning all of my middle school in a different way. ...

While reading Alfie Khon's view about what you should see in a classroom, I thought about my placement classrooms. When I watched video about Cultural Relevant Pedagogy, I instantly though how does that play a role into my placement classrooms. Khon talks about the furniture, the walls, and so much more. A couple things that stood out to me is that he says, " Possible ways to worry Chairs all facing forward (or even worse) in desk rows." this is something I agree with because I believe that kids should be able to talk to each other. Having tables in a group or facing each out creates community and shows trust between your students, helping them build a community with their peers. In my placement classroom I notice that the students are mostly separated. They have half circle tables facing the front of the classroom. I do notice that the teacher does not often give them "turn and talk" opportunities or time to engage with each other. I also notice that regardless...