I’m Carly. I’m currently a student at Oregon State University
located in beautiful Corvallis, Oregon. Why Oregon State you ask? Simply
because I had a list of ten places I wanted to apply to in senior year, I applied
here, got halfway through the University of Washington application and called
it quits. You see I’m from Washington, Port Angeles to be exact. I wanted to
start a new life far enough away from my family where I felt independent and
far away from all of my graduating class to where I could essentially become a
brand new me (no stereotypes following; not that I was any other stereotype
than the choir girl or the girl to cheat off of during a test). Yes, you
guessed it. I’m kind of a “brainiac.” I love school; the stress, the joy of
having the only seat open next to the smelly kid, and accidentally grabbing gum
under my desk. It’s the life for me! But seriously, all that aside I love
school. I love being able to express myself in new ways by learning new words
every day. Like for instance today, I said feasible
to my friend while in Facebook chat earlier this evening. Granted, I knew what
that word meant but being able to express myself with a colorful vocabulary is
just a wonder. I’m amazed with my own abilities, and you should be amazed with
yours too. This world is a crazy place to enjoy and appreciate the small things
is what can get you by sometimes, especially in the dark times. I love to learn
and feel accomplished and proud of myself when I receive good marks, it’s very fulfilling.
A little off topic…
Anyways, I’m an English major at OSU, completing the double
degree program and earning a minor in Writing. Also, recently I discovered that
by studying abroad (which I plan to next spring; Santander, Spain) I can earn
yet another degree, the International Studies degree. So there we go. I live up
to that “brainiac.” I know I am an English major but often times I discover my
grammar is a ridiculous, atrocious rat’s nest so I am apologizing in advance.
I have a little puppy named Cleo that I saved from the local
shelter, I love the color orange (fitting for Oregon State), my birthday is in
June, I like to write, I love giraffes (I mean look how cute), I am powerless to saltwater taffy and I crochet. Now,
enough about me!
I want to be a teacher for many reasons. Besides being
affected by the flu season every year, risking the chance of getting lice and
probably having pit stains every day I think I will make a great teacher. I
have what some call… CHARISMA! I have enough energy to stand in front of a
class and not be what is called a “recipe” teacher. I want to dedicate my time
(and probably my life since from what I hear being a teacher never stops, even
after you leave the building) to the youth of this nation! Wow, so noble of me
right?
Basically, I am going to start writing this blog whenever
possible in between the copious amounts of homework assignments due and tests
to study for and classes to attend and time to volunteer… This will be my
personal thoughts on something that struck me as interesting or note-worthy on
my wonderful journey to becoming an educator! Anything that strikes my fancy
will be on here. I just want to keep it more focused around teaching and the
education aspect of my future career.
The posts will be my personal opinions, so it’s open for judgment or argument,
just know everything I will be posting will be from the deepest depths of my
inner heart and soul. So it’s honest…
Now, let’s get down to business.
I finished a twelve-paged research paper about an hour ago.
This headache of an assignment is what got me thinking to start a blog about my
journey. Procrastination at its finest, it’s due tomorrow more and I didn't start
writing it until about four this afternoon. Six hours later and 132 printed
pages later I completed it. (Yes my teacher asked me us bring copies for every
student, I’m lucky there are only twelve myself included.) The paper was on
Dyslexia and Dysgraphia, learning disabilities I knew about but didn't really understand.
Come to find out it’s not about reading and writing letters or sentences
backwards; having Dyslexia means that an individual has difficulties in
acquiring and processing language that is typically manifested by a lack of
proficiency in reading, spelling, and writing. It’s really interesting stuff if
you ask me! Besides nearly pulling my hair out or bruising my brain from
hitting my head on the wall, I really enjoyed it! I feel that the Education
classes through Oregon State are so worthwhile. The teachers are all so
passionate about the subject and their heart speaks in their lessons and
lectures. They arm us with the tools to be well-learned, create a positive
differentiated learning environment and avoid becoming those “recipe” teachers
as mentioned above. If you aren't aware of what a “recipe” teacher is, it’s
time you learn. They are the teachers that go by the book; year after year they
teach the same lessons, and their lessons never involve differentiation. Now, what’s
differentiation you ask? Differentiation is the ability to appeal to the
different likes/dislikes, the multiple intelligences, and motivations to learn
while keeping each individual student’s readiness level in mind. Basically, the
perfect classroom where every student is learning at the level that is
appropriate for their level of comprehension and they are all engaged and
willing to learn.
I’m not good at math for those of you that think in numbers,
so here’s the best I can do:
“Recipe” Teachers ≠ Learning
Differentiated Classrooms = Effective and Positive Learning
Lesson from my random ramblings? I do not plan to be a
recipe teacher. They are bad. And don’t effectively teach the youth of this
nation! THEY ARE USELESS BODIES PICKING UP PAYCHECKS AND WAITING TO RETIRE!
This new set of teachers that take their place better be as passionate as my
classmates and myself.
That is all. Until next time!
No comments:
Post a Comment