Synthesis of Course
This semester has gone by so quickly. It is bizarre to me to think this is the last real semester of "typical coursework" that I will do before I graduate. However, this class has been very beneficial to me. I feel that I have been able to do a lot of reflecting for this class on what kind of teacher I want to be, what strategies I will use, and what strategies I plan on never using. So the rest of this post will be my scattered thoughts on what I have learned from this course
Probably one of the biggest lessons that I learned from this course is that students are like snowflakes. There are no two student (or humans for that matter) that are alike. Everybody is different and contains strengths and weaknesses. It is crucial for teacher to pick up on what strengths students have and magnify them to give them confidence and success. It is also crucial for teachers to be aware of weaknesses and cater to the individual needs of every student. Every student that wants to, has the right to succeed. It is the teachers role to provide them with what they need in order to success, no matter the challenge.
For some reason, critical literacy was the type of literacy that struck the biggest chord with me. I think that students learn many things while in school, but learning who they are and that they have a voice that is valued is one of the biggest accomplishments students can take away from school. Critical literacy is a way that teachers can help students find their voice. Bringing tough discussions into the classroom, while providing a safe/respectful atmosphere is key in any school setting.
I think that strengthening students literacy, no matter what form and by what means, will have a lasting impact on students for the better. It will prepare them for college, it will help prepare them for carreers, and it will help them mature into a respected and valuable member of a community. By helping students become more literate, us as teachers will help them open many doors to their future.
I am excited to be a teacher for many reasons, but selfishly I believe that by helping students reach success, it helps us as teachers feel vindicated in our career path. I look forward to applying many of the things that I learned this semester.
I loved your comment that critical literacy can help students find a voice...I really agree with that. So often, reading is about finding the "correct" answers rather than looking at whether you disagree or agree, and establishing your own position on the issue.
ReplyDeleteHonestly, critical literacy is probably my favorite subject, too---although there are some studies that suggest that critical literacy is not possible without comprehension-level literacy first.
Yes, you are definitely vindicated in your career path. You may never be a millionaire, but you will have invested your time where it matters most--in enhancing the minds and lives of young people.