MAT 671 Assignment 3A- Extrinsic and Intrinsic Motivation

Inspiring Event

I strongly believe that behind a great student there is always a GREAT teacher.  As teachers we have the power to impact lives and this is what happened to me with a great teacher.  I have a particular learning style because I cannot just memorize things; I really need to understand deeply in order to continue.  If not, I block myself and I cannot function.  Well, this teacher took the time to think out of box and did not give up on me.  Her feedback and criticism was always positive (even thought I was a disaster).  My point is that thanks to this teacher I understood that “yes I can” and everything is possible if I want it.  My desire was to prove her that I was able to perform well; and I did it.  It was not only for the grades; it was the teacher who make me feel comfortable, important and loved. 

Every time I am frustrated for any reason (in education and in life); and I want to give up I remember this teacher.   I try to focus and think positively and then at the end I do it.

Uninspiring Event

When I was studying ESL at the Community college 10 years ago I had a bad experience with a History teacher.  I decided to take this History class before I finished my ESL classes.  Still today, English is really hard for me but back then it was really difficult.  I remembered that we started the semester and we had to write an essay about a particular unit.  I did my draft and then the teacher was really rude. I cannot express with words how I felt that day.  I cried a lot because she did not give me a positive and constructive feedback; it was completely the opposite.  Basically, in her words with this kind of writing it won’t be impossible for me to graduate for community college and or university.  I know my English is not perfect but I am trying always my best. 

After that incident of course I dropped the class, but I promised myself to finish my AA and go for my BA and I did it. Now I am working on my MA in Education.  Is it easy? No, nobody says that this is easy but I am here fighting every day because I believe in myself.  According to my mom: “si se puede” (yes we can), we only need to work hard, with dedication, passion and never let people treat us without respect.  This is my motivation.

Motivating my students

As a Spanish teacher I do not have the opportunity to have my own classroom and I have several students. However, every single year I take the moment to know my students better because I like to find a connection with them and their families.  My goal is to be a role model for my students.

I strongly believe that learning should be fun; this is the reason why I always make Spanish fun and I do my best to incorporate different learning strategies because I keep on mind all the students and the different learning styles. I have been learning in the graduate school about different and new strategies that I am planning to implement in my classes the next school year.  I would love to learn more about PBL and cooperative learning because I believe these have huge benefits for my students; and also this type of activities can motivate the students.

In addition to this, I need to be careful about the feedback I give to my students because if I express something in a wrong way; I can cause a harm to my students’ motivation.  Also, I think is important to teach them to be careful when they are going to express themselves. Sometimes, students say things spontaneously and they can hurt others’ feelings. 

Assignment 2A

Assignment 2A-Examining Depth and Rigor

There is no doubt that the teacher is the most significant factor in the students learning. I strongly believe that good teaching can make the difference in students’ achievement. 

After reading about Depth of knowledge I understood that DOK is not meant to be used as a taxonomy.  Basically, DOK focus is on how deeply students need to know content in order to be able to give responses. 

How will this impact your current practice?

I think this will impact my current practice because with the DOK I need to keep on mind that there are four different levels that describe how a student might interact and react with content. 

What new strategies and information will you need to obtain?

When we are doing reading activities during Spanish class I like to start reading as a class; then the students will be in groups because they will discuss with their groups about the reading.  I like to give them questions about it because this help them to understand better the reading. I always tell my students that it is a great strategy to circle key words and words that they do not understand.  In addition, they should highlight or underline important ideas.  As a group they should compare the ideas and help each other about the words that some of them do not understand.  I encourage my students to write the ideas in their own words.

How can teaching to Webb’s Depth of Knowledge and engaging students in richer discussions, learning experiences and rigorous tasks impact student learning?

Depth of knowledge categorizes tasks according to the complexity of thinking required to successfully complete them. As educators we really want to help our students in their achievements.  This is the reason we need to ask ourselves the following questions:  What kind of thinking I want my students do as a routine?  Also, What I really want these students to do?  And, Think about what are the most effective way to spend limited classroom time I have?

Now I know that there are levels in this DOK.  Therefore, it is important to make a decision about how often as teachers we should focus on tasks.

All about me

Assignment 1A

Hi everybody from MAT 671.  My name is Viviana Rodriguez.  I am from Colombia. I am married and I have two daughters Daniela who is sixteen years old and Denise who is ten years old. My native language is Spanish (in case somebody needs help just let me know). 

I am working as a Spanish Teacher in a private school.  I am teaching Spanish K-5 grade.  This is my dream job because I love my native language and now I have the opportunity to teach Spanish to these little ones.

I hold a Bachelor of Arts in Early Childhood Education from Ashford University; and now I am pursuing a Master of Arts in Education (specialization in Best Practices), with a Single Subject (Spanish) Credential at National University. When I plan my lessons I always try to meet the needs of my diverse learners.  My students are exposed to different techniques and instructions.  I like to play games, collaborative groups, directed activities, TPR activities and music.  I try to reach all my students and keep on mind that everyone is unique and they learn in different ways.

The truth is that I am happy person; and I see everything in a positive way.  Therefore, I have a great relationship with all my students.  They know I love SOCCER!!!!! And dancing especially ZUMBA!!!!!!; for that reason, they are always trying to make conversations about these topics. 

                    

I think my teaching and learning style is affecting my students’ abilities to be successful. I like to think and understand things and this is what I do with my students; especially in these days when everybody cares only about grades and how to pass the tests because the Education system is designed like that.  I do not like assessments, especially because we have to plan our lesson for diverse students but at the moment to assess these students is the same test for everybody.  I disagree with that. However, I like to use technology to enhance my students knowledge.  I use "Kahoot" to make my students play and at the same time I can see their progress.

Good luck everybody and I hope we have a great class!