Second 'ism' Chapter

Learning Focus and Teaching Style
The focus of the learning should be on practical applications of standard based topics . Many teachers only focus on meeting standards and tend to leave students to fend for themselves when it comes to practical understanding of topics. I believe that students must be able to find reason and practical applications for every assignment given. I have to provide meaningful assignments that allow students to explore on their own and discover meaning behind the work they do. I will teach in a very hands on way and will only do lecture based teaching when it is something better explained in words than trying to do an experiment with it. This aligns with the ideas of progressivism because they both agree that experimentation and personal discovery is more important that any standards.

Classroom Organization and Classroom Climate
As a Science teacher I do not have much leniency for organizing a classroom due to the safety standards that I need to adhere to. An ideal classroom would have alternative seating for students and lots of windows. I do not get a choice over this though.  The more choice I can give students about where they want to sit/stand and work than they gain more autonomy and are more focused on learning rather than resisting. I want the classroom climate to be open and honest. I want students respect but it will not be gained until they know that I respect them. This falls under both Constructivism and Progressivism.

Motivation and Discipline
I see motivation and Discipline to be very similar. I do not want to discipline students in the typical way of sending them to the office or detention but I believe in having open conversations about problems students are having. I believe in restorative justice because I will never know the baggage that a student may walk in with and their reactions may be a result of that baggage. I hope that through this process students will realize their own motivation for being in school. I can not make a student motivated. That has to come on their own. This aligns with humanism.

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