Final Blog

I truly had an amazing experience in Social Studies Methods.  I learned so many new techniques that I am very excited to use in my future classroom.  I learned how to make a collaborative lesson plan adding to direct instruction and inquiry based lesson planning.  Taking this course I have learned that social studies is a very hands on subject.  It would also be a great subject to have the students work in groups. In the beginning of the semester I was nervous about the national and state standards because they are always my weak point. By the end of the semester I feel confident in finding the proper standards for my lessons and writing goals and objectives. I have learned new things using Smartboard and new ideas from my fellow classmates. The different micro-teaching activities that my classmates showed us all brought new and unique ways to teach social studies. Like I said in my field work blog, I was stressed getting the activities done, but overall it was a wonderful experience.  I also enjoyed watching the other groups teach their lessons to the class.  I feel the most important aspect of this class was learning how to put a unit plan together. Unit plans are one of the most important things you need to know in order to teach a class because your lessons and activities are based off of them. I was disappointed in myself this semester by allowing myself to fall behind on individual work.  When it came to group work I was always prepared and had my work done.  If I could do it again I would make sure I would stay on task because I let myself become overwhelmed this semester. 

I'm have enjoyed my past two semesters with Dr. Smirnova and I am very thankful for everything she has taught me. This is a shout out to Dr. Smirnova: Thank you for everything. I'm going to miss coming to class.