It's still tough for me to imagine my 8th graders being drug users, but after observing in the classroom for the past couple of days and beginning to get to know some things about my students' home lives, I can definitely see how some of them might be looking for ways to ease emotional pain.
The "refusal skills" presentation gave me at least one concrete thing to do to help prevent drug use among my students. This semester, I am probably going to be going through the novel The Outsiders with my classes, a book that includes teenage characters who smoke and drink. I'm not sure how the students will respond to that portion of the book. If they put a big emphasis on it though, I might pull out the refusal skills topic as a way to discuss the actions of the characters, why they act as they do, and how students today can keep from falling into those same behaviors.
Also, I hope to know my students well enough that I can tell when they're struggling with something and gently ask them about it before they try to turn to a negative form of "help."
Regarding technology in the classroom, I see technology as a valuable tool to be used. My cooperating teacher is very good about bringing technology into the classroom setting, and I'm looking forward to learning skills from her. I am teaching at AMS, so I will have access to the Promethean Board, the ipod cart, Powerschool, and the other technology we saw during our tour.
This semester and when I have my own classroom, I plan on using technology as a means to hands-on learning for the students (having them come up to the Promethean Board, use the ActivExpression devices to answer questions) and as an aid for creative student response to books/units (letting them make imovies in groups, do research projects to share with the class, etc.). If a school where I teach does not have these forms of technology, that's okay. I'll just use whatever tools I have available to me. Technology is a tool, but it's not the only one.
ED460 Personal and Social Well Being is a course taken by college students in education during their student teaching semester. Topics covered include: poverty, child abuse, bullying, drugs, alcohol, and tobacco, counselors' role in school, adolescents and choices, and the use of technology.
I'm glad that you recognize that technology is just one tool of many that can support education. We can be good teachers in many different settings, whether we have the latest resources or not. I learned in Dr. Henderson's class last year from the KC experiment with Judge Clark that having a high quality teacher is a more pertinent issue for student learning than materials. Good thinking!
ReplyDeleteI think it is really important for us to know our students well! We have the power to impact their lives in so many ways. If we establish a good relationship with them at the beginning of the year, this could change the whole entire year!
ReplyDeleteI believe hands-on learning is the best way to go, so I give you major points for that! We have to keep in mind that if there is not a lot of technology in the classroom, life will go on.
I really agree with you about the refusal skills. It was good to have some actual things to tell our students. Also, it is hard to see 8th graders using drugs, but we cannot just assume that it will not happen. So, these tools help us to be prepared. As teachers that is what is most important, to be prepared for whatever may happen.
ReplyDeleteI also think it was great that your teacher talked about technology and brings it into the classroom. My teacher told me that she never uses the white board anymore, so I'm very excited to learn different ways to use the smart board.
Laura, "The Outsiders" is a great book, and I think it could be a great advantage to you. Use it as an opportunity to expand these kids lives. Like Shelby and others have said, a good portion of these kids almost never leave Atchison. Any Great Book or technology can have a huge positive affect on them and is a wonderful idea. I am excited you get to do these things and introduce "outside" things to the kids.
ReplyDeleteI think The Outsiders would be a great vehicle for teaching refusal skills. Also, it has a strong emphasis on group identity, fitting in, community. They don't handle conflicts in the book well (they have a gang "rumble"), but you could give an example of positive conflict resolution. They could even do some role plays. It is true that even middle schoolers do drugs. I bet that reaching out to them early would make a difference.
ReplyDeleteI love your thought about technology being a tool, but not the only one. That is so true, and brings us back to the same theme of balance. Balance with every issue seems to be the key. I think technology is no different, and I think it is awesome you will have so many opportunities to try it out while you student teach! The Outsiders is a classic! Have fun with that!
ReplyDeleteIt is hard to believe how young students are turning to drugs. I think your idea about using refusal skills in your lesson is a great idea to keep the students from falling into those same behaviors. I agree with you that technology is a valuable tool. I think it is awesome that you will be able to work with an ample amount of technology in the classroom, especially in a hands-on way, making the environment an active and learning friendly place. Good luck with your student teaching!
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