Throughout this past year I have expanded my understanding of teaching elementary mathematics and science by taking classes through Michigan State University’s Master of Education program. Although I have learned a great deal of useful information, I continue to have the feeling of wanting to learn more so that I can be the best educator for my students. In my journey to keep learning, I have come up with three specific goals for future growth. My goals include exploring social media use in the classroom, learning more about Science Technology Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) clubs, and expanding my professional network outside of my school community.
Life-Long Learning With Technology
A Future Goals Essay
Throughout my master’s program, I have explored ways in which to incorporate different technology tools into my classroom such as having students using digital creating apps and websites, online assessment formats, and apps to engage and inspire learning in math and science. I have not, however, had a chance to investigate how to effectively implement social media into a classroom. I would like to explore through blogs and books to see how other teachers have gone about using this powerful form of communication safely and creatively. In particular, I would like to read Megan Poore’s book Using Social Media in the Classroom: A Best Practice Guide to gather some ideas about the affordances and disadvantages of different forms of social media and how their use can be played out in a classroom setting. I hope to find an engaging way to get my students to connect with one another regarding math and science content.
In addition to improving my classroom communication through social media, I am interesting in learning more about activities I can utilize for my after school STEM Club. I am taking over as the faculty leader of this club next year and would like to create new projects or activities for our members to stretch their thinking and add to the enriching program. In order to learn more about STEM I plan to attend STEMCON in the spring of 2017. This national conference hosts experts and leaders in the field that will not only give me inspiration for my club, but also provide ways in which to enrich my everyday math and science teaching to incorporate more STEM connections. It would be an added bonus to make professional connections within the STEM community that I can continue to work with in the future.
Image courtesy of STEMCON.net
I believe it is incredibly important to expand my professional network outside of my school community. At my school we have several in-house professional developments a year as well as regular “Free App Friday” informal training sessions led by our computer teacher. Although it is very convenient to have these at my school, I sometimes feel that I could get more out of these sessions if there were more attendees or if I was with more teachers that teach a similar grade level and subject as me. Attending conferences led by the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics, National Science Teachers Association (NSTA), Michigan Council of Teachers of Mathematics (MCTM), or the Michigan Science Teachers Association (MSTA) would give me opportunities to work with other educators in the field and give different perspectives to reflect upon. I am especially interested in attending the NSTA Summer Institute Conference regarding the implementation of the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS). Since Michigan has adopted the NGSS and my school is slowly working in these standards, it would be great to collaborate with other science teachers in the area to study the standards, brainstorm, and plan engaging, stimulating lessons that meet the NGSS.
As an educator I will always strive to learn new ways to enrich and better my teaching methods and practice for my students’ benefit. By investigating how to use social media in the classroom I can make my classroom more connected and reach my digital learners. Attending STEMCON will provide inspiration and equip me with the necessary tools to organize an effective STEM Club. Lastly, participating in conferences and workshops outside of my school will push me to get out of my comfort zone and work with educators that will have valuable insight. I believe achieving these three goals will leave me a more equipped and competent math and science educator.
Image courtesy of goodreads.com
Image courtesy of nsta.org