Week 1 - Introduction & ISTE Standards

Part 1: Hi Everyone! My name is Megan McBride and I am on track to graduate from Southeastern Oklahoma State University this upcoming May with an M.Ed. in Curriculum and Instruction. I currently work as a paralegal at a law firm based in Oklahoma City. I started this journey in August 2021 with aspirations of becoming a 6th-gradeth grade Geography teacher. However, within the last two years, I decided to attempt to go the extra mile in my academic career. I am hoping to enroll in a sociology Ph.D. program in the upcoming fall semester after graduation. I intend to focus my research on adolescents, family relationships and dynamics, and the sociology of education. I have really enjoyed my time at Southeastern and appreciate the professors who have mentored me while aspiring to continue my academic journey!

Part 2: Creative Communicator indicator 6d focuses on students publishing and/or presenting unique content that uses appropriate information and graphics for an intended audience. High school students who are taking sociology could address OAS S.4.2 by creating a presentation that addresses the various types of societal norms in the United States. The presentation must utilize some form of technology. Examples of acceptable presentations include: video, PowerPoint, Prezi, and other forms of media with a visual element.

The presentation will address various types of norms in society, including: mores, folkways, taboos, and laws. Students’ presentations must include three examples of each kind of norm listed above, media that represents the example (video, article, picture, etc.), and analysis explaining why the example of the stated norm is considered good/bad in society. All students must present their presentation to their class. Presentation times will be assigned beforehand.

Part 3: I believe my lesson idea addresses Creative Communicator indicator 6d and OAS S.4.2 equally by allowing students to focus on creating a presentation that is unique and creative by utilizing various platforms that they may have not been introduced to before. Creativity is a skill that has become overlooked within the educational system. While many educational frameworks focus on objective subjects, like math and science, there is a need for creative and innovative subjects and assignments as well. By enhancing students’ creative skills, they are also enhancing their critical thinking and problem-solving abilities (Gura, 2016). Introducing assignments that are creative in nature is a proactive approach to enhancing soft skills and emotional intelligence, as well as providing an in-depth understanding of course material that can be displayed and learned visually, versus a traditional lecture or writing assignment.

References:

Gura, M. (2016). Make, Learn, Succeed. International Society for Technology in Education. https://reader.yuzu.com/books/9781564846020

Comments

  1. Kenneth CampenJanuary 15, 2023 at 4:29 PM

    Hi Megan! That is awesome you worked as a paralegal! My sister is a lawyer and I always find that type of work to be very interesting, however I always knew I would be in education. I think you will find that you will really enjoy teaching especially 6th it is an age group that I always like.

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  2. Jeremy AveryJanuary 15, 2023 at 4:46 PM

    Good evening Megan! I like that you give students multiple options in the presentation format. I find that tends to encourage kids to be more creative in their work. The more avenues students have to work with the more likely they will choose a format that fits their skill set. Good luck in your doctoral work!

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  3. reach4thestarsJanuary 15, 2023 at 10:00 PM

    Hi Megan. I think your real life experience of a paralegal will be a great asset to you as a teacher for high school students. And you are very smart to continue your education to get your P.H.D. Good Luck!
    I completely agree with you that creativity has been a lost.

    ReplyDelete

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