1) classroom organization is that the class should look fun, inviting, and safe. The desks might be arranged in a particular way one class and different the next. I think it is very important to have a lot on the walls (particularly mathematics based) to show students that there are so many ways to get interested in math. I want to make sure my room stays clean and organized as far as materials, and that there are places for students to drop of any papers that they need to hand into me.
2) motivation is for students to find something they enjoy and become motivated themselves to complete the material. I would love to do something along the lines of an interest inventory (probably more like a one-on-one interview) and find out what their hobbies and interests are. In addition, I will encourage them to consider how what we are studying can relate to their interests. If students are not motivated I believe that is partially my fault and I need to find a way to work with them to make adjustments for them.
3) content area is simple--I want there to be flexibility with what I'm teaching. In my unit on conic sections for math methods, I open every class with an interesting math topic. In particular, something that is not covered in the book or in the common core. Ideally this will open their eyes to see that there is so much more to mathematics than what might be stuck in their textbook they innately think is so stupid. As far as content is concerned, I don't always think it is appropriate to stick to the order of the book. If something feels like it should be taught earlier or later I will make the adjustment for the bettering of the unit.
4) assessment will be mostly formative. Especially now that we are moving more towards proficiency based learning in our schools, it will be important to get as many formative assessments about the students' knowledge as possible. This may come in the form of an entrance/exit ticket, quick writes, quick draws, etc... The more information I can get about my students' level the better.
5) classroom climate is arguably one of the most important things in the classroom. If a student doesn't feel comfortable in the class there is a pretty good chance they will not learn as much as they should. My goal is to have a 100% positive 100% of the time attitude in my class. Hopefully it might carry into the rest of the school if students buy into it. I am one to have a lot of fun in the classroom and goof around. I often find that I go on tangents and talk, at times, about things that are unrelated to the content. While this could be detrimental to the lesson, I find that it gives students something to listen to that might eventually get their attention back on the lesson.
6) the learning focus is that it is on the student. If the student is not learning then there is a problem. I will not be a lecturer, although certainly I will provide plenty of direct instruction. Activities are something that are too often underused in mathematics classrooms, and I think if there is any sort of activity I can do that will get my students out of the textbook or out of their seats the better my lessons will be received.
7) technology integration is that is is very important in this day and age with our students. However... I do believe that it can be forced at times, and many times the beauty of mathematics can be pushed to the side for a calculator or online cheat. There is a lot of value to the use of animations, digital graphics, videos, and online explorations that make learning concepts more attainable.
8) teacher and leadership style revolves around the fact that I am there to assist the students learn to the best of their ability. I do not see myself as an authoritative figure in the classroom--only a guider to help them reach their mathematical potential and most importantly feel confident in their work. As a teacher I am going to expect a lot out of my students but also be there to assist them when they need it. Nothing is necessarily set in stone as far as deadlines 'rules'; if a students talks to me and communicates most likely there will be some give and take.
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