GRAD 6100 Blog #2

Oh, my goodness, I think today moved so much faster than yesterday. (I really didn't believe that was possible.) So very many important aspects of teaching have not only been covered but also well-examined.

I've known all along that assignment design is exceptionally important to the delivery of an effective lesson. But today's inquiry really illustrated a new magnitude to that responsibility. Developing a course beginning with the Learning Outcomes only makes sense to me...especially after today's exercises. Why would I start out on a trip -- to a place I've never been -- without a road map? How would I know when I had arrived at my destination...if I didn't know what my destination was? So, why would I attempt to teach a course without specifically being present to the objectives, as well as the actions (or activities), that are required to deliver that content.

I worked in customer service for many years and during my educator's training I've seen more than a few similarities in that type of work to teaching. Just like today...I never would have sold someone an item they did not want to purchase, I was committed to delivering exactly their desire. As a teacher, I am committed to delivering the learning outcomes, at the end of the course, that were promised to the student on the first day of that class. That's what they paid for, that's what I am here to provide.

I really enjoyed the morning panel. Ryan Holmes did a terrific job sharing about the services available through the Office of Student Life.

Today also provided useful information regarding assessments and grading strategies. I was relieved to find several ways to save time in grading...without compromising accuracy.

So far as my plans for the semester...I will continue working on my MEd, Instructional Specialist/Bilingual Education. I will also persist in my search for a teaching contract in order to complete my agreement with UTEP's Alternative Teacher Certification Program while serving as a Substitute Teacher for the E.P.I.S.D.