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Self-Assessment

The first connections I began applying from my coursework into my service learning were the learning theories of cognitivism and behaviorism, which was helpful with classroom instruction, as well as constructivism, which I used for lessons requiring critical thinking both for myself and my students. Blogging has really helped me track my own learning and understanding, especially in review at the end of the semester. My favorite assignment was the little video I made on Sputnik, and its effect on education in the United States. I really appreciated the conversations I had with my students on science and technology.

In the first blog post I mentioned I would be providing a lot of instruction in math, and this subsequently proved to be true throughout the semester. I was able to build experience in this arena by reviewing the daily math homework in front the class, as well as draw real world connections. In my fifth blog post last month, I addressed some of my thoughts on educational legislation, and the effect it has on our classrooms. For every career it is important to be socially conscious and observing the decisions of our lawmakers, who will try to label teachers as the solution, problem or scapegoat to issues ranging from unemployment, poverty, the war on drugs, and now gun violence.

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