First Day Reflection

Yesterday began my first class on science methods for K-8 teaching. As I read through the text and engaged in the activities during class, I was invigorated by the potential! What I mean by "potential," is the vast amount of opportunities I see in my everyday settings, and in the classroom, where I can apply what I am learning. The major focus in this class is teaching students based on inquiry. The process is simple, but the outcomes are enormous! I read three articles, "How did you do that?" "Inquirize your Teaching," and "Young Questioners," all which relate to the concept that students learn of science by asking questions, exploring explanations for possible answers, and providing proof as evidence. In this instance, students take an active role in their learning, answering their own questions, sometimes with the guidance of a third party (such as a teacher).

I look back on my own experiences with learning. In general, I wished that more teachers approached instruction this same way, providing me with opportunities to answer my own questions rather than giving me the feeling that there's only one right answer and it can only be found at the back of a textbook. Teaching students the skill of inquiring is a gateway to more knowledge. I learned that this skill isn't only necessary to learn about science, but it can be applied to other subjects taught in school, as well as the real-world.