LLSS 315: Midterm Summary

1. Four major strands of work: communication, research, technology, and collaboration.

·        Communication: This class has allowed me to be able to openly communicate with classmates, as well as my partner student. Being able to work with students and talk about different things has helped prepare me as a future teacher. I have enjoyed the many group discussions and the many viewpoints.

·        Research: This class has made me think about stories and their importance differently. Thinking and sharing family stories has made me realize the importance of keeping those stories alive and to write them down.

·        Technology: The webpage for this class has had its ups and downs with me, but overall I think it is well worth it. It is a great way to take ownership and pride in publishing your work. At first I didn’t like the fact that everyone could see my work, but now I think it is a good idea.

·        Collaboration: The UNM program with smaller classes lets me be able to share ideas and thoughts with my classmates, because many of us have more than one class together. I like this because it allows me to share ideas and questions with them.

2. Five Dimensions of Learning:
   • Confidence and Independence: I think of myself as being more shy than talkative, but throughout this class I have noticed myself becoming more involved and sharing my ideas and opinions during class discussions.
   • Knowledge Content: This class has given me more understanding about working with a diverse group of students. Having the real-life experience of working with students better prepares me for the future, where as other classes don’t give the hands-on experience.
   • Skills and Strategies: At first, I wasn’t comfortable working with the students because I didn’t know what to do or what to say, but as I’m becoming more comfortable with my students I feel it is getting easier to be able to express my opinions and help them understand writing.
   • Use of prior and emerging experiences: These experiences in the classroom are only going to better prepare me, as a future teacher. Without these experiences, I feel I would not have the understanding needed to be a teacher. I enjoy working with the students and I’m very excited to see their completed work. I enjoy seeing students progress from the beginning stages to the end, completed work.
   • Reflective ness:  Overall, the class has been a great priceless experience for me. Each week I enjoy seeing my students and getting to work with them on writing and creating a story that they will keep and share for a long time.

Midterm Evaluation:

• Everything is great and I enjoy the class.