The time I spent at Ball State University has so far not been wasted. As each semester ends I find myself more developed in each of the INTASC areas. This paper marks the end of my forth semester. Even though I have improved my teaching abilities from freshman year, I can strong assert that my professionalism will continue to grow and develop here at Ball State University.
There are certain INTASC skills that I need to develop more than others, such as INTASC 1. INTASC 1 is the knowledge to teach ones subject area. This INTASC covers a broad area of musical knowledge that I have yet to master such as music theory and music history. Music theory has always been my Achilles’ heel when it comes to musical knowledge. My lack of knowledge of this subject area will be fix however. I plan to finish the required classes to increases my music theory ability. From classes pass, I know that I will have to get a tutors from the learning center, that will only increases my odds of doing well.
As far as INTASC 2 is concerned, I feel that I have a decent understanding on the development of the child’s mind, that I can provide learning support and opportunities as an educator. I have received an above average grade in both Educational Psychology 250 class, as well as my developmental standards paper, which focused on signs of abuse in students across all age range and genders. Well I am at Ball State University; I will continue to deepen my knowledge on the student psyche by taking other educational psychology courses such as Educational Psychology 390. Though may skill may never reach that of a child psychiatrist, I feel that I will have the ability to understand the students mind.
INTASC 3 is another INTAC that I am insecure about. Though I have an academic understand the three main differences in learning styles, I feel that I do not have a practical understanding and therefore will not be able to offer the best education to my students. In my attempt to better myself in this INTASC skill, I will be taking courses such as General Music Methods 351 and 353 as well as Choral Methods 1 and 2. I can only anticipate that by taking theses classes that I will gain the practical knowledge that I require so I can teach the student to the height of their potential.
My skill for INTASC 4 is more or less in limbo. I strongly prefer a constructivist approach to teaching. I am an advocate for Piaget’s discovery learning. I also believe that the education theories of Maria Montessori are best suited for students to develop critical thinking, problem solving, and performance skills. When I teach I attempt to teach in a constructivist form but, some days I am not able to inspire the minds of the students leaving my skills of INTASC 4 to dwindle. It is because of my lack of ability to inspire the students that causes me to question my ability for this INTASC. I will have to become better at this INTASC if I am to teach in the style that I want to. I will have to observer my professors, as they tend to teach in this style, and learn from them what I am missing in my own. I am unsure if this subject mater will be taught in a course, however, if not, I will have to learn on my own. After all, that is the entire point of the constructivist approach.
INTASC 5 is an INTASC that is too, more or less in limbo. I put the blame for lack of student motivation on myself. I feel this way for several reasons. During peer-based teachings, I tend to lose my follow classes mates, having a harder time to keep them engineered, focused, and ready to learn. However, when out in the filed as well as individual I am able to get the student to believe in the value of education and thus can keep the class motivated and ready to learn. I am unsure on how to fix this issue in all honestly. I have ready several books on how to motivate others such as “The Power of Now” and “A New Earth” written by Eckhart Tolle, as well as “Incognito: The Secret Lives of the Brain” written by David Eagleman. Nonetheless, I am unable to motivate others. I will continue to try developing this skill, and if there is no fruit from my labor, I will just have to ask others how they are able to do what I cannot achieve.
INTASC 6 is an area in which I must be able to perform better in to be a successful teacher. Time after time, I find myself incapable of explaining my thoughts, due to an underdeveloped vocabulary and or the inability to speak clearly. I have been fortunate in the fact that there is always a person around that understands what I am attempting to say, in spite of life luck, I will not have this luxury in my classroom. My plan to fix this issue is relativity simple. I have been undergoing speech therapy every summer with my sister who is a citified speech and language pathologist. With her help, I will have a better ability to speak clearly as well as to develop my thoughts in a cohesive manor. At Ball State University, all I can do is self-monitor and work on this skill independently. With regard to my vocabulary, I am gaining significant knowledge of terms throughout the classes that I have taken, which will help me be better prepared in the classroom. I will continue to grow in this area as long I keep going to classes and paying attention. Overall I believe that this INTASC needs the most development on.
My skill level for INTASC 7 in my opinion is on par with my follow classmates. I have the ability to make plans based on the assessment of my students. I know how to proceed with subject materials at a pace that reflects student readiness. I have Music Education 258 to thank for this development in this INTASC area. It is from this class that I have gain so much of the skill set that I need from where I was just a semester ago. Because of this class I am know have the understanding of student readiness, and the ability to plan accordingly. I will undoubtedly grow more in this area as I take more music education classes. I will better myself and this skill with each chance that I receive; by creating a more in depth, better-developed lesson plan than the lesson plan before.
I believe that INTASC 9 is the most developed of all the INTASC skills that I have. I have always been my own worst critic, though at times may be slightly depressing, well eventually cause me to become a better educator. I will always strive to better myself while I am here at Ball State University, as well when I move on from this place.