Final Reflection

It just seems so surreal to be sitting down and about to begin my last blog that contains the final wrap up of the semester. I remember when I first heard about Economic for teachers being offered this semeseter; my first thoughts included anxiety of just thinking about another economics class and a personal challenge to complete the requirement for my major. I did not know what to expect since Dr. Putko had mentioned that it was the first time the course was going to be offered and we were going to be the "guinea pigs" to try the class out.

After the first day, I was realized that the course was not just centered on economics (graphs, formulas, textbook) but on economic content and how to teach it. I had previously taken both micro and macro before this class two years ago and was afraid of not remembering but as the class progressed it seemed that I had underestimated my knowledge, I feel as if i know the basics of economic principles as tested in the final exam. I was also glad to find that out that I was not the only one in my major who dreaded econ, i think the rest of my classmates shared the same phobia of not wanting or preferring to teach an econ class in the future. I loved the lectures when Dr. Imazeki tought us techniques and different ways to teach econ for example using music lyrics, emphasizing active learning those where very helpful since most classes I've taken have focused on material whether of how we can teach it in the classroom. I believe a teacher can be the smartest person but that does not matter it they can not get the students to listen and engage in the subject. I dont consider myself the smartest but with these great tips I know I could pull it off and not be to Boring! (I hope =) )

As I am reflecting, I feel as if I have gained confidence in myself due to this class. Not only do i feel more confident to take on a job that requires me to teach an economics class but with the high competition in the job market, I would wouldn't mind offering myself to teach an econ class in my job interview.

I have to be honest, this class was not easy! Yet it is very self fulfilling, the assignments in this class took me a long time to complete, therefore they were very time consuming. As a procrastinator I found it very hard since the beginning of the class to put off my work. I began to look into and just think about the assignments one or two weeks before. I would have never thought that my book reviews would be 8-9 pages long!! Or that it would take me about a 5 days to a week to read the actual book for the book review talk about time consuming huh? well that's because I am slow and I take my time in what I am doing. Overall, as hard as it is to admit the book reviews would have had to be my favorites. I greatly enjoyed the books I read "A Deadly Indifference and Freakonomics" eventhough some people might not agree with me, I learned alot and discovered two books that I would highly recommend and use in my future classroom.

The lesson plans were also an anventure in themselves. I thought it was an important assignment, as future teachers we will doing lesson plans all the time. Therefore, it was a great way to prepare us and get us thinking about it early on before we get into the teaching credential. The only thing that i didnt like was the form we presented it to the class. It seemed that we just went up there and just read it outloud, maybe for the next set of students they can actually teach one of the three lesson plans. (but then again i understand there is a time issue). I think the most challenging lesson was the third one. I worked on it as a group and it was hard to get together, I got to a point to which I was rady to work my myself but that was just part of the learning experience. One must learn how to cooperate with others and be open to all ideas. That was a valuable lesson, therefore I think it would be a good idea to have a group lesson plan required next semester. I mean as future teachers we will need to work with other teachers so this is a great way to prepare us for the workfield. Not to mention I was really happy with our lesson and I felt really good that we worked as a team all the way through.

Last but not least JA, wow! I see the purpose of the requirement and I honestly I felt it was enriching BUT it was too much. First, I would have liked to have known about this requirement prior to the enrollment of this class. It was a hassel trying toget a hold of the JA people, it seemed so unorganized, therefore we had to go seek our own placement. I even had to get out of work early and loose hours to go teach my lessons. Long hours of preparation were also required to understand the lesson and reherse it. But that was the sour and ugly... meeting and working with the students and my partner was priceless. It was well worth it one gains confidence and knowledge in a classroom setting.

Well there it is my experience in Econ 349 for teachers. Thank You for a great semester, I have gained so much as a person, student, and a future teacher.