Jennifer Jones

AP English 12 Period 5
10/5/16

Research Section

If one wants to help others learn, one must learn first. Before getting in front of a

classroom, teachers and instructors must first know what they are teaching, the significance of

what they are teaching, and the most effective way of teaching.

In order to teach middle school students the art of public speaking and the fundamentals

of the American legal system one must start with the foundation of educational standards set by

the state. Standards are an effective way of ensuring that all children are getting a fulfilling

education and learning what they need to be prepared for the next level of school or life no

matter what school they go to (Gillam). These standards should be the framework for the

classroom, starting as soon as kindergarten to help students become familiar with the

expectations of a common core curriculum. Standards have been carefully crafted for each

grade and further divided by subject by education experts. These standards are constantly

updated to remain effective (Ediger). By the time students are in middle school they are

expected to have a solid foundation of not only what they have learned but how to learn. Middle

school state standards have an emphasis on critical thinking and analysis, research writing and

technology, and comprehending informational text. By this grade students should have the

opportunity to be independent and make decisions for themselves. Students should have a solid

foundation in each subject and be able to apply things learned in one subject to another,

creating a cross curriculum (Content Standards).

Now more than ever the classroom should have an emphasis on real world skills such

as use of technology and career oriented classes. Teachers should make use of a number of

media platforms such as computers, television, and radio. This can help students remain

engaged in learning and get the skills they will need in regards to technology. Almost all jobs

today require a basic understanding of technology so this skill is necessary (Darling-Hammond).

A pathway oriented class can help students get real world experience for the careers they may

be interested in. Some pathways include jobs in healthcare, law enforcement, legal studies, and
 Jennifer Jones
AP English 12 Period 5
10/5/16

arts. Students should be given the opportunity to try classes in different pathways to help them

determine what career path they want to take in a safe and non binding way (California Career

Pathways).

There are many different ways to teach information. The best method is to use more

than one technique. Because all students learn differently, it is important to teach the same

information in multiple ways to make sure every student can understand it. For example,

teachers can verbally give instruction, and then write the instructions on the board. Another

example would be to have students take notes on a lecture and then watch a video

summarizing the main points accompanied by visuals (Marlow). Teachers should try to be

creative and think of fresh ways of presenting information. Using an unconventional method to

teach a lesson can result in students remembering the topic. Utilizing multimedia platforms can

also keep students engaged during instructional time (Brown). Teachers should remember to

lead by example. Creating a relationship with the students where they feel as though the

teacher is working as hard as they are and is holding themself to the same standard as their

students is encourages students to work hard. Keeping a positive attitude and safe learning

environment can also go a long way to make students feel comfortable in a classroom,

encouraging them to participate in discussions and ask any questions they may have (Chu).

Recent studies have suggested that middle school students should have less homework

than they are currently given. Experts in the field suggest that students grades six to eight

should only be assigned classwork that was not completed during class as homework. Some

teachers have already started changing homework methods and have seen no change in

scores despite lessening the out of class work. This study emphasizes why teachers should

remember to not give excessive or non crucial homework to students, and only assign

meaningful or un completed work (Marlow). Common core standards for middle school align

with this, emphasizing that teaching students how to look at problems and analyze them in an

intelligent way is more important than giving students many problems (Content Standards).
 Jennifer Jones
AP English 12 Period 5
10/5/16

Knowing what to teach and how to teach effectively can create an enriching classroom

experience. In order to create an enriching learning atmosphere teachers should go outside of

their comfort zone and teach in multiple ways, utilize technology, implement standards, and

work as hard as their students. This will help students reach their learning potential.

Works Cited

Brown, Christopher P. "It's more than content: expanding the conception of early learning

standards." Early Childhood Research & Practice 9.1 (2007). Student Resources in

Context. Web. 29 Sept. 2016.

"California Career Pathways Trust (CCPT)." - Career Technical Education (CA Dept of

Education). California Department of Education, n.d. Web. 28 Sept. 2016.

Chu, Clara M. "See, Hear, and Speak No Evil." Reference & User Services Quarterly

Spring 2000: 255. Student Resources in Context. Web. 29 Sept. 2016.

"Content Standards." Standards & Frameworks (CA Dept of Education). California

Department of Education, n.d. Web. 28 Sept. 2016.

Darling-Hammond, Linda. "Constructing 21st-century teacher education." Journal of

Teacher Education 57.3 (2006): 300+. Professional Collection. Web. 29 Sept. 2016.

Ediger, Marlow. "Present day philosophies of education." Journal of Instructional

Psychology 33.3 (2006): 179+. Professional Collection. Web. 29 Sept. 2016.

Gillam, David. "A Framework for K-12 Education." Science and Children Summer 2012: 87+.

Student Resources in Context. Web. 29 Sept. 2016.