Class Discussion 

As we went through this class, we kept a similar theme in mind. Why is the center of the concept map the student? Right in the beginning of class, Dr. Hurd presented us an idea map that involved all of the things that a student would need to be successful in the classroom. Dr. Hurd explained that he didn't love that the middle of the idea map only said "ideas." As a class we agreed that the student should be in the middle of the idea map.

Then we broadened that concept and discussed students who may have a variety of identities and what that would look like. We talked about Venn Digarams and using a variety of circles. Overall, we were able to determine that the students need to be represented and ALL parts and identities of them need to be represented. 

Further on in the course, we thought about the reflection between teaching in the high school setting and the middle school and what types of changes are primarily noticed and why as a teacher, we need to be incredibly responsive to middle schoolers. We talked about how middle school is the big transition time. Individuals are still reliant on the teachers for a lot of things, but are seeking independence. 

In my small group we talked about how teachers of the middle school age are also teaching with a lot of social emotional learning mindset as well. Individuals in the middle school setting need to be pushed to be social and reflect on their emotions. This happens less in high school. Usually by this point, individuals are more mature, or at least think they are more mature. This then leads teachers to have to focus less on the personal issues, but instead connect with students on a different level. 

We also discussed the different types of testing that occurs. In middle school, individuals are still in a collaborative classroom setting. Students work in groups and with their peers. Whereas, in high school, individuals spend more time listening to lectures, taking notes, and studying. 

Overall, this lesson helped me reflect on my middle school expiernece and analyze different ways that I can organize lessons in my future to keep students at the center of the teaching.