Chapter 6

Out of all the learning outcomes, I hope to instill one to my students. I want them to gain implicit knowledge for themselves. As a former high school student myself, I did learn in the classroom, but do I remember any of the assignments and learning styles of the teacher? I remember very little, but I do recall the care and passion I felt from the teachers that taught with much vigor. That, and other factors, helped me decide that I wanted to be a teacher. They broadened my horizon and I am grateful for my teachers that had a hand in shaping me who I am today. As my teachers have done before me, I hope to do the same for my inner-city students. I also hope to have my students achieve automaticity. Whether it be for school and/or for their future, I have accomplished something. The video clip, http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MT0L1U-Rdj4 though it's just a movie preview, it conveys what Ms. Gruwell achieved with her students.

Though it's a bit long, it's from TEDtalks. It's Ms. Gruwell herself and her experiences in teaching with inner-city high school students. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Thd8xw_poNo 

Ms. Gruwell is not the only exceptional teacher I want be like, but she was the first to grab my attention. I've adapted some of her teaching methods that I will use for my own.
 
I want my students to achieve success, college bound or not, after high school. I want them to convey a positive implicit memory of themselves and the world around them. From classroom lessons, projects, and discussions, I want my students to achieve automaticity. It may take lots lessons, encouragement, and time out of my life... it'll be worth it. It'll be worth it when my students can experience life of good, positive, and a liking for knowledge. The more I understand these theories of learning, the better prepared I can be as a teacher. I better get studying.