Professional

Teaching Context

Introduction Video

Instructional Resources

Professional Information

In the spring of 2000 I graduated CSUN with my Bachelors in History. I went on to get my credential in Social Studies. For the last 5 years I’ve been teaching seventh grade history and now U.S. History at Olive Vista Middle School. I’ve tried various teaching methods, ones from observation and others from books. Technology seems to spark the most interest and motivation. Incorporating computers with my lessons, I have seen first hand how students respond in a positive way. In the classroom I have been able to introduce programs such as Microsoft word, PowerPoint, and Publisher. If a lesson calls for making a brochure, I’ve found that the majority of my students would rather use a computer instead of just scissors and glue. Not only am I happy that they are showing interest in the project but I’m also pleased that they are being exposed to technology. Microsoft Word, Publisher, and Power Point are all tools needed for college and business. They are not only learning history but are learning the technology that will give them the advantage for the rest of their lives.

Academic

CSUN Masters Courses

CSUN Masters Information

Academic Goals

My academic goals are to further my education in technology and bring what I learn at CSUN into my classroom.  Website design, Networking, and Integrating Technology with Social Studies are some of the courses that interest me most.  With these courses I feel I could offer my students more.  Learning about website design would benefit me and my students because it would make my classroom more accessible.  I could display lessons, post grades securely, and offer a way for parents and students to feel comfortable asking questions or making comments through email.  Networking is valuable because I could have all the computers networked in my classroom.  This provides students with another resource to use on projects or for exploring.  Overall I would like to integrate technology in the classroom to get my students feeling more comfortable using computers.

Peer Reviewer

 

Mike Corral

Mike CorralIntroduction

I am an 8th grade United States History teacher at Olive Vista Middle School. I have been teaching history for now 5 years. I truly believe that hard work builds strong minds and good character.

Educational Philosophy

My academic goal is hard work builds strong minds. In the classroom I try to make history interactive and intrusting. I divide my students into teams; this is to add a sense of competition in the classroom. This helps build strong character because the students help each other out with various assignments. I also try to create a positive atmosphere in the classroom. I try to show that if you want respect you first give respect.

Links