Practices in the Classroom: Reflection

     This post is a reflection on the video Practices in the Classroom: Becoming Readers and Writers, from the Annenberg Learner's multimedia resources.

     Watching the video was a pleasurable experience, as I faced a very clear picture of what a good learning environment should look like in a classroom. There was quite a great spirit from the beginning of class and the teacher really embraced the community in a way that the students will learn to feel confortable with each other.  Sheila Owen’s acceptance and embrace of student’s diversity really impressed me in many levels. It is my belief –and conviction- that an effective educator must learn about and embrace the community being serviced.

      As far as her teaching strategy in regards to information and processing, I found that her use of gradual release of responsibility really guides students through a process that enforces information in a gradual, responsible and sensible way, allowing all students to absorb information at a steady pace. This no doubt creates a learning environment that is appropriate, effective and sensible.