Teaching Philosophy

"When a teacher tries to teach something to the entire class at the same time, 'chances are, one-third of the kids already know it; one-third will get it; and the remaining third won't. So two-thirds of the children are wasting their time."
---Lilian Katz

My approach to teaching 7th Grade Geography is one that includes a variety of learning experiences specific to the type of learners in my classroom. While direct instruction, reading for information, writing and what might be considered more "traditional" types of teaching are necessary components of our curriculum, higher levels of learning are achieved through active participation, open-ended questions, reflective writing and shared thoughts. I recognize and appreciate the different learning styles and personalities in our classroom, and constantly strive to meet the needs of each individual student. I have recently been implementing differentiated techniques based on the work of Carol Ann Tomlinson. You can check out some of her work by clicking on the link below.

Course Outcomes

Saline Area Schools

Course Outcomes

Geography 7

1. Identify by region, the relative location of countries

       a. Locate and label regional map by countries and land forms (Europe, Middle East and Northern Africa, Northern Eurasia and South Asia)
       b. Create charts, graphs, diagrams and maps
       c. Analyze and interpret different uses of maps, globes and atlases, charts and diagrams
       d. Predict world boundary changes

2. Demonstrate an awareness of current events and the relevance to one's life

       a. Watch, read and summarize news articles
       b. Describe how social and scientific changes in regions may have global consequences
       c. Analyze news events for relevance to one's own life
       d. Use Core Democratic Values to support a personal position on a public policy issue
       e. Describe and explain how the geography, culture and history of the region may be influencing current events

3. Define and explain world geography vocabulary and concepts

       a. Match terms to definitions
       b. Use vocabulary and concepts to explain problems and solutions

4. Describe, compare and explain the locations and characteristics of places, cultures and settlements

       a. Know physical characteristics (vegetation, climate, resources, etc. that influence culture)
       b. Locate and describe the diverse places, culture and communities of major world regions
       c. Describe and compare characteristics of major world cultures including language, religion, government, belief
           systems, gender roles and traditions
       d. Explain why people live and work as they do in different regions

5. Interpret regional interdependence

       a. Explain global movement of goods, services and ideas
       b. Identify ways in which individuals and societies have positively and negatively impacted our environment

6. Interpret regional interdepence

       a. Explain global movement of goods, services and ideas 
       b. Compare our economic system with other systems
       c. Appreciate the effects of world trade
       d. Know how our economic system determines what is produced
       e. Identify ways in which the United States is interdependent

7. Read, write and verbally express ideas related to geographic themes

       a. Construct a 6-10 sentence paragraph using a topic sentence, supporting details, and a closing sentence.
       b. Write a persuasive response to a public policy issue which:
          -clearly states one's position
          -includes a Core Democratic Value
          -documents previous social studies knowledge
          -uses data/information from the prompt

Erby - Geography 7 - 2005/2006