I thoroughly agreed with all the assigned articles this week, but the ones that particularly interested me were “Are There Really Benefits to Writing Things by Hand” and “Reflective Writing”.  With the influence of technology and disappearance of traditional teaching becoming more common in schools, I feel like students may lose some important critical thinking skills.  Young people nowadays can learn in all kinds of ways through all the tools the internet provides.  Whilst I am all for utilizing technology to its fullest potential in the classroom, I am firm in my belief that students should refrain from typing their notes.  “Are There Really Benefits to Writing Things by Hand” states that “the idea that handwriting can improve critical thinking makes sense” since students have to work a little harder to shorthand their notes in order that they may take all the important information and still keep up with the teacher.  Taking notes by hand can also facilitate reflective writing in that when students go back and look at their notes, “become more aware of [their] personal thoughts about [their] life experiences” and how they might apply the lesson to “real life”.

In the classroom, there is a good balance to be had between learning with modern technology (Web 2.0 tools) and learning traditionally.  In my classroom, I plan to use technology in many ways, but when it comes to note taking, I will most definitely have my students take their notes by hand.

On the topic of reflective writing, I believe students should have many chances throughout the class time to analyze and form an opinion on the material.  When it all comes down to it, students–at their core–should be thinkers.  As a future high school teacher, I feel as though it is my duty to facilitate and encourage young adults to think critically, wonder, and broaden their world views.  Throwing information at them with the goal being a passing grade on a test is sure to pose the question, “What is this even for?” or the belief many students hold that they are never going to use the facts and skills they learn in class.  However, taking the time to reflect on the work they do and the things they read brings a new level of engagement, and the students are likely to have an easier time recalling and applying the information.