Ronda Brown's MSU Capstone Portfolio

So you want to know about Ms. Brown...?

Picture
My Background Information
I am a fourth generation teacher.  My father, his parents, and my grandfather's mother were all educators.  My father is a professor, my mother is a domestic engineer, my sisters are teachers, and my baby brother is in a quest for knowledge.  I grew up in Kentwood, MI and graduated from East Kentwood High School.  I attended Grand Valley State University where I earned a B.S. in Biology, minored in Chemistry and Psychology, and have a Secondary Education emphasis.  I am currently finishing my Masters of Arts in Educational Technology through Michigan State University.  I am truly excited to be teaching science to high school students and using innovative technology in my classroom to enhance the educational experience.

My Teaching Philosophy
My ultimate goal is to have a permanent positive impact on my students.  I want them to develop and master the skill of analytical thinking and proper studying habits.  I want my students to understand the importance of being a life-long learner.  I want them to possess the tools and skills to become successful citizens of today’s society.  

My classroom will have rules and standards as the foundation to achieve these goals.  I will create a community environment where students feel safe and comfortable to learn.  I will establish strong positive relationships with my students in order to maximize their ability for positive behavior and learning.  I will also hold students accountable for their own actions and education.  

My students will be responsible for their own behavior and will not disrupt the learning experience of their peers.  They must respect themselves, peers, authority and the property of others.  Every students must come to class on time, be prepared, do assignments on time, and have a positive attitude.  

As a teacher, I believe in many methods of instruction and evaluation.  A lecture/discussion format will be utilized to introduce and outline the important topics and concepts.  It is expected that all students will be attentive and participating.  To supplement the discussions there is a textbook, A-V materials (videos, CD-ROM, slides, etc.), handouts, demonstrations, labs and other activities.   

Therefore, my students will be graded in a variety of ways.  There will be homework, quizzes and tests.  There will also be lab assignments, dissections, projects, and other classroom activities.  These projects may consist of written reports, oral presentations, models or all three.  At the end of each semester a cumulative exam will be given.

I believe that all children can learn as long as they are willing to be engaged in an interesting informational gathering process in an environment that does not shame them for their successes or their failures.