Summary Post C4T #1

The first post I watch by Caren Carrillo’s was called Multiple Intelligences. It talked mainly about the different ways students learned. Each student is capable of learning the curriculum they just need to be taught in the way they can understand it. She broke down seven different learning patterns: verbal, logical, visual, kinesthetic, musical, intrapersonal, and naturalist intelligences. While talking about each learning pattern she emphasized on how educators can incorporate technology to those learning styles.

I really enjoyed watching the video on Multiple Intelligences! I loved how Caren tied in technology with the different learning styles. By breaking down each learning style she helped other educators understand the importance of understanding technology. I liked how she gave examples of different ways to teach those students who have different learning patterns. This is an excellent most. I recommend when you get any free time to go watch it at her page, http://carencarrillo.posterous.com.

The second post I read on Caren Carrillo's page was called: Classroom Management: Commercial Breaks and Attention Spans. This was a short post, but very interesting. Caren told us that one's attention span can be estimated at student's age + 5 = attention spans in minutes. From that she broke down how she teaches her students in a 55 minute class period. She starts off by having a brief five minute warm up activity for the students; which allows her to take roll. After that time, she starts off the class with lecture her teaching material for the day. These lectures last for about 15 minutes so that her students don't start getting bored. Then she goes on for another 15 minutes reviewing the material in a different format; like videos or Venn Diagrams. She believes after those 30 minutes students are normally wanting to talk. So she normally tries to break down the students into groups for some kind of group activity related to the subject. For the last 15 minutes before being dismissed, she has the students work independently so she is certain that each individual knows the materials covered that day. She ends by saying that even though the students will not admit it, she is certain they are grateful that she is working with their attention spans!


I really liked reading this post. Caren is right about students having short attention spans. I like the idea of changing up what a teacher is doing in the classroom every 15 minutes! The breaks you give throughout the class time stays on topic of the discussion you started out with, and keeps the students interested! The structure Ms. Carrillo gave on her page is great, and I plan on keeping these techniques in mind when I become a teacher!