Magazine Project PDF

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A Magazine by Taylin Cozzens Holyoak

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ED 243-05
The Modern Teacher’s Secret to Success

Taylin Cozzens Holyoak
26 February 2018

Instructor: David Marshall
Brigham Young University—Idaho

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Table of Contents
Cover Page……………………………………………………………………………….….……1
Technology Article Title Page………………………………………………………….….……..3
Table of Contents………………………………………………………………….……….……..4
Technology Article Abstract……………………………………………………………..……….5
Technology Article: A Modern Teacher’s Secret to Success……………………………….……6
Scholastic Ad………………………………………………………………………………..……8
Current Trends Article Title Page……………………………………………………………..….9
Current Trends Article Abstract……………………………………………………………….....10
Current Trends Article: Trendy Parents……………….…………………………………..……..11
Interview(s)………………………………………………………………………………….…...13

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Abstract

Do you wish you could save time, money, and energy? Have you ever needed tips,
advise, or ideas for inspiration? Have you ever wished you could see what other’s do or have
done to successfully complete a task? Well, if you answered yes to any or all of these questions, I
would recommend you keep reading. Through my research and study, I have found that the
effective use of apps positively assists teachers. I have compiled together specific apps that are
useful for teachers in three main areas: classroom management, lesson planning, and
communicating with students and their families. These apps could be the tools, resources, and
materials that you need. The truth is that there are teachers just like you who ask themselves
these same previously mentioned questions. And fortunately, there are also solutions to the
problems, challenges, or needs that you have. In this article, you will find that the lists of apps I
have created are accompanied with explanations and my personal affiliation. An example of an
app that I find very beneficial and applicable for teachers is Pinterest. You will be able to read
about a teaching experience I had with the help of Pinterest. Pinterest and several other apps give
you access to teacher networks, blogs, articles, and relative information. Now, something I want
to tackle in preface to my article is that there are apps upon apps upon apps. It is important to
note that there are a lot of apps that may not suite your personal taste. But do not lose hope or
give up. The beauty is that there are many different styles and options available so that every
teacher can find what works best for them. Hopefully as you continue exploring my research,
you find the apps I have selected from the endless lists of apps as helpful, fun, and useful.

(311 words)

In our modern world, technology 6
makes possibility almost endless. And
honestly, it is sometimes overwhelming how teacher. With classroom management being
much technology exists. But the key to such a crucial topic in the field of education,
technology is using it effectively. As a having the ability to search other’s ideas and
teacher, we have so many different collaborating with other teachers is a
responsibilities. Classroom management resource that can propel you forward. There
requires preparation, planning, materials, is no exact right or wrong way to manage a
and active implementation. Lesson plans classroom. But your students have needs
require engaging activities and creativity. that need to be met. That is no small task. In
Our relationship with our student’s family this age of technology, apps allow teachers
often requires quick, easy, and consistent to work as a team.
forms of communication. And the list goes
on. I am not suggesting technology is the Every day you have the expectation
only answer, but I am making a promise that to teach your students. It requires
using technology effectively will build your understanding objectives, finding how to
effectiveness as a teacher. present the information, how engage your
students, and how to prepare them to apply
Classroom management and retain that knowledge. As mentioned
encompasses various and multiple aspects. It before, apps can help give you options,
can be a challenge to do it all by yourself. creative ideas, and different methods.
What do you need to make a procedure for? “Using apps for lesson planning has had a
How will you set up your classroom? What major positive impact on teaching and has
works and doesn’t work? Are you a new
teacher? What resources and materials do
you need? If adjustment is needed, what are
other options? Is it age appropriate? How
should you post your procedures? –
overwhelmed? Well, I would like to suggest
a few apps that are available to assist any
and every teacher. The apps specifically
helpful for classroom management are
Teacherkit, Teach Learn Lead, and Additio.
Teacherkit and Addito are more geared
towards making certain aspects of classroom
management easier and quicker. For
example, they help you keep notes on each
student’s behavior, progress, and attendance.
They both have high ratings and good
reviews. Teach Learn Lead actually has a
perfect rating of 5 stars. This app is
essentially a social network for teachers. On
this app, or rather teacher network, teachers
help share and work together to make their
classrooms a better place. Classroom
management is so important for the success
of your students and your success as a

saved several hours of preparation time for 7
teachers” (Educational App Store, 2018).
Out of the endless list of apps in the realm of classroom, among the top reasons stated is:
educational technology, some of the top- “There are some apps which are not only
rated apps for lesson planning are Nearpod, meant for learning, but to also stay updated
Planboard, Interactive Whiteboards, about campus events, timetables, alerts and
CommonCore Standards, Scholastic other important information” (Edsy, 2017).
Classroom Ideas to Go, and Evernote. A few suggested apps are Remind,
Nearpod and Plandboard are both essentially Edublogs, Seesaw, Trello, and even creating
lesson plan organizers; they help you write a Facebook page. Before my research, I
out your lesson plan, track the progress, and actually already had Remind and Trello
allow you to record feedback, revisions, and downloaded on my mobile device. These
edit your plan afterwards. The Interactive apps are honestly two of the most helpful
Whiteboard, Scholastic Classroom Ideas to resources I have in staying connected with
Go, an Evernote apps allow you to connect any group of persons. An app I definitely
with your students, eliminate the need for plan to add to my downloads is Seesaw.
excessive amounts of paper or materials, and This app is basically a student portfolio
give you the opportunity to make more builder intended to let parent’s see and
interactive lessons. The CommonCore app is celebrate their child’s achievements. Apps
such an easy way to access the required are not here to replace the need for constant
educational standards. It is super easy- effort of building relationships; but apps can
friendly. I have used this app several times. help enhance classroom related relationships
Additional to the previous list of apps, I with effective communication.
would recommend Pinterest. Currently, I am
mentoring a very experienced teacher. She Overall, apps are useful for many
gave me the opportunity to teach her class. purposes and people. But as important as
In preparation for my vocabulary lesson for being an effective teacher is, allowing apps
the first-grade class, I used Pinterest to find created for educators to exist among your
activities that would help the students be classroom tools is for your benefit, your
engaged in learning. I found an idea, used it, student’s benefit, and the benefit of all
and am grateful for technology helping me involved. Of course, “…not all apps are
find it. The students had so much fun and created equal” (2017) says Teachers With
performed exceptionally. Afterwards, my Apps who have an entire website as a
mentor teacher even asked me if she could resource for finding and promoting trusted
use my ideas from the lesson plan for her apps. And believe me, these trusted apps
future vocabulary lessons. The use of apps have worth and value because they can save
in lesson planning has proven in my you time, stress, and unnecessary worry.
personal experience and in several With the supporting evidence, growing
researches as a positive tactic. number of advocates for using technology in
the classroom, and the educational digital
Within the classroom, apps can bring trends, I add my voice in saying, “teachers
an element that makes teaching a little more [need to] harness technology instead of
enjoyable. But perhaps some of the best fighting it” (Schiola & Sin, 2016). As a
apps available to making you an effective teacher, what tools will you use to improve
teacher are the apps that keep you updated your effectiveness?
and connected with your students and their
families. In a study of how apps benefit the (Word Count= 1025)

References 8

Edsy (2017, July 5). 12 Benefits of Using Retrieved from
Apps in Education. Retrieved from https://mashable.com/2013/02/05/tea
http://www.edsys.in/12-benefits-of- chers-technology-
using-apps-in-education/ infographic/#Vl4HiKRdmZqp

Educational App Store (2018). 5 Best McClure, Laura (2015, September 19). 25
Lesson Planning Apps for Teachers. Awesome Apps for Teachers,
Retrieved from Recommended by Teachers.
https://www.educationalappstore.co Retrieved from
m/best-apps/5-best-lesson-planning- http://blog.ed.ted.com/2015/09/19/25
apps-for-teachers -awesome-apps-for-teachers-
recommended-by-teachers/
Greene, Kim (2018). 8 Apps for Lesson
Planning and Classroom Schiola, E., Sin, G (2016, October 8). 21
Management. Retrieved from helpful apps for teachers and
https://www.scholastic.com/teachers/ educators. Retrieved from
articles/teaching-content/8-apps- https://www.digitaltrends.com/mobil
lesson-planning-and-classroom- e/best-apps-for-teachers-education/
management/
Teacher’s With Apps (2017). Teacher’s
Larson, Eric & PBS (2013, February 5). With Apps: An Educational Resource
How Many Teachers Use App. Retrieved from
Technology in the Classroom?. https://www.teacherswithapps.com/a
bout/

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ED 243-05
Trendy Parents
Taylin Cozzens Holyoak
19 March 2018
Instructor: David Marshall
Brigham Young University—Idaho

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ABSTRACT

It is not a new idea that parents are involved in their child’s education, school, or learning
journey. The fact that parents have a responsibility, obligation, and need to voluntarily help in
the classroom is not a new trend. However, there are new methods, ways, and approaches that
are current trends of modern parents in regards to serving their children, their teacher’s, and the
school that their child attends. Nothing can replace their physical presence at school events,
meetings, conferences, and help in the classrooms. However, in between their physical
attendance within the schools, parents have ways to connect, communicate, and work as a team
with the teachers and faculty that spend countless hours with their child. There are so many
benefits supported by research and personal experiences of many families that prove we should
vamping the current trends of parents and teachers using technology as a tool to promote, build,
and unite in the educational world! When this takes place, it helps to meet three group’s needs—
teachers, parents, and students. Teachers cannot do it alone. There are incredible teachers who
are very experienced, wise, and talented. But they are simply limited in their time, materials, and
ideas. Parents have other things they need to do. They can spend their entire time in the
classroom or fully devoted to school-related tasks. But as a group, they can work as a team,
volunteer when they can, and feel satisfied seeing their child excel, progress, and grow. Students
perform better when they see their parents and teachers work together, invest time, use their
energy, and place value on education. A school is not merely a building; it is a community. It is
made up of a team of parents, teachers, and students. How can you make it a better place?

(301 words)

Research shows that when parents 11
are involved with their child’s education,
there is an increase in student performance, certain roles to keep the parents involved,
engagement, and better communication. welcomed, engaged, and exposed to the
Involving parents with the classroom, school school. However, some more current ways
activities, and teacher relationships is not a that parents can stay involved is highly
new concept by any means. However, there related to our world of technology.
are new approaches, routes, and trends we
are finding in our modern society. Let us now consider why any of this
Generations upon generations of parents should even matter. “There is only so much
have been proactive in serving the school a teacher can do. Even teachers in the best of
communities; but our generation is a new circumstances are limited when it comes to
team for today’s schools! Some key hours in the day and the amount of material
components that I will discuss in the that must be covered. As K-12 academic
remaining portion of this article is some of standards become more rigorous, parents are
the history of parent involvement, the becoming an even more integral piece of a
purpose and importance of parent student's success” (Lynch, 2018). With the
involvement, and the recent trends of parent world becoming so competitive in business
involvement. and careers, school is the training ground to
prepare students to become contributing
Historically, it is quite obvious that members of society—in which they need
schools only exist because parents have skills, work ethic, and knowledge. With this
children and send them to school to receive becoming such a high demand, there is an
an education. Even in the most basic of increase in the required standards teachers
ways, parents are a NEED for a school to are to help their students meet. Teachers
even exist. But it goes further than that. only have so much access to resources, time,
Parents are a crucial ingredient to student and material. Because of the circumstances
success and the quality of a school’s mentioned, that is why one of the top trends
education. In a data study performed in is labelled “Parents as Partners” by Jennifer
2013, research had reported that “Parental Williams. She also states, “The involvement
involvement in school, as measured by of parents in the success of a student is
attendance at a general meeting, a meeting undeniable” (Williams, 2017). Other
with a teacher, or a school event, or by
volunteering or serving on a committee, rose
significantly between 1999 and 2007, but
fell on most measures in 2012” (child trends,
2013). As I continued my personal research
of these statistics, I noticed that there may
have been an evident decrease in parent
involvement according to their particular
measurement, but that the decrease did not
account for other avenues that parents now
do to support, help, and participate in the
school systems. Schools have certain events
such as back-to-school nights, parent-
teacher conferences, and even allow parents
to volunteer within the classroom directly in

benefits include better student behavior, 12
better attendance, increases teacher’s
perception of job satisfaction, and even via online portals. Nothing can replace the
allows families to take more ownership to need for parents to physically come to
their progress. “Involvement allows parents school events, activities, and classrooms.
to monitor school and classroom activities But technology makes it so that there is
and teachers of students with highly additional interaction between parents and
involved parents tend to give greater the classroom more suited to busy
attention to students” (child trends, 2013). It schedules.
builds a team, partnership, and crew that can
work together in giving children the There are many voices joining
education they deserve. together to make this generation of parents
strong. Jennifer Williams has devoted her
Researchers, reformers, and life to the field of education; With her years
advocates of parent involvement have been of experience and research, she says:
aiming to improve resources that make
teacher and parent communication more “Schools [need to] concentrate on
accessible, convenient, and developed. For building home school connections
example, “EdTech companies have been for learning, which includes parents
experimenting with innovative ways to use as partners through surveys, parent
technology to increase parental engagement interviews, and invitations to join as
and communication. Thankfully, several of valued contributors. Advanced
these companies are getting it right and are technologies also support parent
really doing a great job of helping school engagement through visual workflow
districts increase parental involvement” applications and learning
(Lynch, 2017). The networks, apps, and management systems that further
systems that are being created, shared, develop and emphasize parent
explored, and implemented are working. Sue participation.”
Hamilton states parent involvement at the
top of her list of her 7 current trends in The resources we have available are
education and declares that “New and incredible. Technology can and definitely
cutting-edge technology is allowing parents has helped to accelerate, improve, and
to be a part of their children’s educational increase the ways that parents are involved
process through individualized partnerships in their child’s education. Our generation is
which can be achieved in ways never a new team of parents—trendy parents!
thought of before” (Hamilton, 2017).
Research that is posted on the internet is not (Word Count= 1023)
the only proof we have that education is
transforming and that there is a trend in References
parent involvement with the schools. Think
if how you have personally seen it, Child Trends (2013, September). Parental
experienced it, or how you would like to see involvement in schools. Retrieved
it improve. A simple way my family has from
benefited from the current trends of parent https://www.childtrends.org/?indicat
involvement is that with technology, my ors=parental-involvement-in-schools
parents always had access to view my
grades, teacher feedback, and announcement Hamilton, Sue (2017, December 14). 7
Education Trends to Watch for in
2018. Retrieved from
http://edu.stemjobs.com/education-
trends-to-watch-for-in-2018/

Lynch, Matthew (2017, June 29). What Is 13
the Future of Parental Engagement?.
Retrieved from http://blogs.longwood.edu/parentinv
http://blogs.edweek.org/edweek/educ olvement/
ation_futures/2017/06/what_is_the_f
uture_of_parental_engagement.html Williams, Jennifer (2017, January 17). 6
exciting education trends for 2017.
Pruitt, Julie (2015, December 7). Parent Retrieved from
Involvement in Education. Retrieved https://www.english.com/blog/educat
from ion-trends

INTERVIEWS

Mr. Shirley, Principal of Lincoln Answer: Room moms, reading moms, art
Elementary School in Rexburg, Idaho moms, math moms, advisory committee
moms, just to name a few.
Question 1: What are some ways the
parents are involved with the school and Question 5: What would you like to see
classrooms? more of with parent involvement? Any
changes?
Answer: PTO, Pacers, Nutrition Day, Plays,
Presentations, Math Masters, Art, Music, Answer: Our PTO parents are just right. We
Room moms, and there is even more. actually sometimes have to remind them to
think of their own families first and that we
Question 2: Do you feel that parent will be fine.
involvement builds up the school
community? Ms. Larkins, a teacher at Lincoln
Elementary School in Rexburg, Idaho
Answer: “Our philosophy is that we are an
extension of the homes in which the children Question 1: What are some ways the
live. Everything we do is to strengthen the parents are involved with their child’s
family. Schools are a reflection of the education? What do they do to be a part
families they serve. of the classroom and school community?

Questions 3: Do you feel parent Answer: “Reading with their children each
involvement adds value to the school’s night is huge. Students make better growth
education program? faster if parents take the time to do this for
even just 10 minutes a day.”
Answer: Parents ARE the school community
backbone. Parent involvement definitely Question 2: Do you feel that parent
gives value to the education program. involvement builds up the school
community?
Question 4: In what ways does parent
involvement help/support the school? The Answer: This is a good aren’t help school.
students? We have a lot of volunteers. They help with
art, Halloween carnival, field day,

evacuations, book fairs, fund raisers, math 14
mom help with math facts each week,
celebrations, and more. Just about anything classroom, serving on the P.T.O, attending
that is a need, a parent or group of parents school programs, etc”
can be called and counted on.
Question 2: do you feel parent
Question 3: do you feel parent involvement builds the school
involvement adds value to the school’s community?
provided education?
Answer: “Yes. I think children think school
Answer: “It would be hard to run a is more important when their parents are
classroom without parent involvement— involved.”
even on the most basic of levels. You’ve got
to have kids to have a school and every year Question 3: do you feel parent
I figure that parents are sending me the best involvement adds value to the school?
first-graders they have and they are loved
and worried about.” Answer: “Yes. Parents can reinforce what is
learned at school and add to what the child
Question 4: in what ways does parent retains.”
involvement help the school? Support the
students? Question 4: in what ways does parent
involvement support the school? The
Answer: “in the classroom, I always have students?
happy parents working on projects that help
me save time and add quality to class Answer: “Parental involvement shows the
activities. I consistently have parents student support for education, encourages
volunteer to come volunteer for art and completion of homework, and can augment
math, and most years reading parent what is learnes at school. Parents can also
volunteers.” lighten the load for teachers by assisting in
the classroom.”
Question 5: what would you like to see
more, changed, or differently in regards Question 5: What would you like to see
to parent involvement? more of with parent involvement or
changed?
Answer: I would just request that parents
keep up the regular math and reading time Answer: “More parents doing a small part to
with their children at home. If the parents help in the classroom!”
are engaged in their student’s education, the
students will improve and progress. Student, Eliza at Lincoln Elementary School
in Rexburg, Idaho
Parent of a student at Lincoln Elementary
School (Eliza’s mom) in Rexburg, Idaho Question 1: When your mom comes into
the classroom, what does she do?
Question 1: What are some ways or
examples that parents are involved in the Answer: She organizes our math and
classroom/school? homework folders. She also does “math in a
minute”. [which was further explained as a
Answer: “Helping with homework, math activity that the volunteer parents do to
encouraging reading, helping in the help the students practice some of their basic
math skills]. She comes a few days a week
to help.

Question 2: Do you think that your mom 15
coming in to help in the classroom helps
Ms. Larkins? Question 2: do you feel parent
involvement can build up the school
Answer: yes! [how?] “being nice and doing community?
stuff for her. It lets Ms. Larkins do other
stuff that she needs to do.” Answer: “Yes! I feel like when parents are
involved, there is not tension between the
Question 3: Do you think that by having teachers/faculty and the parents. And that
your mom and other parents come help at makes a positive difference in the
the school makes the school better? experience for the student.”

Answer: yeah, because they do a lot of stuff Question 3: do you feel parent
that saves time for the teachers to do what involvement adds value to the school?
they need to do.
Answer: “Yes I do. I feel like when parents
Question 4: how does this parent and the school are on the same page, that
involvement help support the school? there is less time spent on disagreement or
lack of understanding and more time spent
Answer: It helps us get things done. When on the student…or my child.”
parents come in to organize our folders and
activities, it helps us do things without Question 4: in what ways do you think
having to wait on or [depend] on Ms. parent involvement supports school? The
Larkins so much. students?

Question 5: What would you like to see Answer: “it supports the school by helping
different about parent involvement? the teachers feel they are not in a battle with
More? Less? parents but more like a team. And it benefits
the students because if parents and faculty
Answer: I don’t want more but don’t want are really on the same page, then they will
less. [is there a balance?] There is a balance! get the treatment they deserve and need to
be successful.”
Jamieson, a future parent currently living in
Rexburg, Idaho Question 5: How do you feel parent
involvement has changed over time? Like
Question 1: What are some ways you 20 years ago versus now?
hope to be involved in the
classroom/school for your children? Answer: “I feel like technology has given
greater access for parents to tract their
Answer: “I would like to have access to an students’ progress, through online grading,
outline of what my child will be learning etc. For example, my own mother, had
throughout the year at school so I can best access to all of mine and my sibling’s grades
help them at home.” and was able to help us when there was
something that needed attention.”