STEM+Center

=**STEM Center**=

In this assignment, we listened to a presentation on the STEM Center and wrote about our feelings.

The presentation on the STEM Center was very interesting. Before hearing the statistics they shared, I thought of pre-school as the stereotypical "play time." After hearing what they had to say, I realized that pre-school is the foundation for children's knowledge. The way they are teaching their students is very inspiring. I've never thought about using the computer as a tool to teach letter and number recognition. They have so many ideas that truly foster the learning of young minds. I also think it is neat how they use resources from campus to teach their students. I found it interesting that they call professors when their students ask questions they do not know. Their talk also made an impression on me about West Virginia's role in pre-school education. I had no idea that West Virgina was third in the nation amoung pre-school access. It is such a great opportunity for students to be able to go to pre-school without having to pay tuition.

Overall, the teaching style in the STEM Center is how I want to eventually model my teaching. I remember that elementary school for me largely consisted of sitting quietly and doing worksheets. It did not make me want to learn. I love how they teach through interaction and the children are encouraged to walk around the room and ask questions. Obviously, this is a much better approach and it inspires students to learn and interact. The incorporation of technology and foreign languages were also mentioned. Technology is such a part of the world today, and I think it is vital to expose students to the use of technology at an early age. It is also important to teach young students foreign languages because they can grasp it so much easier than older students. The STEM Center is truly a model for 21st Century Education.


 * Reflection:** My overall opinion of this assignment is very positive. I really enjoyed listening to the ladies from the STEM Center. This was probably one of my favorite classes of the year. I loved hearing about how young students are very successful while using 21st Century Education. I would enjoy hearing more about the STEM Center. As I have said before, this progress makes me proud to be from West Virginia. I hope to one day be a teacher that uses these techniques. I hope to use all of the ideas in this assignment in my classroom. It interests me, so I know students would be interested as well. This lesson illustrated all pillars of 21st Century Education because students actually engaged in every activity. They constantly move and interact. I would not change or eliminate anything from this presentation. I would just love for them to expand more on the topic!