Keys to the Classroom
Written by Karl Hennen
To teach or not to teach? A Hamlet in the University of Hawaii at Hilo (UH Hilo) unsure of his life’s next step may have asked that question.
UH Hilo students curious about a career in education may want to consider Introduction to Teaching (Catalog No. ED 210). The fall- or spring-semester course provides understanding of the teaching profession, including current trends and roles within the larger community. In addition, ED 210 asks students to complete 10 voluntary service hours in an educational setting for credit.
Colby McNaughton, M.S, a field experience coordinator and instructor who offers the course, stresses the importance of the volunteer work.
“The knowledge and skills gained varies depending on the setting [students] choose”, she writes. “It may involve simple observation of a teacher in action, interacting with individual, small groups of or whole classes of students or possibly confuting small lessons or activities with students or school-aged children.”
Voluntary service can yield invaluable guidance for the ED 210 student wondering if teaching is right for them. They should be able to make informed decisions based on their volunteering experiences not covered by the class’ content. Furthermore, the open-ended nature of the service requirement means they can hopefully apply themselves to areas which resonate with them.
The course, which has no pre-requisites, satisfies a Global & Community Citizenship credit for UH Hilo’s Baccalaureate degree. After learning historical and contemporary issues surrounding teaching, ED 210 students discern the important values underlying education within America. They are also exposed to HEART, concepts providing the framework of UH Hilo’s education programs.
Developed by UH Hilo’s School of Education to express their unique commitment to a learning community, HEART helps structure ED 210 from day one: it upholds Holistic endeavors, nurtures Empathy and Artistic ideals, envisions professional excellence obtained through a Rigorous path, and believes in teachers capable of Transforming social environments. These core traits reflect the School’s mission to provide model educators standing for critical engagement with the world.
With the right HEART and training one can expect to become a well-qualified teacher, but what about the pupil reluctant of such a career path? Through a combination of active learning strategies, lectures, and their volunteer experiences, McNaughton wishes her instruction will encourage her ED 210 students’ decision-making for or against pursuing teaching.
And if teaching does seem interesting? McNaughton has the answer.
“I hope they will continue to take other education classes at U.H. Hilo, work towards earning the Certificate in Educational Studies and pursue application and admission to our Master of Arts in Teaching program.”
With the right keys from Introduction to Teaching, students may be surprised by how many doors they can open.
Introduction to Teaching (ED 210) is available at the University of Hawaii at Hilo for fall and spring semester enrollment. Please visit http://hilo.hawaii.edu/catalog/ed-courses.html or contact Colby McNaughton at ckearns@hawaii.edu/ (808) 932-7110 for more information.
