My Name is Ian Murray and I am a senior at Bloomsburg University. I am currently a mid level education major with a concentration in social studies. I grew up in a small town in central Pennsylvania where I have lived for most of my life. I have also played football here at Bloomsburg University for the past three years which has brought me around great people and given me many opportunities.
I am creating this portfolio to present my knowledge and beliefs regarding social studies education, and education concepts in general. One of my main goals as a future social studies teacher is to expose students to unique experiences that they may not otherwise be able to be a part of. I have worked at a daycare for a few years which has demonstrated to me the importance of hands on activities and field trips to help students become engaged and excited.
Through education classes my classes here at Bloomsburg, I have had the opportunity to create and demonstrate lessons and units. Before coming to Bloomsburg I had no prior knowledge about the use of lesson plans and unit plans when teaching. I have come to understand their importance and also how when designed properly, can be a great map to connect standards, instruction, and assessments. ALong with lesson plans, I have also come to understand the importance of rubrics when grading and assigning projects and assignments. Giving clear and concise instructions when assigning a project will help the students to know exactly what is expected of them.
Through the education curriculum here at Bloomsburg, I have also had the opportunity of completing a two week, two hundred hour practicum, in which I was able to participate in an 8th grade and 3rd grade classroom. Most of the students in these two schools were minorities and of a low socioeconomic background. Being able to instruct, interact, and help students in a 3rd grade class, as well as an 8th grade social studies class has made me aware of the inner workings of teaching and
