How would you feel about teaching sex education? Why?  

Do you remember a time when you realized that a friend (or a classmate) was “different” from you, that is, when it became clear to you that this friend (or classmate) was being treated differently because of his or her race, ethnic background, or socioeconomic status? Tell about the experience and how it affected you.

If you have experienced cooperative learning in your classes, what do you think of it? Do you like learning in teams? Why or why not?

What are your thoughts and feelings about the impact textbooks have on the content of the curriculum?

Did you experience any of the strategies of differentiated instruction listed in the text? If so, indicate which ones (such as stations, problem-based learning) you experienced and your reaction to this kind of learning.

Recall your own experience as a student. Choose one teacher who made a positive impact on you. Write a short description of that teacher, showing what he or she typically did that impressed you. Then analyze your recollections and description. To what extent did that teacher manifest the behaviors and attitudes of an effective teacher?

Recent cognitive research suggests that teachers should provide meaningful problem-solving experiences for learners. Assume the perspective of a student. Select an appropriate subject matter and grade level. Based upon that point of view, describe what you think would constitute a meaningful problem-solving experience.

In the text, Carol Landis had a number of unexamined theories-in-use that determined how she interacted with her students. Reflect upon your own assumptions about learning and teaching. Identify and list several of your own theories-in-use. What does each one reveal about some of your notions about education, about being a teacher, or about how teaching and learning should occur? Have any of these changed since you began this course?

What strengths (and weaknesses) do you bring into teaching? Think about your own personality and describe the qualities that can help you be an effective teacher.