I am really going to miss my peers when the semester is over. They seem like very bright and interesting people and we all have a great chemistry in the class. Our discussion was extremely important. It is inspirational to hear about other people's experiences and suggestions.
Trisha Zuvich 12/3/08
-----------------------------
I definitely benefited from this class a lot throughout the semester and it made me come out of my shell a little more than I normally would. Even though it was a lot of work I am going to miss the atmosphere in the class. Lauren Bets
This class was bittersweet for me because I have thoroughly enjoyed coming here and being challenged and learning not just from Prof. Denting but from my classmates as well. There is such a wealth of knowledge and experience in this class and I have really learned a lot in the last few months. I have enjoyed each lesson and how it relates to the text and how it can be used practically.
One of the most important things I learned this semester was about the simplicity and the effectiveness of challenging students by getting them out of their comfort zone. I saw myself able to do things far beyond what I thought I was capable because of how Dr. Boyanton challenged me in the classroom. I was doing things that I normally would never do and while it was uncomfortable at times I always looked back and was glad I did it, whether it was getting up in fornt of the class, trying to recite 25+ names in a row without cheating, speaking chinese, trying to understand chinese or a number of other things. It was simple but also profound. I have been deeply affected by this course and I am so glad I took it and I am so happy that I made the choice to become a teacher.
Have a great holiday and Thanks!
Kevin Cherry 12/9/08
-----------------------------
Wow. What a class. I sit here and think about it and can not even imagine how lucky I was. This class is one of the classes that will stay in my memory forever. Not only did I learn SO much, but every single class provided a different, fun way to learn. I have never been so inspired to teach as how I have been in this class. I may sound a bit repetitive, but it's just starting to come to me now.
I also remember the start of the semester as if it was yesterday: I will never forget the pizza penalty for cell phone ring--I always silenced mine! Interacting in groups, talking with a partner, speaking Chinese, walking back and forth after each question was asked...so many great memories. I can only hope that somehow I find another class like this. Such a wonderful experience. = )
Sean Johnson 12/9/08
-----------------------------
I found this course to be extremely challenging and very worthwhile. It is always said the more you put into something, the more you will get out of it and that is exactly how I felt regarding this course. I have done so much work on a daily reading between the readings, assignments, research papers, journals and class activities and have learned more than I ever thought that I would because of it. It has made me feel now that I have completed this course I am ready for any course I will take at Long Island University without being afraid that I cannot do the course work.
I have learned that as much as you can teach yourself you do need your professor and your peers to help you along the way and to challenge you to make you work harder. The knowledge that I have acquired from their experiences I will always remember and take with me in my future years of teaching. I honestly feel that I hope to be as good as a professor as Professor Boyanton in the aspect of never boring her students and always determining us to work up to our potential.
I would advise future students to be prepared for a lot of work and that they will gain a significant amount of valuable knowledge from this class! Thanks for a great first semester Professor Boyanton! PostStudent10 12/18/08
-----------------------------
I had a good time in your class and will always remember it. I will always remember how fun and interesting each class was. Every class was different. The mood could be light and funny or serious and meaningful. But, I always looked forward to your class. The work load was tough but I fought my way through it and learned a lot. I will strive to make my classes entertaining and fun for my students.
I bonded with my classmates during my first semester at C.W. Post. This was due to the first class of the semester. Your fun name game got me to open up to my classmates. I was shy at first, but the name game allowed me to introduce myself to everybody. Thank you for having me as your student and I hope I can take your class again.
Christopher Conterelli 12/10/08
-----------------------------
I must say: This class has been quite the experience. I have never taken a class that is composed in this way and I am thankful for that. I truly hope that you get the opportunity to return next year because every student deserves to have a teacher who cares as much as you do. I thank you for my experience and I look forward to seeing you on campus next semester.
Andrew Romanoff 12/15/08
-----------------------------
I've enjoyed coming to this class this semester, and I like all the other students I had in my class. In ways, I suppose I'm going to miss the whole thing but I am more excited about moving forward towards the end of this process. Also I'm relieved that my semester is almost over because I've been stressed since it began. Good luck and enjoy your holiday.
Frank Bonanno 12/10/08
-----------------------------
I can’t believe this class has come to an end. Each day proved itself to be exciting. I certainly learned a lot. I always enjoyed the hands-on activities we did. I find I learn best by doing. It was also nice to be able to see everyone else’s opinions. Many of my classmates showed me ideas I would never have thought of on my own. I know I’ll bring collaborative group to my classroom one day.
I think this was a very time intensive class. I think I put twice the time into this class then I did any of my other classes. I think it was worth it though because it seems to be paying off. I hope I find other classes in grad school I find to be as beneficial.
I think a lot of my classmates will also miss coming to this class. I find myself being motivated in this class after walking into the front door based on the atmosphere. I would guess many people in our class have had a long day by the time we meet but that day doesn’t matter. For two hours we are energetic and enthused to learn. I hope I am able to make my students find energy somewhere when I am a teacher. Thank you very much for a wonderful semester. I can’t believe its over, it’ sad.
Matthew Unger 12/11/08
-----------------------------
I cannot believe that I am supposed to finish this course, probably successfully. I remember how much I was overwhelmed at the first day of Dr. Dengting’s class. I got comfortable after that day, and decided to take this course.
I believe I owe it to Dr. Dengting that I was able to complete this class. Her feedbacks on my all assignment made me try to do better every time. Furthermore, starting with new activities each class gave me a lot of insight for how to motivate and teach students in my class. Cross-over game, writing a poem with myself, graffiti, showing mini lesson are all excellent strategies for making class funny and informative. In the future, I have a problem teaching my students so that I e-mail her for asking an advice, will my letter be spoken during her class to get ideas from her students? I’m sure that Dr. Dengting will do that if she is still a learner who is anxious to learn.
Thank you professor, I won't forget this class. Ok-Hyun, Jo 12/9/08
-----------------------------
This class was very interesting and fun to be apart of. I had a lot of problems the last week of school and I feel I have worked the hardest I could to try and keep up with the work. I had a great semester in your class and I really worked hard finishing the assignments on time. I just wanted to let you know that it was really important to me to be besides my family during the process of my uncle's death.
I also believe that I learned a lot about classroom management and that you are a prime example of a great teacher. You really made the first class of my semester very interesting. I will remember the techniques you used to get us involved in the classroom and I will always remember the passion that you put in to teaching.
Thank you for being a great teacher and incorporating different learning styles in our classroom. Thank you for being who you are and keep up the great work.
Angelo Ferrucci 12/10/08
-----------------------------
This semester has been filled with so much more work and stress than I was ready for. I realized though that I had to buckle down and get down to work. I am proud that I have completed all the assignments I have. I have never experienced a class with all the work that this class has entailed but at the end it does feel like an accomplishment.
I have learned soo much in all the class meetings we have had. I have never had a teacher who taught like Dengting, and I am so please to have had the pleasure of having he as a professor. Dengting has showed me that being a teacher is not about having a position of power, it is about learning from your students and allowing them to learn from themselves. She always provided a comfortable environment for her students to hold discussions and learn from them.
I really will miss this class and will take away so much with me. I have learned so much about being a teacher and hopefully all these things will stay with me and make me an affective teacher. Thank you Dr. Boyanton for a great semester, and for teaching me so much!
Courtney Schmaeling 12/10/08
-----------------------------
Well I can’t believe that we had our last class tonight. I think back to the first day of class when I walked in so nervous not knowing what to except. I remember coming home so upset and actually thinking about dropping this class because I didn’t know if I could handle the work load.
Dengting I want to thank you for always making your class very interesting. You know who to bring the classroom to life. I truly enjoyed coming to class.
Kara Rubino December 9, 2008
-----------------------------
We are finally at the end of our journey, it seems like just yesterday we were playing the name game and laughing at each others creative ideas students came up with to remember their names.
I especially enjoyed Professor Dengting’s unique style of learning. She truly was passionate and encouraging to her students all the way. It has been a great privileged to explore the world of teaching and how it can be applied to everyday teaching. I have learned so much from each student’s opinions as well as their ideas and experiences.
This class allowed students to think with more of an open mind rather than a close mind. I know that I learned a great lesson from this class, which is that kids have to be able to explore on their own in order for them to appreciate how interesting learning can be rather than it always being thought of as a boring tedious task they dread doing. Teaching to me is in itself is the greatest reward; I mean to see a child accomplish the things they once thought they couldn’t is so amazing.
Well it took 17 yrs for me to truly accept myself and to believe that I am capable of achieving my own goals, that I am smart and ready to take on any challenge that comes my way. Thank you Professor Dengting for allowing me to voice my opinions without judging me, thank you for all your support and most of all thank you for being so dedicated to what I feel you do best and that is teaching.
From the first time the class embraced you the first day I knew right then and there that you truly are heaven sent, to be able to truly grasp the whole concept of teaching is a great accomplishment that one can only hope to accomplish during the course of their lives, yet you have mastered that talent and used it to your advantage. I thank you for opening my eyes to so many things I questioned, as a single parent you grow to appreciate things more, your more aware and willing to learn things you never knew before.
Thanks again Professor
Celena Ragkaswar 12/10/08
-----------------------------
I can not believe we are here at the end of the semester! I feel such a sense of accomplishment! I really want to take the time to thank you Dr. Boyanton in this journal. This was my first semester in graduate school at Post. I had put off continuing my education for six years. I was intimidated by the level of commitment and work I knew I would need to dedicate as a student at the graduate level. I feel like all the pieces fell in the right places.
I feel so blessed to have had the experience to be one of your students! You challenged me, at times frustrated me when I thought the work load was just too impossible to handle, and you made my confidence soar. You made me rise to the occasion. I know that in class I was quiet but I was always enjoying and truly interested in every session. I tried especially to convey my passion for issues in teaching and psychology through my writing. This class was one of the most intense learning experiences of my life, and I am so grateful to you for giving me that experience. No matter what my grade is in the end, I feel very proud and enjoyed the journey. You are quite an inspiration and a true testimony to what every teacher aspires to be. THANK YOU!
One of my greatest challenges was preparing my poster for the CESTL presentation. I am so incredibly happy with the final product and feel honored that I even have this opportunity to present my work. Even though I am nervous, I am more excited and really feel like our class has become a little family. Everyone is so supportive of one another. In such a community, we all can thrive and succeed! Patricia Selock 12/10/08
-----------------------------
To reflect on our last class, and this semester as a whole, would take more pages than this! I looked back at my first journal submission before I wrote this, and I can see that I was very scared and nervous in September. It had been many years since I was in school, and I was unsure of myself, whether I could complete the heavy workload.
I can say now that I am proud of myself for sticking with it, because I have learned so much in this class. I feel more prepared to take on the rest of my studies now. This was the most interesting, thought provoking, and challenging class I have ever taken, and I am glad that I stayed!! Dr. Boyanton, thank you for your attentiveness, and for the challenge. Nothing truly great in life ever comes easy, but I will welcome things that are difficult, because I will learn more in the end. Thank you!!
Lisa Rankin 12/9/08
-----------------------------
Dengtine, it has been a true honor to call you my professor. And I am very grateful for all that you have taught me. This semester was absolutely a pleasure and I look forward to hopefully work, or learn more from you again in the future. You will always be remembered!!! And always be the first one to teach me Chinese!! Have a happy healthy holiday, be well and hopefully see you in the new year! Tara Agnesini 12/11/08
-----------------------------
Teaching is often referred to as a science and an art form. During the course of this class, it has become apparent that teaching is similar to acting in many ways. As one student mentioned, if you don’t feel a certain positive, optimistic way, it may be beneficial to fake it. While many believe “acting” may be a difficult task, it can be advantageous to both the teacher and the students. For example, when I enter work feeling stressed or overwhelmed, I put on a happy face and interact with the children in a fun and engaging manner. After “putting on a facade” for part of the day, I begin to feel better and become more positive.
Having a psychology background, it reminds me of the idea of self-fulfilling prophecies. If an individual believes or acts in a certain way, they are more likely to have that particular situation occur. For instance, if a person wakes up in a bad mood, they may believe that it will be a “bad day.” Throughout the day, they may perceive a series of negative events as evidence of their prophecy. If the person were able to change that thought and plan of action, they may be able to take a positive attitude towards their day and improve their circumstances.
Thank you for the experience, Dr. Boyanton!
Christina Wilson 12/10/08
-----------------------------
I am absolutely uncertain as to what is expected in this journal entry. I enjoyed reading the journal entries of my classmates from the previous week. It is always very telling and insightful to read what your peers experience to the same stimuli.
Evaluating the class was difficult, for it seemed a given that the class and teacher deserved nothing but the highest of superlatives. Everything I learned from this class was invaluable, all of it applicable to my teaching and my everyday interactions with people. The multitude of teaching approaches, the diversity of assignments, all inspirational. I only wish we had two semesters to cover the same amount of material to relieve the feeling of frenzy that overcame me halfway through the course. Linda Gottieb 12/14/08
-----------------------------
It was sad knowing that today was the last day of class. I really enjoyed professor Boyanton class. I learned a lot and hope to one day bring some of her ideas into my classroom. I will definitely miss her class and her brilliant ideas. Every week I was always excited to come to class because I knew it would be a lesson that would be extremely interesting and motivating! I'm glad I took this class with her because I learned a lot!! Thank you for a wonderful semester!! Melanie Galvin 12/9/08
-----------------------------
I can’t believe this semester is over. It seems too weird to not be in class on Tuesday from 7:00 – 9:00. My day actually felt incomplete. Overall I think this was a great class. I feel I learned a lot of information that I can use when I become a teacher. We learned practical information that I will be able to use. I never thought we were simply learning “fluff.” Because I had these feelings I put a lot more effort into each thing I did for this class.
This class has taught me a lot about how students think. I definitely enjoyed the psychology parts of this class. I really enjoyed all the hands on activity. I think those activities helped to me learn this course material the best. As soon as I learned the material I would practice and the information would make it to the long term memory part of my brain much easier.
I think the class discussion questions were in place to help us with our research. Unfortunately I don’t think the responses I received really help me. I’m not sure how I’d change that assignment though. I think the discussion questions made everyone familiar with the CESTL topics before they were presented though which was a huge bonus. Matthew Unger 12/16/08
-----------------------------
My first impression for this class was funny game. In particular, Dr. Boyanton’s name game on the first class has educational philosophy: Respect for each other. It may sound natural and easy, but I think we all can respect for each other during classes for it. I lost track of time every class with many funny activities. Cross activity, Graffiti, showing mini lesson, writing a poem with own name, and open discussion etc. Each activity has great connection with each educational psychology. Through this course, I felt how important a teacher motivate and teach students again.
When someone ask me what I learned from Dr. Boyanton’s class, I would say without hesitation it is her enthusiasm for teaching and learning. To be honest, I didn’t expect to learn it from graduate school classes. Passion for education is not something that we can learn from a textbook or a few lectures. It should be shown by a teacher. Dengting showed her enthusiasm by throwing an academic conference. Now I’m charged with enthusiasm for learning and teaching. I hope I can learn much more with this energy and go back to Korea.
Here are my advice/suggestions for the future students who will take this course:
- Do you want to know how to motivate students and to make them learn with enthusiasm? Come to Dr. Dengting Boyanton’s class. Her class will show it to you with many fun activities every class.
- Have you ever thought that our tuition fee is too expensive for our lectures? You can blow off thoughts like that after taking Dr. Dengting Boyanton’s class.
- Did you ever feel a sense of achievement lately? If your answer is no, register Dr. Boyanton’s class for the next semester!
I'll miss submitting a journal everyweek through web-ct and getting your feed back for a while. I decided to write a journal regularly for my teaching and learning . Thank you for your effort for us. Take care. ^^
ps. If your book, "teaching in heaven" wants to be published in Korean language, could you contact me? I'll take it with honor. ^^
Ok-Hyun Jo 12/17/08
-----------------------------
I really enjoyed being a part of the class. Even though we did a lot of work I feel that I learned a great deal of information. If there is one thing I learned its is definitely how there are many different ways of approaching and teaching students in the classroom. I felt that you incorporated all the different learning styles for each student in our class. You made the class feel so comfortable and interesting every day.
You also incorporated a lot of respect from our class which made students feel more comfortable answering questions. I feel I got over my fear of public speaking as well. Knowing that each person at the conference was interested in learning what I researched I was happy to speak in the conference. I can say that I honestly would like to be a part of another conference and felt this is a great way of meeting new professionals and peers in the school.
I really appreciate all your help and hope that you keep up the great work. Thank you.
Angelo Ferrucci 12/17/08
-----------------------------
Wow! I cant believe that the semester is over. Overall I would have to say that I will be able to take a lot out of this class. Coming into grad school I have to be honest when I say I didn’t really know what to expect. This course I would have to say was a very big wake up call. Sometimes the work load would be extremely overwhelming. I found myself battling with the work load the entire semester. I started to get a little more use to this as the months went by though.
This course may have been a little different then what I had thought but I was able to get through it. Grad school is very different from undergrad and I guess you can say that I needed a good semester to get used to it. I feel that I have grown a lot as a student though within these past few months and even though I didn’t have the perfect semester I felt I learned a lot. I have to say though that you are one great teacher! Class lessons and activities would always get better and better as the semester went on. Thank you very much, and I hope you have a good holiday. James Avila 12/17/08
I thought the class as a whole was a truly unique learning experience. I felt at times the work was very overwhelming and somewhat confusing. I was constantly inspired by Dengting's passion and heart though nontherless.
I loved our lecture classes. My peers really were such great people and very interesting. They helped keep me motivated and from losing my cool. I am happy to have completed the class. It was very difficult for me to be on top of things the way I wanted to while working a full time job, volunteering my time for a foundation, working 3 jobs in total and making time to practice and play gigs with my band.
I was glad Dengting allowed us all to feel comfortable in the class room and that she gave us the opportunity to always express our opinions. I was certainly impressed that she always seemed to know everyone’s name. That is something I am God awful at. I want to thank you for teaching us this semester and have a great holiday break Trisha Zuvich 12/17/08
-----------------------------
It is with relief and sadness that I write this last journal. This class has been an emotional roller coaster for me. This is my first graduate level class, after many years since graduating college. On top of that, I have been in “Mommy” mode for many years, as well. When I started this class, I was overwhelmed by the work load and thought the professor to be quite harsh. The rule of “no cell phones on in class,” was difficult for me. I was my children’s emergency number, yet they would have to wait for the break to hear from me. Regarding the work load and first learning how to navigate Webct, I nearly dropped out a few times; but I am glad I gave it a chance.
This has been one of the most, probably the most, interesting classes I have ever taken. The professor is caring and enthusiastic – two of the most important aspects of effective teaching, according to my research. What seemed like dry class material was brought to life by the teaching methods of this class.
Not only did I learn so much about psychology in education, I also learned many lifelong lessons – and I thought I knew everything to know about life already! When we were first told about the research project, again, I thought I would not be able to adequately fulfill the class requirements; yet with the instructor’s help, I reached my goal!
The only improvement for the professor would be to not come across as so harsh at the beginning of the semester. It may scare some new (and older) students.
In the end, I realized how much I enjoyed this class and will miss it; yet I am relieved that the heavy work load is almost over. The most important lesson I learned was to believe in yourself. This really proved to be true and the CESTL, which was empowering for me. I hope the rest of my classes here will be as inspiring and enjoyable. Thank you, Dengting, for a truly amazing class and experience!
Grace Thornton 12/17/08
-----------------------------
Where do I even begin? There has been so much throughout this class that I’ve learned from. To start off I never felt so at peace with a class as much as I have with this class. Although I must admit at times it was quite nerve wrecking to meet specific deadlines but, Professor Dengting has managed to open my eyes to so many interesting things about teaching. Through her dedication and passion it has allowed me to not only face my fears but also to have more confidence in myself. I can now confirm that teaching was my true calling in life.
Some people spend a life time just trying to figure out what truly makes them happy and to be quite honest I can say I have finally found something that makes me happy, through my observations I have not only been privileged to observe students, I’ve had the opportunity to work with them, develop friendships and most of all I got to experience how it would feel to teach in a real classroom setting. Not only was I inspired through these children to be even more of a dedicated teacher but it allowed me to really see teaching through the eyes of little seven year olds who are so innocent and such wonderful creations. I can’t tell you how much satisfaction I got out of seeing the students smile when I would walk into the classroom, that’s something I will keep in my heart forever.
Teaching to me is such a rewarding talent, to be able to touch children’s lives’s with your own experiences and knowledge is a great reward. This is why it was so difficult to say goodbye, as the weeks passed the more and more closer I became to each student. You’ll be surprised how smart and observant these children really are. You know something I feel that in our society teachers aren’t thought of as hero’s they are just simple educators who teach kids certain skills. My son’s teacher right now is a prime example of an inconsiderate teacher. When you have parents that are willing to go above and beyond for their child to ensure that they are receiving the education they are entitled to, yet you have a teacher who could care less about your child’s education has remained a major concern of mine.
Professor Dengting you have been a true inspiration to me and you have motivated me to stay in school and to always remember that we are doing this for the kids. Through the Professors unique instruction she has provided me with some interesting ideas on how I would approach teaching students as a first year teacher. Thank you once again Professor Denting for being so kind, and caring towards all your students. This is not goodbye because we will definitely stay in touch; I will also keep you posted on my son as well as the children I observed.
I am forever greatful to Professor Dengting for all her support and understanding throughout the whole semester. She has kept me motivated to never give up although at times it seems as if I am drowning in a sea of problems I have allowed myself to look at things is brighter point of view instead of always being so negative.
Celena Ragkaswar 12/17/08
-----------------------------
As aspiring teachers embark on their journeys into the world of education, they need to be willing to accept the challenges and responsibilities of their chosen career whole-heartedly. Within this ever-changing environment, we need to be conscious of our decisions and actively take on the task of introspection. Advice from several prominent professors and educational directors has revealed that deciding to become a teacher is a life-altering decision. Similar to becoming a parent, an individual who decides to teach needs to understand the tremendous impact that they will have on “our children.”
Within Dr. Boyanton’s class, I began to fully appreciate the reality of becoming a teacher. During the interactive sessions, I felt my thought processes changing and evolving. Instead of thinking as a student, I started utilizing more of the educational philosophies and theories within my daily life. Each day I would enter my classroom and evaluate what I could do to improve my surroundings, my teaching styles, and the outcomes for my students. In a way, I feel that a switch had turned on. While I had utilized this knowledge prior to beginning my graduate studies, there was a transformation in how I approached different situations.
Reflection and analysis became my two most successful tools. During each class period, Dr. Boyanton would diligently jot down notes, comments, and ideas that she learned from the lesson, the class, and the students. If I could harness my children’s thoughts, motivations, and behaviors, I would be able to learn, grow, and develop as a professional. In this course, I have learned that nothing is static and everything changes continuously. Within this same premise, teachers must understand these changes, adapt, and utilize them to their best advantage.
Change should never be shied away from. It should be embraced and welcomed. If you are changing, it means that you are growing, expanding, and gaining new experiences. All of these concepts are essential to the educational process. During this past semester, I have gained so much from Dr. Boyanton and also from my fellow classmates. One of my most vivid memories from the class was the “Name Game.” In that first class, we were able to see a little bit of each individual’s personality by how they stated their name and pneumonic device. As the classes became more difficult and discussion more serious, I saw each of my classmates on a deeper level. They discussed sensitive topics with care, compassion, and wonderful insight.
I would like to thank my fellow classmates for opening my eyes to many different and prevalent perspectives. Thank you for sharing insights and personal stories. It brought the class to life and made a real impact on how I related the course material.
I would also like to thank Dr. Boyanton for inspiring me to work hard and continue towards my goal. It was an honor to be able to learn and teach others in an open forum. Thank you for creating an environment where we all felt safe, comfortable, and warm.
My advice for future students taking this course is to take the assignments seriously. Do your best to reflect on your experiences and develop your ideas. Ask questions and know that this class will be a big confidence builder!
Christina Wilson 12/13/08
-----------------------------
I learned so much from this class, but not from the text books. It is very easy to pick up a book and read the information I was looking for; however sometimes that is just not enough. The material I retained from this class were the discussion, the activities, the projects. I do feel that I did put in a lot of hard work, time, and dedication into this class and that's why I feel very accomplished that I have completed the class.
I have also made great friendships in this class. I worked with my peers for various activities inside and outside of the classroom. My peers have helped me discover new things about myself and have helped me come up with new ideas or revise my own. I am very thankful to have taken this class with such a great group of people and an enthusiastic, caring teacher. Thank you Dr. Boyanton!
Christine Goldstein 12/16/08
-----------------------------
At first, I was a little apprehensive about the amount of work that was given to us in class. I felt that maybe I wasn’t ready for the work that was being asked of us for this class. I am so very glad that I stayed in this class and worked so hard. I really feel that I have reached my potential and my goals as a student. This class opened my mind to new ideas and concepts of teaching. It really made me feel like I could be a good teacher, even a great teacher someday.
I am totally satisfied with my performance in this course. I feel that I am more prepared to enter the teaching world and be a success than I did when I first entered the course in September.
Thank you Dr. Boyanton!
Happy Holidays!
Juliet Castellanos 12/18/08
-----------------------------
I have learned a lot in this class. Although at times it was very tedious and I felt as if I was in high school I think that Dengting made a really great class and I really enjoyed having her as a professor. I believe that she has taught me a lot about myself and what I want to do in the future as well as different ways I would like my classroom and students to be.
Jamie Bunsis 12/16/08
-----------------------------
I felt that this course was wonderful. I challenged myself intellectually time and time again. It helped me become a better student and in some ways it helped me to become a better person. You are a terrific teacher because you care about your students. You make it your business to challenge us intellectually and it helps all of us in one way or another. I am sad this course is over but I know that bigger and better things lie on the horizon. Thank you Dr. Boyanton Andrew Romanoff 12/15/08
-----------------------------
I enjoyed how the class all got along with each other and helped each other out when needed. My memories of this class were the panel board discussions and the name game. Those are great way of communicating with each other and getting to know who we all are. I also think the crossing over game was powerful and very meaningful. It helped make us realize that people, even in our classroom have serious problems in their lives. I also enjoyed how Dengtine went over the midterm and had everybody self correct it. And also the fact that the midterm was a take home because I don't think I could of completed it if it was given during class.
Dengtine, it was an honor being called a student of yours. You are such a strong and intelligent woman and I very much looked up to you this semester. You always brought in such a positive attitude towards the class, even with all the work we had been given, you always kept our chins up. I myself, felt very motivated and tried to push myself to do the best I could this semester and I am glad that I have accomplished this challenge. Thank you Dengtine for making my first semester at CW. Post the most memorable semester I will probably have and I look forward to hopefully working with you in the future as well. Have a great winter break, and like I said... I really look forward to possibly working with you again in the future! I would give this class overall an A++ Tara Agnesini 12/20/08
This class has certainly been an interesting ride! So varied and so complex. And so much work! This was the sort of class you could really sink your teeth into. Each session consisted of a multitude of teaching and learning experiences so varied and unexpected that it would intrigue even the least motivated student. I think that is what I really took away from this class. Tremendous thought and planning produce tremendous results. Keeping the class moving, the students thinking, always strategizing the lesson format to fit the lesson topic produced nothing less than a brilliant presentation. Far more in-depth than three credits would normally provide. This class was more than a class on psychology; it was a class on teaching methodology, student relations, and personal growth.
Through making each session a challenge, students were motivated to participate and perform. Through varied teaching styles, students of varied learning styles were addressed. The challenge of the class, the presentation of material, sometimes in a most subtle way, presents a teaching model, for me, to provide a comprehensive and broadening educational experience through careful planning and supreme knowledge not only of subject matter but of the nature of the class itself. Linda Gottlieb 12/19/08
-----------------------------
I thought the overall experience of this course was good. The one thing I learned about teaching in this course is that its important for teachers to be motivated to teach their students. Prof Boyanton was always motivated to teach us when she came in. She always had a smile on her face and made the classroom fun. It wasn't boring at all. We had interactive activities which made the class go by fast. My suggestion for the instructor would to be a little more clearer on explaining what you want to be included on projects. I was somewhat satisfied with this course, since this was my first graduate course and I've been out of college for a few years it was challenging. It was rough keeping up with all the work. I was stressing out a lot but I guess we all get through it.
My advice for students taking this course is to keep on top of the work because if you don't you will fall be behind and it will be extremely hard to catch up in the end! Thank you for a good semester!! Melanie Galvin 12/19/08
-----------------------------
Dear Dengting,
I want to thank you for perhaps the most engaging, creative learning environment I have EVER been in. It was truly amazing, and I know it is unlikely, but I hope to have another class like this in the future. Once again, thank you and I wish you a wonderful holiday!
~Sean Johnsen 12/21/08
-----------------------------
I have been observing Dr. Dengting Boyanton. I believe she cares about her students. She broke down the stress barrier and is always there to help us out. She has written comments on work I have submitted and is interested in what we have to contribute to the class. Since this is my first graduate level class, and I have not been to school for many years, I thought about giving up on my dream. But, Dr. Boyanton, made the classes so interesting and made me know she was there to help so I feel confident that I can do this.
Enthusiasm is another important factor in teaching. Teachers need to fascinate their students. The teacher has to have a passion about teaching because the teacher’s attitude will be reflected onto the students. The teacher has to know how to make the lesson fun.
Dr. Boyanton is very enthusiastic and passionate about her work. One can see it in her eyes and voice. I was at first so overwhelmed by being in my first graduate level class after so many years past college. I even thought of dropping out, when I had not even given it a chance. The workload seemed so demanding and I couldn’t even navigate around Webct. I e-mailed Dr. Boyanton and she told me how to navigate around and told me about the Information Lab and their phone number. I felt relieved when I at least knew what my assignments were. She also makes every class exciting and different. She engages us to work with other students in the class. This helped me to feel more comfortable in the class. Getting to know the other students made me more open to learning. You never know what to expect, but you always have a great time learning in her class.
Grace Thorton 12/1/08
0 comments:
Post a Comment