Meaningful learning in Edu 358

It is very hard to pick out a couple of things that I find are meaningful in my Edu 358 class because I feel like I have learned a lot. I guess because I am so close to having my own classroom, I continue to reflect on the different types of social studies classrooms. The different approaches to teaching the social studies curriculum. I have also learned about service learning which I had never heard of before this class. I have really enjoyed learning about new technology such as a prezi that I was not familiar with before. Being able to look over the new Social Studies North Carolina Standards made me feel like I had a voice. Finally, the fact that I have had a choice to choose 50 points of my grade has made me feel competent and confident. I am lucky to have the opportunity to show my knowledge in an assignment that I have chosen.
I continue to look at the different approaches, and try to figure out how to integrate all of them the learner-centered approach, society centered approach, and the knowledge center approach. The paper in class and the discussion really helped me reflect on what approach I tend to lean towards. It made me think about how I am going to set up my classroom and that there are multiple approaches to get students to understand the social studies content.
Before this class, I did not know what service learning was but now I see how much of an impact in can have in the classroom. When I saw the students that took part in service learning I was amazed at how much they were learning while helping others. They almost got more out of their learning because they were so interested and willing to help. Students were able to integrate different curriculum as well when they worked on different projects.
I also have learned a lot about how to use newer technologies such as, the prezi. I had seen the prezi before but had never learned how to use one and I was really impressed. I liked how I could move all over the screen and write sideways. It is very useful in cutting down the amount of information that is put on the screen and helping people know about the topic but not read from the prezi. This is a new interesting way to present information.
Being able to state my opinions about the new proposed North Carolina social studies standards was very encouraging. I really felt like I had a say in the standards as a future educator and concerned individual. I appreciate the fact that we were able to do this in class because I don't think I would've taken the time or known to do this outside of class.
Finally, I really appreciate the fact that we get to pick fifty points of our grade. This makes me feel like my teacher has more confidence and trust in my abilities. I am also more interested in the assignments because i am allowed to choose them. I  am able to demonstrate my course knowledge in a way that is more effective for me. I appreciate being able to choose the projects I am going to do in order to achieve the number of points I need to make the grade I would like. I hope that I am able to somehow incorporate this idea in my classroom. I could do it somehow but just make sure students have a little more guidance because they are younger.
There were many meaningful activities that have taken place in this classroom. I have learned a lot about Social Studies as a student and how to teach it to students. I have really benefited from this class and am not going to put social studies on the back burner in my classroom.