TEACHING COMPETENCIES (KSA)
PLANNING FOR LEARNING
When planning for learning, I have the ability to evaluate many different ideas. I also always have a plan B in case my lessons don't run as smooth as anticipated that include modifications and extensions, along with notes and revisions as you can see in my lesson plans. The outcomes of my lesson plans are also very clear and straight forward when it comes to demonstrating how I create my lessons and their learning objectives. Both general and specific outcomes are important in making sure that students are getting the valuable points needed to achieve success. The outcomes from my lesson plans can also represent objectives, based on the curriculum which are combined through activities children love. An example of this is cooperative learning. This is a useful strategy for all students and can be very helpful, because it provides students with more confidence to share and absorb new ideas. The college courses I've taken and the others I will take in the future will provide me with the necessary information needed to become the most knowledgeable teacher I can become. My Education classes have informed me with the strategies needed to be a successful teacher. These ideas include classroom management strategies that are effective for all ages. A strong balance in other courses such as English, Kinesiology, etc. have provided me with the confidence necessary to teach any subject to students at all levels.
grade_1_lesson_plan.doc | |
File Size: | 39 kb |
File Type: | doc |
FACILITATING LEARNING
When assessing all types of learning styles, it is crucial for those learners to figure out how they learn, and how this can be used at school. A strong example of me being able to incorporate this into my classroom is in the following lesson plan, in which unique teaching methods for adding and subtracting small numbers for a grade 1 learning level is introduced to the students. By allowing them to explore the different styles at a young age, they can continue to develop their strengths and see how they learn most effective and turn these methods for learning, into consistent habits. The instructional strategy I found to be most effective was the use of cooperative learning in amusing hands on activities. This represents an instructional strategy because it allows the children to use their multiple intelligences to work towards a common objective, that covers important concepts of the lesson being taught. Cooperative learning is also a very effective in giving students the confidence to share their ideas as well as learn new ones. The library was a very helpful resource in supporting my lesson plan as it supplied me with the dice, dominoes and other tools necessary for my lesson to succeed. This is just one resource of many that teachers can use to help support new ideas and activities in the classroom.
group_lesson_plan.doc | |
File Size: | 38 kb |
File Type: | doc |
ASSESSMENT
Along with the evaluation I made, is an assessment of learning objectives that shows the necessary goals of the lesson. I realize that in lower grades, an academic mark usually doesn't represent a child's intelligence and abilities most accurately. In result, teachers must find another way to accurately evaluate the students in an appropriate manner. I also realize the value of goals and objectives outside of the curriculum that are often just as important to a child's personal growth and development as the curriculum itself. I take a strong consideration in this idea when creating my rubric.
edts_rubric.docx | |
File Size: | 16 kb |
File Type: | docx |
CLASSROOM ENVIRONMENT
A positive environment can often be achieved by adding simple things such as music, colors, decorations, smells, etc. to a classroom, and can be key in creating a relaxed and enjoyable place to learn. Other keys I've reflected on that lead to a positive classroom environment, and in my opinion are most effective and memorable are the strategies Kagan introduced. These strategies included intentional pairing of students at different academic levels all within the class, as well as the effectiveness of tribes in general. I understand this as an effective management strategy and it can be seen in my classroom outline. Not only that, but it can be used as a classroom routine strategy for the students as well. For example, the student with the longest hair can be designated a job in the tribe to reduce the time it would normally take to pick someone to perform the task. This way students are involved and valued, but it also helps reduce wasted time in class which is a very strong example of classroom management.
PROFESSIONAL RESPONSIBILITES
I have a number of important professional responsibilities in being a certified student member of the Alberta Teachers' Association. I realize that when I'm inside the classroom, as well as outside of it, I not only represent myself as a student teacher but other members as well. This means that I must recognize my roles and responsibilities as an educator to earn the respect of my future peers, teachers, parents, students, etc. On the other hand, I also believe parents have a lot of responsibility and play a huge role in how their child develops, not just the teacher. This is why journals and permission slips are very important in the school system. Seeing eye to eye with the parents is very vital because when it comes down to it, both parents and teachers have identical goals, which is to see their child be successful. A teacher should never stop learning, no matter how experienced or great they think they are, because students deserve the teacher that is working to improve and be the best they can be, especially if that's what they encourage their students to do. Reflecting is a very important responsibility for educators to do as well, and is a must if you want to be the best teacher you can be. Receiving ideas and working together with co workers is also a highly effective method in being a great teacher, especially when you're just beginning as you can never get too much help. Teachers should work as a team to make themselves better educators together. Seeking advice or guidance should not be viewed as inexperience, but more so interest to learn and improve. The role of a strong and supportive staff "team" and ability to work together provides a very positive impact on educating successfully.