As a teacher, I am constantly seeking ways to inspire and motivate my students using innovative techniques that appeal to the twenty-first century learner. It was for that reason that I chose to pursue my Master's of Education degree with a focus on math and science, and customize my program in order to gain a well-balanced experience that would improve my teaching of all subjects. The purpose of my showcase is to highlight the coursework I have completed and reveal how it has helped me to grow as an educator, and in turn, better reach the diverse needs of learners in my classroom.
A Glimpse Into My Classroom
Learning Science through Misconceptions
This essay followed a unit of study based off the majority of my students' belief that our seasonal change is caused by moving closer to the sun in the summer and further away in winter. With the use of formative assessments to guide my instruction and hands-on experiments, students could eventually understand and explain the rationale behind our changing seasons. TE 861A (Teaching Science for Understanding) provided the framework for a new and eye opening way to teach science, and my students' excitement and learning exceeded my expectations. Reflection Essay |
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Understanding the Relationship between Oral Fluency Rate and Reading Comprehension
In TE 846 (Accommodating Differences in Literacy Learners), I created and implemented a lesson to better understand some of my more orally fluent students' lacking comprehension of a given text. Following the lesson, I examined the results and, with the help of relevant research, wrote a case study on the topic. Both the lesson plans and the case study are linked below.
Literacy Case Study Literacy Lesson Plan
In TE 846 (Accommodating Differences in Literacy Learners), I created and implemented a lesson to better understand some of my more orally fluent students' lacking comprehension of a given text. Following the lesson, I examined the results and, with the help of relevant research, wrote a case study on the topic. Both the lesson plans and the case study are linked below.
Literacy Case Study Literacy Lesson Plan
Problem-Based Learning in Mathematics
TE 855 (Teaching School Mathematics) asked students to explore a new approach to teaching math in our classrooms. Considering my students' familiarity with only traditional, teacher-led instruction, I chose to attempt problem-based learning using real-world problems. Students not only solved the problems, but were asked to explain the 'why' behind their thinking. I then assessed and reflected upon whether or not my students could apply their knowledge of concepts to these multi-step, complex problems. My essay is linked below.
Problem-Based Learning in the Classroom
TE 855 (Teaching School Mathematics) asked students to explore a new approach to teaching math in our classrooms. Considering my students' familiarity with only traditional, teacher-led instruction, I chose to attempt problem-based learning using real-world problems. Students not only solved the problems, but were asked to explain the 'why' behind their thinking. I then assessed and reflected upon whether or not my students could apply their knowledge of concepts to these multi-step, complex problems. My essay is linked below.
Problem-Based Learning in the Classroom
Reaching Students with Challenging Behavior
How can educators successfully and effectively educate all students regardless of disruptive behavior? While enrolled in CEP 832 (Educating Students with Challenging Behavior), I tackled this question through a semester-long case study on one of my students who was having extreme difficulty focusing on academics due to his hostility and failure-oriented behaviors. With the assistance of Brophy's (1996) Teaching Problem Students, I learned how to execute and monitor new techniques aimed at helping this student decrease the unwanted behaviors and improve his academics. Below you will find the essay, as well as a summary PowerPoint presentation. The Case of Joe |
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Integrating Technology to Reach All Learners
Evaluating the Value of Technology in My Life
Before I could truly appreciate all that technology has to offer in the classroom, I had to first come to terms with its increasing prevalence and necessity in every day life. ED 800 (Educational Inquiry) allowed students to reflect on our own experience with technology as well as our hesitation with the digital age in a culminating essay for the course, which is linked below.
ED 800 - Final Paper
Before I could truly appreciate all that technology has to offer in the classroom, I had to first come to terms with its increasing prevalence and necessity in every day life. ED 800 (Educational Inquiry) allowed students to reflect on our own experience with technology as well as our hesitation with the digital age in a culminating essay for the course, which is linked below.
ED 800 - Final Paper
Digital Storytelling for the Classroom TE 831 (Teaching School Subject Matter with Technology) required I go outside of my comfort zone and engage with technologies I had never known existed. Our first big assignment was to create a Vodcast on a topic we could use with the level of students we teach. After struggling through the process of creating, I realized the opportunities this technology provides for teachers and students of all ages. |
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Repurposing Lessons with Technology
Also in TE 831, students had the opportunity to take a lesson previously taught without the assistance of technology and essentially revamp, or repurpose, it while still meeting the goals of the lesson. My lesson was based on a culminating timeline project on Illinois and Chicago history, and rather than ask students to do it on paper, they instead used the website Dipity.com. Below you will find my lesson plan with reflection.
Also in TE 831, students had the opportunity to take a lesson previously taught without the assistance of technology and essentially revamp, or repurpose, it while still meeting the goals of the lesson. My lesson was based on a culminating timeline project on Illinois and Chicago history, and rather than ask students to do it on paper, they instead used the website Dipity.com. Below you will find my lesson plan with reflection.