Artifact 1: Motivation to Learn Case Study
Rationale:
Proposition 1 explains how teachers are committed to students and their learning. Teachers do this through treating all student equally, understanding differences, finding ways to motivate all students and recognizing that all students are individuals (www.nbpts.org). This Motivation To Learn Case Study required me to observe 5 students in my classroom. As a teacher of 6-12th graders I tried to select a variety of students as it's very important that I treat each grade level, and each student separately. I observed how the student's learn, what might motivate them, what sets them apart from others in their class. All of these observations match up with Proposition 1. This case study then asked me to select a motivational theory that would work best for each student. Doing this shows that I can look at individual students and find what will work best for them. Thus, showing commitment to each one of my students and their learning. Reflection :
As I reflect upon this case study, I am drawn to the fact that as a teacher I am constantly observing ALL of my students. Teaching 6-12th grade I see over 400 students throughout a year. That is a lot of time and commitment I give to understanding each and every one of my students. I have always found that if I want students to succeed in my classroom I have to make them feel like they are the most important student to me. This case study, and my ability to assign different motivational theories to each of the 5 students, shows how I do this. In the case study, each student was coming from a very different background, they were struggling in different ways in school and ultimately they needed to be dealt with in their own way. Even though I do not always write out case studies like this, I do believe that most teachers do this type of study naturally in their heads. Again, to get students to succeed in your classroom, they have to know that you are committed to them and that you care about them as an individual. |
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Artifact 2: Keynote: The Journey To Differentiated Instruction
Rationale:
I believe this keynote on differentiated instruction shows exactly what Proposition 1 states. It shows that I can meet the needs of all students in my classroom by offering a variety of ways to teach and assess. Throughout the keynote I am able to show why teachers should differentiate, what should be differentiated and finally many different ways to differentiate. The key point throughout this keynote, which is key to Proposition 1, is respecting the differences that students bring to the classroom while finding ways to ensure these differences are met in the curriculum. Reflection:
The quote by Carol Ann Tomlinson at the end of this keynote which states, "The goal for each student is maximum growth from his/her current learning position" is so important in education. This is something I strive to achieve in my classroom and this keynote provides all the ways I do or will make learning happen for each of my students. I am very proud of the variety of tools that I have provided in this keynote which show how students learn and develop in different ways. This was a cumulative project but it required me to really examine the ways I make knowledge available to all students. As my high school transitions to Standards-based grading it will be vital that I refer to this keynote to ensure my students are being provided an education that is differentiated. Not all students are going to meet the health standards in the same way or at the same time and that is OK! |
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