6.1 Continuous Learning
Candidates demonstrate continual growth in knowledge and skills of current and emerging technologies and apply them to improve personal productivity and professional practice. (PSC 6.1/ISTE 6a, 6b)
Artifact: Professional Learning Unit
Differentiation Presentation
Reflection:
The artifact used to provide evidence of this standard is a professional learning unit I conducted at my school. The professional learning unit was on differentiation. One of the reasons I chose to do a unit on differentiation was because I felt it would be beneficial to me as a classroom teacher. I also felt it would be beneficial for others to have suggestions as to how to incorporate various differentiation strategies in their classrooms.
The presentation was conducted through a website. A website would be best for a couple of reasons. First, teachers attending the workshop could follow along as the material was being taught. Next, the website is there for future use and review. Differentiation was chosen because it was a hot button topic at school. There seemed to be several definitions on differentiation. No one had a clear understanding of what differentiation was. Therefore, the benefits to me as well as others to present some strategies for using differentiation in the classroom were great.
During this professional learning unit, handouts were used to enhance the content of the presentation. Uploading the handouts to a website created easy access for all staff members. An agenda and learning objectives served to maintain the focus of the professional learning session. This was important to maintain the topic and ensure the audience received the most knowledge from the session.
The presentation reviewed strategies which could be used to maximize differentiated instruction in the classroom. The strategies would allow for teachers to create differentiated lessons which meet the needs of all students. Technology is also a differentiation tool. The presentation included many ways to enhance differentiation through technology. In order to encourage usage of materials presented, links to templates were included on the website.
Differentiation is not something that happens immediately. It is important for educators to determine what students need and how to address the need. By incorporating differentiation techniques into the classroom, students often benefit. There are several ways differentiation can be accomplished. Some of these ways include content, product, and process. Again, depending on the needs of the students, any of these could be used. Differentiating the content impacts what the students learn. By differentiating process, various activities can be used throughout the lesson. Differentiating the product could simply mean let the student choose what form they would like to represent what they have learned.
I learned a lot from creating and demonstrating my professional learning unit. I felt it gave me confidence in the materials I was using in my classroom. I was also able to help others who were struggling with differentiation. They key to remember is starting small. It is almost impossible to implement several strategies when first beginning to explore. A strategy could be chosen based on what is already known about students. Differentiation can make a substantial difference in student learning, classroom management, and achievement. By providing students with differentiated activities, motivation often increases. Students feel a responsibility to create a product which is unique to them and their learning. In turn, classroom management becomes easier due to increase interest in the content.
I feel school systems should use their teachers as professional learning instructors. Often times, teachers have more of an insight into things than experts. Also, many teachers do not feel intimidated when they are learning from someone with the same status as them. Having a familiar face conduct professional learning is a way to encourage all teachers to step up to the challenge. Additionally, it shows there is an expert in the building who can help.
Artifact: Professional Learning Unit
Differentiation Presentation
Reflection:
The artifact used to provide evidence of this standard is a professional learning unit I conducted at my school. The professional learning unit was on differentiation. One of the reasons I chose to do a unit on differentiation was because I felt it would be beneficial to me as a classroom teacher. I also felt it would be beneficial for others to have suggestions as to how to incorporate various differentiation strategies in their classrooms.
The presentation was conducted through a website. A website would be best for a couple of reasons. First, teachers attending the workshop could follow along as the material was being taught. Next, the website is there for future use and review. Differentiation was chosen because it was a hot button topic at school. There seemed to be several definitions on differentiation. No one had a clear understanding of what differentiation was. Therefore, the benefits to me as well as others to present some strategies for using differentiation in the classroom were great.
During this professional learning unit, handouts were used to enhance the content of the presentation. Uploading the handouts to a website created easy access for all staff members. An agenda and learning objectives served to maintain the focus of the professional learning session. This was important to maintain the topic and ensure the audience received the most knowledge from the session.
The presentation reviewed strategies which could be used to maximize differentiated instruction in the classroom. The strategies would allow for teachers to create differentiated lessons which meet the needs of all students. Technology is also a differentiation tool. The presentation included many ways to enhance differentiation through technology. In order to encourage usage of materials presented, links to templates were included on the website.
Differentiation is not something that happens immediately. It is important for educators to determine what students need and how to address the need. By incorporating differentiation techniques into the classroom, students often benefit. There are several ways differentiation can be accomplished. Some of these ways include content, product, and process. Again, depending on the needs of the students, any of these could be used. Differentiating the content impacts what the students learn. By differentiating process, various activities can be used throughout the lesson. Differentiating the product could simply mean let the student choose what form they would like to represent what they have learned.
I learned a lot from creating and demonstrating my professional learning unit. I felt it gave me confidence in the materials I was using in my classroom. I was also able to help others who were struggling with differentiation. They key to remember is starting small. It is almost impossible to implement several strategies when first beginning to explore. A strategy could be chosen based on what is already known about students. Differentiation can make a substantial difference in student learning, classroom management, and achievement. By providing students with differentiated activities, motivation often increases. Students feel a responsibility to create a product which is unique to them and their learning. In turn, classroom management becomes easier due to increase interest in the content.
I feel school systems should use their teachers as professional learning instructors. Often times, teachers have more of an insight into things than experts. Also, many teachers do not feel intimidated when they are learning from someone with the same status as them. Having a familiar face conduct professional learning is a way to encourage all teachers to step up to the challenge. Additionally, it shows there is an expert in the building who can help.