Reflections on Teaching Effectiveness in Performance Outcomes
Demonstrates knowledge of the disciplines and subject matter related to curriculum.
Throughout the story Jellyfish, I reinforced the use of similes and metaphors with discussion on how they added to the quality and effectiveness of the writing in the story.
Designs interdisciplinary and discrete subject area instruction to achieve curriculum goals.
Integrated Science of the subject matter (jellyfish research) with discussion into the reading lesson
Uses appropriate technologies and resources to enhance instruction and student performance.
Utilized Storyworks Magazine and website materials as an enhancement to the Reading curriculum
Selects and designs appropriate and authentic means of assessing student learning and progress.
Critical thinking, open-ended questions, paired partner discussion and answers, I say, you say vocabulary definitions were some strategies I used for oral assessments. A written worksheet was used as a follow up to the lesson
Implements instructional and behavioral management strategies to promote a safe and positive learning environment. (Instructional Management)
Preparation for several activities used during the lesson included: handing out vocabulary words and definitions on separate cards which students had to match with other students, partner discussion prior to response to reading comprehension questions, students stand-up when they noticed a shift to present events in this story. These all kept the attention of the students while reading an otherwise uninteresting story. However, after viewing the tape, a more formal approach for some of the lesson would have been less chaotic. It seemed like I tried to squeeze in too much activity into one lesson.
(Behavioral Management) My movement around the room while students were engaged kept the students’ behavior self contained. I had to use the corrective “look” with a small shake of my head a few times; physical location and a slight touch to the shoulder to remind them of my presence was also implemented. I also used describing out loud to the class when I noticed certain students displaying actions that were on-task (without naming names).
Engages students in learning activities that promote critical and creative thinking.
The student stand-up activity (forementioned) encouraged students to think firstly “in their head” before answering (however, needs some fine-tuning, it was a somewhat disruptive). Additionally, paired partner discussion prior to sharing an answer with the whole group encourages students to problem solve and summarize answers/their thought process. I use this strategy a great deal.
Designs and organizes learning environments to accommodate learners.
For this taping, the students were in paired groups to encourage and develop confidence. See fore mentioned strategies.
Communicates clearly, accurately, and professionally with students and their families, colleagues, and community members.
This taping I noticed I improved greatly on saying “you guys”. I addressed the students more with “5th graders”, “ladies and gentlemen”, “class”. I appear very enthusiastic and upbeat while instructing
Reflects on professional responsibilities and demonstrates commitment to fairness and the ability of all to learn.
My supervisor provided a participation survey on this lesson and noted that two students lacked much interaction, something I observed while viewing the tape. I will need to be more aware of providing the quiet students more opportunities for communication.