As an elementary teacher, I learned to use differentiated instruction for my reading students. This type of instruction was used in learning centers. The centers were created to reach students skill level and learning background. As a middle school teacher, I have learned that differentiated instruction is giving students multiple opportunities to take their learning to the next level. I have learned that effective instruction requires me as the teacher to get to know my students to recognize not only their weakness in learning but their strengths as well. Successful strategies include independent study, independent grouping, learning contracts, choice boards, problem based instruction and many more methods.
One successful strategy of differentiated instruction that my students like is the use of Choice Board/ Menu's. I have used them at the beginning of a unit to encourage students independent learning and supplement a deeper understanding of the lessons as I progress though the unit. I have used them as mini lessons. If students have prior knowledge about a topic, students will choose a lesson to show understanding of the content. The students like having the time in class to work on these Menu's. They like the responsibility and are learning to be accountable for their work. As technology becomes available students take advantage of using computer program to present their projects. . Incorporating differentiated instruction is not easy, it is time consuming but benefit all students to help increase learning.
One successful strategy of differentiated instruction that my students like is the use of Choice Board/ Menu's. I have used them at the beginning of a unit to encourage students independent learning and supplement a deeper understanding of the lessons as I progress though the unit. I have used them as mini lessons. If students have prior knowledge about a topic, students will choose a lesson to show understanding of the content. The students like having the time in class to work on these Menu's. They like the responsibility and are learning to be accountable for their work. As technology becomes available students take advantage of using computer program to present their projects. . Incorporating differentiated instruction is not easy, it is time consuming but benefit all students to help increase learning.
Universal Design-UDL Science Notebook
A classroom resource I would like to try is the UDL Science Notebook. We use note booking in many Science labs. Dr Goldowsky is currently developing web based science notebook, a tool to help struggling learner to record, analyze and interpret data. Many of the science lessons require students to observe, collect data, draw conclusion and present data. Many students enjoy the process of experimentation and collecting data but struggle to translate their findings. Students who are struggling readers and writers could benefit form a computer based notebook. Example of the program include text to text speech, alt text for images, tagging, multi media glossary, audio record, draw and upload data. These additional resources can help eliminate barriers for students.
A classroom resource I would like to try is the UDL Science Notebook. We use note booking in many Science labs. Dr Goldowsky is currently developing web based science notebook, a tool to help struggling learner to record, analyze and interpret data. Many of the science lessons require students to observe, collect data, draw conclusion and present data. Many students enjoy the process of experimentation and collecting data but struggle to translate their findings. Students who are struggling readers and writers could benefit form a computer based notebook. Example of the program include text to text speech, alt text for images, tagging, multi media glossary, audio record, draw and upload data. These additional resources can help eliminate barriers for students.
Text to Speech
I believe that many students would benefit for using text to speech converters. Many students enjoy science but struggle with reading the text. This type of software could build self confidence and motivate a student. I would be interested in if reading comprehension improves when using this software. I am always open to make the content more accessible to student to increase learning. I was surprised how easy Vozme was to use. I visited Yakitome and Natural Reader as well.
I believe that many students would benefit for using text to speech converters. Many students enjoy science but struggle with reading the text. This type of software could build self confidence and motivate a student. I would be interested in if reading comprehension improves when using this software. I am always open to make the content more accessible to student to increase learning. I was surprised how easy Vozme was to use. I visited Yakitome and Natural Reader as well.
Thing 17
Assignment -1
My score on the FERPA/HIPAA quiz 8/16. I was surprised by some of the answers. I will respectfully review the rights of my students when distributing their educational records. I was also surprised how much the parental role has additional privileges after the age of 18, such as taxes, custody, post secondary and state and local agencies. A few questions I am unsure of, are the statements described as being either Tor F. There seems to be a gray line on records obtained by law enforcement. Most rights of the students are clearly stated and intended to protect the student and keep the school accountable.
Assignment -2
Assignment 3
Gender Gap in 8th Grade Science MEAP
Gender Gap in 8th Grade Science MEAP
I choose to review if there is a significant learning gap existing between boys and girls in the content area of Science. The graphs indicates there is a learning gap. Girls in middle school science score below males. The scaled scores show an increase in girls proficiency in the years in 2010-2011. and a decrease in 2011-2012. Since 2012 there is an increase in girls and boys proficiency as a whole group. There are many variables to consider when evaluating if girls can be more proficient at science than boys. As a science teacher, I see the need to work at building girls self esteem. Girls who are more self confident in math and science tend to actively participant in science. In middle school science becomes a stand alone subject, so it is important that girls see how relative science is in all areas of life.
Google Survey and Results
I surveyed students learning styles to assess if I am meeting the needs of students in my classroom.
Assignment 4
Sample Surveys
Some surveys I would like to use in the classroom are
1. Parent surveys on support and student satisfaction.
2. Surveys on teaching methods and practices.
3. Survey on students voice in the classroom.
4. Learning outside the classroom.
Does homework reflect learning in the classroom.
Questions
1. Do you feel homework reflects what is begin taught in the classroom?
2 .How much time do you spend doing homework?
3. Does homework help you reflect on your learning in school?
4. Do family members help with homework?
5. Does technology influence your homework?
I believe collecting this type of data could help change my teaching and learning as well as addressing student learning. As a teacher it is not always easy to take criticism and negative feedback, however through the use of survey's, I can obtain valuable info to improve my teaching within the classroom.
Some surveys I would like to use in the classroom are
1. Parent surveys on support and student satisfaction.
2. Surveys on teaching methods and practices.
3. Survey on students voice in the classroom.
4. Learning outside the classroom.
Does homework reflect learning in the classroom.
Questions
1. Do you feel homework reflects what is begin taught in the classroom?
2 .How much time do you spend doing homework?
3. Does homework help you reflect on your learning in school?
4. Do family members help with homework?
5. Does technology influence your homework?
I believe collecting this type of data could help change my teaching and learning as well as addressing student learning. As a teacher it is not always easy to take criticism and negative feedback, however through the use of survey's, I can obtain valuable info to improve my teaching within the classroom.