Goal

Something that I want to work on in the future is the ways in which I can engage students in discussion, and invite higher level thinking (FL 7). Because I am going to be in a Div. 1 class, and last year I felt like I did not really know how to engage students in higher level thinking,  this is something that I want to continue to explore. 

Strategy 

I think that a key way to support my growth in this area will be to work with my mentor teacher, and try multiple different strategies out. In the past I felt like it was hard to encourage higher-order thinking in a Div. I setting, and my MT has been teaching grade one for a long time, so I think she will be a great resource. 

Growth

In my practicum, I worked hard to engage studetnts in higher-order thinking. One way that was super effective, especially in my teaching context, was using open-ended questions and asking students "why?" behind their answers. Another strategy that was really effective was getting students to complete different thinking routines, like KWL's to make their thinking visible!

Goal

When I am facilitating learning I want to work on my ability to use technology in a meaningful way that contributes to my students' ability to acquire, apply, and create new knowledge (FL 2). 

Strategy 

I will collaborate with my Mentor Teacher to find ways to meaningfully use technology in her classroom. I am going to compile a list of techniques to use, and I am sure I will learn a lot in my technology course this semester.

Growth

During my practicum I found myself using technology as a way of organizing myself during my lessons, and this is something that I had not anticipated doing. I also found that using technology (slides, coding, writing on the Smart Board, etc.) was a great way to boost student engagement during my lessons. Using technology to support collaboration and problem solving was also a huge 'lightbulb moment' for me, and I was impressed by how eager students were to take up this work together. 

Future Goal

Something that I want to work on in the future is the ways in which I can engage students in discussion, and invite higher level thinking (FL 7). Because I was in a Div. 1 class I felt like I did not really know how to engage students in higher level thinking, so this is something that I want to continue to explore (perhaps technology can support me in this). 

Goal

Going in to the Winter 2023 semester, I want to work with my Mentor Teacher to create a lesson that is experiential and land based. I am taking a course of experiential learning next semester and I think it would be valuable to try this in my teaching practice. 

Strategy 

I will make a plan with my Mentor Teacher around what she would like the lesson to be about and to see if she has any ideas that I can use. Because I am taking a class next semester about experiential and land based learning, I am sure I can talk to my professor about how I could approach this idea with my grade 4's!

Growth

This semester I achieved my goal and facilitated a Land-based learning activity. In facilitating a Land-based learning activity I was able to see the preparation that goes into teaching. During my activity students went outside, and I had to prepare them for what we were going to do. I also got to experience how to effectively motivate students during learning, and I want to continue learning how best to involve students in learning experiences. 

Goal

In the Fall 2022 semester I hope to learn more about Bloom's Taxonomy and gain a deeper understanding of how I can encourage my students to engage in high level thinking. 

Strategy 

To achieve my goal I will engage in my own research regarding Bloom's Taxonomy and the ways in which I can facilitate rich learning experiences. I will also work with my mentor teacher to understand how they encourage high level thinking in their classroom. 

Growth

I believe that I achieved my goal of learning more about facilitating learning that encourages high level thinking. With the help of my Mentor Teacher I was able to come up with learning activities that use Bloom's Taxonomy. 

Goal

In the Winter semester, my goal is to work with my mentor teacher to learn I can effectively communicate my expectations with my students. I think that I can tie this in with my "planning for learning" goal, and use my lesson plan as a jumping point to communicate my expectations.   

Strategy 

I will achieve this goal by working with my mentor teacher to facilitate my lesson plan, and carefully highlight what I expect my students to get out of it. I will also try to create strong relationships with my students in order to effectively communicate my expectations.   

Growth

I feel as though I was successful in achieving my goal. The first time that I taught a lesson to my class I went really fast and skipped over telling my students what I actually wanted them to do. With more practice I learned to slow down and highlight what I really wanted my students to know. I am looking forward to working on this goal more.