1a. Demonstrating Knowledge of Content and Pedagogy

• Knowledge of content and the structure of the discipline
• Knowledge of prerequisite relationships
• Knowledge of content-related pedagogy

The teacher displays extensive knowledge of the important concepts in the discipline and how these relate both to one another and to other disciplines. The teacher demonstrates understanding of prerequisite relationships among topics and concepts and understands the link to necessary cognitive structures that ensure student understanding. The teacher’s plans and practice reflect familiarity with a wide range of effective pedagogical approaches in the discipline and the ability to anticipate student misconceptions.

This component is often addressed when I am teaching a particular unit and incorporate historical background to prime the students for what they are about to read. Some examples of those background/introductory lessons are included below. I also try to sometimes survey students before they read a text, either connecting their personal experiences to the material or determining whether or not they know some of the content already. Some of these activities are also attached below.