Content Area and Pedagogical Knowledge

Artifact Description: I created this anchor chart when I taught 6th grade ELA. We used it when we started reading "Among the Hidden" by Margaret Peterson Haddix as a visual in class. The purpose of the anchor chart was to help students remember important aspects of the story while analyzing the relationship between different elements in the story. 

IPTS Connection: This anchor chart shows I am able to "understand the cognitive processes associated with various kinds of learning (e.g. critical and creative thinking, problem-structuring, invention, memorization, and recall) and ensure attention to these learning processes so students can master content standards" (2C). The visual helps students to better understand and remember the information in the story while seeing the relationship between various elements of the story. 

What I learned: Using this anchor chart helped support my students' learning, and it played a major role in their learning and growth. It helped my students make their thinking visible. Moreover, it empowered my students and gave them a chance to process their thinking, and the thinking of their peers and classmates. 

Artifact Description:  This paper was written for EDUC311: literacy in the Disciplines course at Trinity Christian College. For this paper, I chose to talk about a graphic novel that I could use in my classroom with my students. I mention the themes the graphic novel holds, and how students will connect on a personal level with the graphic novel. I discuss the reading skills that are fostered by reading graphic novels, the writing style –illustration of the graphic novel, and the students that the book would be best to read the graphic novel. 

 IPTS Connection: This paper shows that I am capable of "evaluating teaching resources and materials for appropriateness as related to curricular content and each student's needs " (2I). In addition, it shows that I am able to "use differing viewpoints, theories, and methods of inquiry in teaching subject matter concepts" (2J). This paper showcases this through my explanation of what group of students best fits to read such a genre. Also, this is shown through my explanation of how the unique writing style of a graphic novel allows students to think critically and resonate with the themes and topics given in the book. 

What I learned: Writing this paper made me realize the importance of choosing a book that is appropriate for students' grades and levels to promote the growth of my students. I learned the value of reading through depiction because it helps develop students' critical thinking and reading levels. As an educator, I am fully responsible for picking the appropriate materials and books for my students that will promote development and growth.