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"Teachers know the subjects they teach and how to teach those subjects to students. "
"Teachers know the subjects they teach and how to teach those subjects to students. "
Five work products are aligned with this proposition:
Five work products are aligned with this proposition:
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(1) Teachers as Leaders. EDU 600. Spring 2016. "Teaching Shakespeare in Middle School: Literature Review."
Rationale: The literature review provides evidence of the benefits to students of learning Shakespeare in middle school and discusses the methods that can be used to convey complex language and themes.
Reflection: When I began the literature review, was concerned that I would find articles recommending against including Shakespeare in a middle school curriculum,. A common viewpoint is that Shakespeare is too difficult for students below 9th grade. However, I was pleased to find that there was considerable support for introducing Shakespeare at young ages, even in lower elementary school grades. The methods used are age appropriate and emphasize original text, which is where one finds both challenges and fun!
(2) Differentiation Theories and Strategies. EDU 610. Summer 2016. Revised May 2018. Powerpoint Presentation: "Introducing Shakespeare to Middle School Students: Differentiated Lesson Plans"
Rationale: After writing the literature review (above) I developed lesson plans to introduce Shakespeare in 8th grade. The lesson plans further demonstrate knowledge of how to teach the subject to students.
Reflection: Shortly after I completed the literature and whole class lesson plans, I attended a one-day summer workshop at the University of North Carolina, Greensboro, NC, led by the Folger Shakespeare Library and the English Speaking Union. The workshop provided strategies for teaching Shakespeare to students of all ages. In August 2016, I joined a group of about 30 teachers gathered to learn ways to introduce authentic texts to students mainly within K-12 classrooms, though with some application to University level as well. The use of original language was emphasized as a way to increase appreciation and learning, as opposed to the use of revised texts that altered the richness and beauty of the original language. Although the original language can be difficult for students to read, a well-prepared introduction can help bridge the initial learning gap. For example, there are numerous ways to engage students using age appropriate selections of text, such as games (Shakespearean insults and compliments), short skits (small groups read and act selected text using found objects in the room as props), and for upper grades, reading an entire play and seeing it performed live by a local professional theater company.
In May 2018, I revised the lesson plans to include material I had learned at the English Speaking Union workshop. The revision, presented here, also incorporates knowledge I gained from teaching over the past two years, such as managing logistics, estimating actual time and resources needed, and preparing lesson plan aids (handouts, worksheets, graphic organizers, etc.).
(3) Connect Reading with Writing for Success. EDU 743. Winter 2017. Youtube. "The Writing Process: A Six Week Writing Workshop for Grades 4-8."
Rationale: The writing process is a best practices writing strategy that can be used in a writers' workshop or other writing program. I use it along with several other best practices in writing instruction to present a 6-week plan for a 6th grade English Language Arts class, modifiable for any subject and grade 4-8.
Reflection: I find that students in grades 4-8 enjoy using the RAFT organizer. The earlier grades like the graphic organizer, whereas the later grades just like the information listed. One can also vary the pre-writing topic search easily using NEWSELA, which organizes articles by topic, grade, and reading lexile.
In addition to enjoying working on this powerpoint, I found it useful to create a youtube using Screencast-O-Matic. Screencast can capture not only powerpoint presentations, but basically anything presented on the monitor/screen including the camera/classroom live video. It is very versatile. I haven't used it in class yet, but with proper permissions in place, it would be a useful classroom tool. It could be useful in the flipped classroom, too, accessed in a computer lab or in class via laptops with bookmarked pages.
(4) July 2018. "Reading & Writing Lesson Plans Grades 6-8: Cause and Effect Analysis with Note-Taking Strategies."
Rationale: This reading comprehension and analysis exercise is designed as a supplement to instruction on cause-and-effect analysis found in the text book when students need more practice, need additional opportunities to develop team-work skills, or need a review. There are also opportunities for teacher research and formative assessment, as well as student self-evaluation. Teacher resources are provided, however, teachers may modify or create resources tailored to their classroom needs. The exercise can be provided to students in grades 6-8.
Reflection: I modified this lesson plan to include both a 2-Day and 1-Day version. The 2-Day version provides additional opportunity to review, to conduct research, formative assessment, and provide students with time to practice C/E reading comprehension and analysis skills.
(5) July 2018. "Math and Free-Writing: Algebra 1."
Rationale; This 30-minute lesson plan provides the teacher and students with an opportunity to conduct free-writing in a math class. The purpose is to use math vocabulary relevant to Algebra 1, within the context of a free-writing narrative. A writing prompt is provided. Vocabulary cards are provided.
Reflection: This lesson can be modified by grade and subject as well as unit within Algebra 1 or other math class. A differentiated class that already has covered writing preferences will be able to apply self-knowledge about writing.
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