Artifact Description:

This is a presentation that I delivered in one of my special education classes. I dove into the idea of self-determination, and how it is an important skill to teach students with Autism. I highlighted why it is important for these students, and how it can be taught in a classroom. I also talked about the importance of giving students with Autism problem-solving scenarios, and I led my class in an example scenario.

Connection to Standard:

This artifact connects to standard 5E: "Knows techniques for modifying instructional methods, materials, and the environment to facilitate learning for students with diverse learning characteristics." In this presentation, I highlighted different ways students with Autism could be encouraged in their self-determination, such as having them choose their goals or allowing them to choose their partners in a partner activity.

What I learned:

By researching for this presentation, I learned that in order to increase self-determination skills in any student, a teacher should provide opportunities for the student to make their own decisions and set goals for themselves.

Artifact Description:

This is a math review that I created for my 6th grade students. They had been working on the concepts of Mean, Median, Mode, and Range, as well as Box Plots. The concept of the first part of the review was that using dice, students would make their own data sets. I modeled for my students by rolling 6 dice, and walking through how to complete the problem. Then, students worked in partners to work on the remaining problems. I walked around the room and supported the students when they needed it.

Connection to Standard: 

This connects to standard 5K: "Varies his or her role in the instructional process as instructor, facilitator, coach or audience in relation to the content and purposes of instruction and the needs of students." When I introduced this activity, I first modeled it and I saw myself as the instructor. Then, when my students moved into partner work, I was a facilitator because I coordinated the activity but allowed them to do it on their own.

What I learned:

By doing this activity with my students, I learned that even adding a small element such as manipulatives can make a lesson more engaging and fun for students.