Module One This module was eye opening in that I realized classroom management was much more than I had always viewed it. The IEP assignment caused me some distress because initially was not able to make the connection between classroom management and an IEP. Sadly, some of my colleagues were not able to either which indicates that this could be a wider problem. Secondly, my KWL chart reflects my lack of awareness of all that classroom management encompasses.
Module Two This unit brought awareness to strategies for management and behaviour. The learning curve was high as the research I conducted was effective in continuing to build upon my expanding knowledge of classroom management.
Module Three Student voice and the MOE documents brought this topic to life for me. I am wrestling with what students need to know versus what students want to learn. As student voice is given more consideration in curriculum development what will we see in classrooms? Website: ASCD.org http://www.ascd.org/publications/books/111011/chapters/Knowing-Our-Students-as-Learners.aspx Website: Pernille Ripp https://pernillesripp.com/2013/07/23/my-student-questionnaire-for-beginning-of-year/ Website: Recess and Research - The Globe and Mail http://globe2go.newspaperdirect.com/epaper/viewer.aspx?noredirect=true Website: edweek.org https://blogs.edweek.org/teachers/classroom_qa_with_larry_ferlazzo/2014/12/response_the_best_ways_to_engage_students_in_learning.html
Module Four This module has been my favourite so far. I often wonder if my approach to assessment is eliciting the best information from my students. Am I using rigorous and challenging assessments that fairly demonstrate their learning? Am I accurately measuring what I say I am? Have I successfully met the learning objectives so that the students will demonstrate their success on the assessment. This module was helpful in making clearer connections for me and had me really reflecting on my assessment practices. The second part of this module that I found helpful was the modelling piece. Sometimes I feel that the instruction/lesson/rules/directions are completely lost to the students because teachers just keep talking! The article that I have attached was enlightening for me and gave me some helpful ideas for modelling to my peers. Website: Responsive Classroom.org https://www.responsiveclassroom.org/what-interactive-modeling/ Website: Reading Rockets http://www.readingrockets.org/article/what-differentiated-instruction Website: Oregon.gov https://www.oregon.gov/ode/educator-resources/assessment/Documents/writing_tips_learning_goals_success_criteria.pdf Website: Smart Classroom Management https://www.smartclassroommanagement.com/2014/09/27/why-silent-modeling-is-a-powerful- strategy/ Website: cdl.org https://www.cdl.org/differentiated-instruction/ Website: Prufrock.com http://www.prufrock.com/Assets/ClientPages/pdfs/TSG_Diff_Elem_Sample.pdf
Module Five Module Five was a challenging module for me. I struggle between student created curriculum and teaching a set of specific skills that students will need for their learning career. While I see a place for flipped classrooms, online classrooms, and technology based learning, I wonder about students that have questions, succeed with hands on collaboration, require specialized or one to one instruction. I was also perplexed with how to effectively prepare a learning program for students when there is so much flux within our lives and our world. While I believe that languages and technology are important subject areas for students, I wonder if our current method of teaching these subjects could be overhauled to be more effective? When curriculum and expectations are being decided upon, wouldn't it be beneficial to include student voice and opinion into our decision making? I enjoyed the aspect of researching the 21st century classroom. How exciting to see how education has evolved over time and how it continues to evolve. The opportunities for future learners is extensive and will shape the generations to come. Website: advanc-ed.org https://www.advanc-ed.org/source/getting-students-ready-fast-changing-world Website: the learning exchange.ca https://leaders-in-educational-thought-michael-fullan-allan-luke-and-lucy-west Website: Educational Leaders.govt.NZ helen malcolm sabattical Website: edweek.org differentiate_pd_for_optimal_t.html Website: effdebate.org http://www.effdebate.org/uncategorized/the-constant-change/ Website: Edutopia.org https://www.edutopia.org/blog/a-cornucopia-of-multidisciplinary-teaching-vincent-mastro
Module Six Growth Mindset provides a shift in thinking from I cannot to I cannot, yet. This powerful statement sets the tone for a positive mindset that propels students forward in their development and growth. Students become aware that effort is the driving force behind what they can accomplish, learn, and master.
This text was very poignant and telling of an ineffective school system and ideologies that unfortunately still exists within some school districts and boards today. Text: Strong and Smart - Towards a Pedagogy for Emancipation by Chris Sarra link: https://books.google.ca/books?id=1UjXAwAAQBAJ&pg=PA11&lpg=PA11&dq=why+aboriginal+children+don%27t+believe+in+themselves&source=bl&ots=N3EsqwB4gD&sig=pcbv2FmsVVFL8K0s4hibMqsqoh8&hl=en&sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwjz4PLKiKjPAhVC2IMKHZpaDpUQ6AEIHDAA#v=onepage&q=why%20aboriginal%20children%20don't%20believe%20in%20themselves&f=false