Even though I think I could use work in every NETS-T indicator, I chose two that I think would directly help and improve my student’s skills. I would like to strengthen my confidence and proficiency in the following two areas:
- Facilitate and Inspire Student Learning and Creativity
- Design and Develop Digital-Age Learning Experiences and Assessments
The GAME Plan:
Goals:
- Design lessons that will allow students to display their knowledge of the material in a creative and unique way while exploring real life problems and using problem solving skills.
- Design lessons that will allow students to choose specific topics within a broad focus to study and allow them to use technology to display they have mastered that topic for assessment.
Action:
- In order to take action on these goals I will consult other members in my department to see if they are doing any similar projects.
- I will also do research on the internet to see if there are ideas, lessons or activities there that could be helpful.
- I will also consult my IT lead teacher in order to see what, if any, software applications are available to our district that might be of use to my students.
- In addition, I will discuss ideas with my co-teacher to see what thoughts he has and accommodations for special needs students need to take place.
Monitor:
- Once I have developed my goals and followed through on my actions I need to monitor my GAME plan to make sure it stays on track. I will self-evaluate the lessons to make sure they are staying on track with the indicators.
- I will also ask my co-teacher to evaluate the lessons informally to make sure they are covering all aspects and working efficiently.
- If necessary, I will make adjustments and adapt the lessons to better fit the indicators.
Evaluate:
- To evaluate the lessons, I will ask students to fill out a survey to see if they felt it met the criteria I had intended.
- I will also ask an administrator to observe my classroom on that day (if possible) to see if they feel it meets the intended indicators.
- In addition, a self-evaluate at the end of the lessons will also be beneficial to see if the student products were at the level I intended.
As a suggestion, one place you can look is the other grade levels and departments in the school. I do my best to link what my students are working on with other classes, using technology to explore a musical link with the subject. This reinforces what is being taught in the other classrooms, as well as in my curriculum.
ReplyDeleteUsing clickers as a way for students to feel more comfortable answering the questions would be a great integration of technology to complete the surveys. I have found students are more honest when they know their answers will be anonymous.
ReplyDeleteI like the point you make of including colleagues in your monitoring process. I have found my grade level team to be an invaluable resource in my development as an educator
ReplyDeleteI think you are being very thorough in your evaluation -- self-reflection, colleague observation, and student survey. To add a technology component, may I suggest doing an online survey for your students? I have used www.zoomerang.com with my students. It is user friendly and graphs results for you.
ReplyDeleteMelissa,
ReplyDeleteOne thing you mentioned that I think is a great idea is having an administrator come in to observe your lesson and determine whether or not you met your goals. Since you mentioned you would have them come in "if possible", it reminded me of something. Thought it may be too late now, I have an idea for the future. Most schools have teacher evaluation programs that revolve around teachers making goals at the beginning of the year and trying to meet those goals throughout the school year. I think you should kill two birds with one stone in the future. Make this goal one of your evaluation goals. That way, the administrator will undoubtedly visit your class and observe you for these lessons.