Challenge 8 - Assessment
Creating an assessment where all students can demonstrate their understanding is vital, however, just as important for meaningful learning is providing targeted feedback students can act on.…
Metacogntion, Self-Regulation & Differentation
In many of our courses, we have discussed the importance of targeted and practical feedback as a vital component of meaningful learning for our students. Recently in our Inquiry Science Pedagogy and Practice course, we read “Formative assessment and the design of instruction systems” (Sadler, 1989). The article discusses how…
Differentiation in the Classroom
I drew this picture earlier this semester but feel it is appropriate to discuss in this challenge. Providing various opportunities for students to engage at each (or as many as possible) level of cognitive rigor is one practical consideration for differentiated learning. More specifically, this might include modeling (examples &…
Effective Questioning
After learning about assessment conversations in the Inquiry Science Pedagogy & Practice course, I made it a point of emphasis to look for instances where my CT was engaging in the ESRU cycle. Below I discuss one instance where this was observed: Eliciting student thinking - (student 1) What is…
Benefits of CER Writing Strategy
The writing strategy Claim-Evidence-Reasoning (CER), aligns with at least one education goal – creating informed citizens. Beyond school, students require the skills and knowledge to develop informed views on various issues (e.g., economic policy, global warming, globalization, etc.). Workplace success often includes effective communication, critical thinking, planning, and creativity. Engaging…
Cognitive & Learning Demands - Natural Hazards Reflection
The Natural Hazards unit overview incorporates a wide array of cognitive rigor and learning demands. It appears that the rigor is progressive and building towards students demonstrating their understanding in the summative assessments (quiz or Hazard Magazine) as well as formative assessments throughout the unit. I recognize the value of…
Photo Essay - UDL Concepts & Science Connection
Carefully structured cooperative learning groups with clear goals, expectations, roles, and responsibilities can lead to more meaningful learning and prepare students for life in the 21st century.Incorporating an anchoring event or concept assists students in directing their focus and activating prior knowledge while also providing the teacher with a…
What does it mean to be a STEM Teacher?
Throughout internship’s 1, 2 and the beginning of 3, I have started to see the importance of relationship building and how teaching is much more than the content we facilitate. In this year especially with Covid-19, students are dealing with so much more emotionally. Photo by Elena Mozhvilo [https:…
Counter Boredom By Making Fun A Priority
All too often, I remember staring at the clock, counting the minutes left, and daydreaming as I eagerly waited for class to be over. In most, if not all, of these instances, I was not engaged in the material and I certainly was not having fun. As I grew older…
Mindfulness... What's Going On Between My Ears
Mindfulness and self-care are essential skills that I do not practice nearly enough. In terms of a self-care routine, I try to focus on the foundational layers in what Leo Weidner refers to as the Relationship Pyramid for an ideal self in his book "The Slight Edge." The…