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INTASC STANDARD 2: LEARNING DIFFERENCES
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The teacher uses understanding of individual differences and diverse cultures and communities to ensure inclusive learning environments that enable each learner to meet high standards.
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artifact: In-Classroom Observation Report (click to view)
This observation report was generated during EDTP 635 on July 30, 2014 at the conclusion of week 10. The assignment was based around 3 classroom observations and teacher interviews. Two observations were in a secondary inclusion class and one was in a secondary special needs class. Notes during the observations as well as questions generated during interviews were consolidated and evaluated to generate a single comprehensive field experience journal.
Rationale:
This artifact illustrates the experience I gained by communicating with and observing established teachers in multiple classrooms. By watching teacher-student interactions and identifying how each student had unique needs, I was able to gain an appreciation for the diversity of learning styles that must be implemented in order to allow all students to achieve.
The process of the observations was a unique experience for me, especially the observations within the self-contained (special needs) classroom. This was the first opportunity I had to study special-needs students. While the pace within the classroom was slower in terms of presentation of material, the enthusiasm and energy was higher than any other classroom I observed. Though there were many differences in teaching style and all instruction was direct, the use of technology and imagery in the lesson were much more pronounced. Both co-teachers provided an atmosphere for their students that was conducive to learning and demonstrated belief in their student’s ability to succeed.
During my MAT education I have had the opportunity to learn and develop my understanding student learning differences. These observations were a chance for me to see established teachers using strategies and theories to address learning differences. Being able to see these techniques applied in live classrooms helped me to gain an appreciation for the difficulty that comes in implementation. I have learned a variety of tools that will help me address learning differences of my own students but I still need real-world practice to master the application of these strategies.
The process of the observations was a unique experience for me, especially the observations within the self-contained (special needs) classroom. This was the first opportunity I had to study special-needs students. While the pace within the classroom was slower in terms of presentation of material, the enthusiasm and energy was higher than any other classroom I observed. Though there were many differences in teaching style and all instruction was direct, the use of technology and imagery in the lesson were much more pronounced. Both co-teachers provided an atmosphere for their students that was conducive to learning and demonstrated belief in their student’s ability to succeed.
During my MAT education I have had the opportunity to learn and develop my understanding student learning differences. These observations were a chance for me to see established teachers using strategies and theories to address learning differences. Being able to see these techniques applied in live classrooms helped me to gain an appreciation for the difficulty that comes in implementation. I have learned a variety of tools that will help me address learning differences of my own students but I still need real-world practice to master the application of these strategies.