Coursework Showcase:
Science, Mathematics and Technology
My focus during my pursuit of a Master's degree was split between finding the methods and techniques that would better allow me to help my students gain a deeper understanding of both mathematics and science, and evaluating different technological tools to widen the opportunities for learning in my classrooms. Below are samples of work connected to each of these areas of focus.
Science and Mathematics Education
Designing Lessons for Understanding
The two documents below are my plans for the first lesson in a unit on dynamics, and my brief reflection upon how teaching the lesson went. I designed this lesson using Gallagher's Mercedes Model for teaching and learning (building a knowledge base, developing understanding, and applying knowledge). Because this lesson was the first of a unit, it is mainly designed to help my students build a knowledge base. However, this lesson also includes some elements of the other two steps. My vision was that the Mercedes model would provide the general structure for the individual lessons as well as the entire unit. I also kept in mind Wiske's assessment model, and use it analyze my student's understanding in my lesson reflection.
The two documents below are my plans for the first lesson in a unit on dynamics, and my brief reflection upon how teaching the lesson went. I designed this lesson using Gallagher's Mercedes Model for teaching and learning (building a knowledge base, developing understanding, and applying knowledge). Because this lesson was the first of a unit, it is mainly designed to help my students build a knowledge base. However, this lesson also includes some elements of the other two steps. My vision was that the Mercedes model would provide the general structure for the individual lessons as well as the entire unit. I also kept in mind Wiske's assessment model, and use it analyze my student's understanding in my lesson reflection.
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Evaluating Problem Solving for Understanding
This is a Prezi I created to help me present my action research findings to my classmates. I was exploring the use of open-ended questions to help my students improve their problem solving skills and develop a deeper understanding of the mathematics. While these results were not highly encouraging, refining my methods for the next year was helpful in making the problems more accessible to the students. For a copy of my final action research paper, click here. |
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Technology and Learning
Assessing and Collecting Technology Tools
After exploring and reviewing specific tools for specific mathematics topics (like fractions), I was tasked with finding and reviewing tools to be used in my calculus classes and then creating an online library of these tools. While the assignment was to find technology to use in the classroom, my library represents a series of tools that support my curriculum, rather than forcing me to change my curriculum to incorporate them.
After exploring and reviewing specific tools for specific mathematics topics (like fractions), I was tasked with finding and reviewing tools to be used in my calculus classes and then creating an online library of these tools. While the assignment was to find technology to use in the classroom, my library represents a series of tools that support my curriculum, rather than forcing me to change my curriculum to incorporate them.
Incorporating Online Learning
I designed part of an online hybrid course to be used in my Honors/AP Calculus class. This series of lessons focuses on introducing students to the formal definition of a derivative using open questions, online journals and class discussions. These questions provide more scaffolding for students than I previously used in my action research project (above). My plan is to use this series of lessons in class next semester as a test run, before I continue to create the rest of the hybrid course. |
As a wrap-up to my course design, I wrote a final reflection that both described my decision making process and gave advice for future online course designers. I chose to post it on my teaching portfolio. Click here to read it.
Showcasing Student Work
I created this electronic teaching portfolio to represent myself as a teacher and to showcase the work that my students do. I have a better understanding of why to bother creating a portfolio in the first place, and the considerations that go into creating an electronic version of one. I am encouraged by my school to keep a folder of work and awards for each of the students I mentor in the morning. My goal is to be able to transition from maintaining a physical folder for my students to helping them develop an electronic portfolio of their own.
I created this electronic teaching portfolio to represent myself as a teacher and to showcase the work that my students do. I have a better understanding of why to bother creating a portfolio in the first place, and the considerations that go into creating an electronic version of one. I am encouraged by my school to keep a folder of work and awards for each of the students I mentor in the morning. My goal is to be able to transition from maintaining a physical folder for my students to helping them develop an electronic portfolio of their own.