Unpacking Standards in Order to Meet Them

This week, I learned a lot about what it means to unpack standards and the importance of doing so. In order for a learning standard to be met, the way in which fulfillment of it is demonstrated must be deciphered. That is, how can I help students achieve the goal of this content standard? Along with classmates from my content area, we unpacked a content standard for 6th grade. It was difficult to understand at first but after sharing ideas among the class, we understood better how to do so. Being able to unpack standards is vital to successful teaching and student learning, so I am really glad we are working on this in order to feel more confident with it. Last week's class definitely helped us to fulfill Standard 3a, "Teachers align their instruction with the North Carolina Standard Course of Study."

Until next class,

Chrysalis

Growing and Learning Together

I am definitely feeling more comfortable in and about the content of this class than I was at this point last week. I really appreciate everyone's willingness to work together, to share ideas, and to be open to the ideas of others. I thoroughly enjoyed the scavenger hunt which we got to take part in today. Besides being a refreshment from the regular classroom setting, it provided many learning opportunities. Tasks such as having people define literacy broadended our perspectives on the definition and meaning behind this sometimes complex word. Even random tasks encouraged teamwork and critical thinking. This would be a wonderful tool to use inside the classroom.
Specifically, I believe the scavenger hunt enabled me to grow in the area of Standard 1B, "Teachers lead in the schools." A teacher leading in a school involves leadership among collegues. In my scavenger hunt group, I had opportunities to lead and to be outspoken with my ideas.
I have also learned more about standards, why they are important, and why they apply to me. Ultimately, they should guide in helping students not merely to acquire knowledge but moreover to be able to know what to do with the knowledge they have acquired. I believe that Constructivism is critical in order for students to succeed in this area. In order for students to construct knowledge, information must be relevant to what they already know. This ties in with Standard 3D, "Teachers make instruction relevant to students."
I am looking forward to more learning and teaching experiences in this class!

EDUC 316; Week 1; Chrysalis Bridges

This week, I learned what a Professional Learning Community is and why it is important for me as a future teacher and for the benefit of my students. I was surprised to learn that the Professional Learning Community spans beyond the classroom of teacher and student and also includes administrators and parents. The Professional Learning Community seeks the best practices for the classroom and focuses on the results, with the goal being to continuously improve processes that aid in learning. Ultimately, the Professional Learning Community should focus not on "teaching" but rather on "learning," the fundamental purpose of school. There are essential characteristics which distinguish the Professional Learning Community from just the ordinary school. These involve a shared mission, vision, values, and goals. I learned that a mission is what the group desires to do as it moves forward. I learned that a vision is what the group desires to look like and the end goals for the group. In the future, I hope to be a part of a strong Professional Learning Community. In this class, I am now part of a Candidate Learning Community. A Candidate Learning Community is a collaboration of students learning how to be teachers by utilizing the methods of a Professional Learning Community. It is essential to be a part of a Candidate/Professional Learning Community because doing so provides opportunities to learn from others in order to become a more efficient teacher and to lead as well as learn in both the classroom and with colleagues. This fulfills Standards 1A, "Teachers lead in their classrooms," as well as 1B, "Teachers demonstrate leadership in their schools." All students are expected to work together and test methods in order that the goals of the class may be achieved, all for the ultimate goal of increasing learning. I believe that our class is already demonstrating signs of a strong Candidate Learning Community. Today, we worked together in order to create a mission and a vision for our class. There were opportunities for many people to assume leadership roles, and there was opportunity for each class member to learn from the ideas of others. I look forward to the learning that will result from the growth of our Candidate Learning Community in this class.