Final Reflection

Final Reflection 

Throughout this semester I have learned an aptitude of tools to help me further my academic knowledge in order to be a better educator. Several of the strategies I have learned that will be put to use include how to construct and use pathways, use science notebooks, and multiple technology tools.

Before this class I had never heard of pathways or playlist. Personally I connected with and prefer pathways better. From a personal point of view I was never apart of a strategy like this when I was in grade school. Education is definitely constantly changing and when introduced to pathways, shows how much we are learning about education and how much it can really benefit every type of learner. My favorite thing about Pathways is how individualized the entire experience is. By having different paces for different learners it connects the student to the curriculum based on where they are and how they learn. It also provides student's with choices. You can provide different activities, allowing them to learn in a way they enjoy that doesn't really seem like just doing work. Making students enjoy learning is a major thing in order to keep students engaged and responsible for their own learning. Another aspect of pathways is the personal accountability it gives the students. From giving the student the standard shows them exactly what they need to know. It shows them exactly what they are working to understand. This also is a reason the pre and post assessment is put in place. It keeps students accountable for where they began and where they ended. It also shows students their scale of growth. Providing students with affirmation of how much they have accomplished or grown is essential. No matter how low their pre assessment is they are going most likely going to show growth on when comparing their post assessment. Overall I really connect with the layout, purpose, and style of learning through pathways. 

As for interactive science notebooks I had experience with when I was in school. I benefited a lot from using an interactive notebook so i think if implemented in the right way can be a great way for students to learn. Interactive notebooks are a great way to integrate science. It allows room for creativity and personalization. As well as provides a major resource for material learned over the course of time. 

I also learned several technology tools to use when integrating science within the classroom. Not only within the classroom for the students but also for myself as a teacher. Programs such as science a-z, learn 360, study jams, and Epic were all tools that were new to me. These programs have already helped me while creating lessons for this class as well as some of my other classes. 

When creating my lessons many of these strategies helped me when I was struggling to incorporate activities and ideas into the lessons. One of my strengths is incorporating technology within my lessons. One of my weaknesses is making sure I have connected everything to the standard. This class in general has helped me overcome my weakness by teaching me how to integrate curriculum using the tools I have mentioned. They begin to go hand in hand when used correctly. I ended up incorporating a video in all 3 of my lessons. Not only did I incorporate one but I had a hard time only picking one. I also incorporated using interactive science notebooks when reinforcing the content we included within a venn diagram. Also being able to use science a-z for resources and ideas as well as reading material. Two of my lessons included a read-aloud pertaining to the topic. Read-aloud's are great because in this case it integrates and introduce science curriculum through a story. For some kids this is an easier way to be introduced to new informational material. Overall the material I learned in this class has already assisted me in many ways to further my confidence, and knowledge when creating science instruction.