INTRODUCTION

This section contains evidence of my growth as a professional in the area of Math.  My goal is to teach students how to apply Algebra and Geometry to real life experiences to help improve their interest in Math.  Projects are used to encourage students to use creativity to learn and apply Geometry principles.  Games, manipulatives and technology are used to enhance students learning skills.

In developing instruction for my class it would be important to know if any students are English learners.  This is important because I would have to adapt and differentiate my instructional methods in order to reach a student whose understanding of words may be different than those of English students.  This would be necessary to assist the student to be successful in the class and help alleviate the struggles they may face of trying to learn the content area and learn English at the same time.  Serdyukov and Hill (2011), write that, “Understanding the subsystems of language provides teachers with insights into the challenges that face second language learners who are learning English” (p. 31).

Serdyukov, P., & Hill, R. A. (2011). Methodology For Second Language Development. New York City: Pearson Custom Publishing.

PE 4: Making Content Accessible

•  Addressing state-adopted academic content standards
•  Prioritizing and sequencing content
•  Selecting and using various instructional strategies, activities, and resources to facilitate student learning

TPE 5 Student Engagement

•  Understanding of academic learning goals
•  Ensuring active and equitable participation
•  Monitoring student progress and extending student thinking

TPE 6: Developmentally Appropriate Teaching Practice

a. Developmentally Appropriate Practices in Grades K-3

•  Understanding important characteristics of the learners
•  Designing instructional activities
•  Providing developmentally appropriate educational experiences

b. Developmentally Appropriate Practices in Grades 4-8

•  Understanding important characteristics of the learners
•  Designing instructional activities
•  Providing developmentally appropriate educational experiences

c. Developmentally Appropriate Practices in Grades 9-12

•  Understanding important characteristics of the learners
•  Designing instructional activities
•  Providing developmentally appropriate educational experiences

TPE 7 – Teaching English Learners

•  Understanding and applying theories, principles, and instructional practices for English Language Development
•  Understanding how to adapt instructional practices to provide access to the state-adopted student content standards
•  Drawing upon student backgrounds and language abilities to provide differentiated instruction

REFLECTION

Knowing the backgrounds of the students will help me design lesson and activities that are of interest to the students that are in line with the way they like to learn.  Marzano, Marzano and Pickering (2003) write that, “Effective teachers have a wide array of instructional strategies at their disposal” (p. 3).

Marzano, R.J., Marzano, J.S., & Pickering, D.J. (2003). Classroom management that works: Research- based strategies for every teacher. Alexandria