Outcome 1

Students will solve problems and make decisions in professional practice through the use of:

1.1  Research

HOW I DEMONSTRATE THIS: As a teacher I know that I need to provide the best for my students. As I plan lessons and activities I research best practices. I also look for curricula that is researched based and is from reputable sources, including fellow teachers.

LIST OF ACTIVITIES THAT SUPPORT MY NARRATIVE: JunkBox Wars from Discovery Education, Cyberhunt online activity from Scholastic, and Step Up To Writing.

1.2  Reflective inquiry

HOW I DEMONSTRATE THIS: Any teacher who is worth their weight in gold will think back and critique their lessons. I reflect back to the lessons and activities to see what worked and what did not work. I need to question how I can make it better.

LIST OF ACTIVITIES THAT SUPPORT MY NARRATIVE:

In previous years I taught multiple classes of second and third graders in science, social studies, and mathematics.

I was able to adjust me teaching based on who I was teaching and what took place in an earlier class.

1.3  Knowledge of learning and development

HOW I DEMONSTRATE THIS: I adjust lessons and activities based on the learning abilities and levels of my students. I may have roughly the same standard for each of the grade levels but the performance expectations are different for the different grades.

LIST OF ACTIVITIES THAT SUPPORT MY NARRATIVE:

For example, one of the technology standards is to use a word processing program. For first graders they need to open Microsoft Word and type their first and last name and I save their work.

For sixth graders, they are to open Word properly head the document, type out a proper five paragraph essay, and save the document in the correct folder.

1.4  Knowledge of diversity and cultural context

HOW I DEMONSTRATE THIS: Considering where I am teaching and from where I grew up I have been challenged to become familiar with the urban environment that my students come from and what cultural differences they have.

LIST OF ACTIVITIES THAT SUPPORT MY NARRATIVE:

Attended workshops that addressed the issue of at risk children and meeting academic standards.

Learned about the celebration of Kwanza and put together Kwanza lessons.

Designed lessons and activities that taught my students about different cultures and civilizations.

1.5  Knowledge of subject matter and/or professional knowledge

HOW I DEMONSTRATE THIS: Continuation of professional development will keep me up to date in the latest in educational practices.

LIST OF ACTIVITIES THAT SUPPORT MY NARRATIVE:

Enrolled in Eastern Michigan University's Common Learnings Master's Program and Educational Media Technology Certificate Program.

copyright 2005

Eric Strommer