The ISTE Standards address these areas for teachers. I feel comfortable with many of the standards, but there is always room for improvement. There are several that I would like to work on in particular.
The first indicator that I developed a GAME plan for is "promote student reflection using collaborative tools to reveal and clarify students' conceptual understanding and thinking, planning, and creative processes." (National Education Standards for Teachers (NETS-T). One action I will take to complete this is developing a reflective blog for students. They will be able to log on and address concerns and questions about completed projects. They can comment on their ability to work in groups and indicate how comfortable they felt with assignments. They will also be able to comment on one another's suggestions and ideas. As they leave comments, I will also be able to address their responses. Then as we work on new or continuing projects, we can reflect back on what was previously stated. To monitor this, I will check the blog every few days and be sure to address comments by students, whether on line or in person. I will ask additional questions to help them dig more deeply into their reflections. I can evaluate this by the comments students make and the differences I see in the classroom in collaborative work. I can extend this for my own learning by keeping a personal log or journal reflecting on what I think is going well or needs improved.
Another indicator I would like to work on is "evaluate and reflect on current research and professional practice on a regular basis to make effective use of existing and emerging digital tools and resources in support of student learning." (National Education Standards for Teachers (NETS-T). I will take several actions to accomplish this. First of all, I would like to find a professional learning community to interact with. My district does not have PLCs as of right now, so I will search online or check with colleagues from other schools to find one I can share information with. I will also subscribe to media regarding information technology. I will read to keep current with new technology and share that information with others. To monitor this, I will keep myself accountable with other colleagues to try new tools periodically and reflect on their use. I will evaluate my efforts in this by reflecting and journaling new lessons I try or new tools I use. I will contribute to a PLC to share this information.
References:
National Education Standards for Teachers (NETS-T) retrieved from http://www.iste.org/Content/NavigationMenu/NETS/ForTeachers/2008Standards/NETS_T_Standards_Final.pdf on November 10, 2009.
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Mrs. H.,
ReplyDeleteYour suggested use of blogs for student reflection is admirable and appropriate for many age groups. This is starting to become more widely used in many of today's classrooms as well. Regarding your wish for PLC's, even though we (your classmates) are not working with you, we could still carry on this use of blogging to form our own PLC. This way we can all continue to help each other grow professionally as well!
-Stephen
I agree with Stephen about the blogs and the PLC's. I had student blogs last year, and they worked well, as long as the students followed the guidelines set forth in the syllabus. I had a problem with students turning their blogs into socializing networks, but it was something that was quickly addressed.
ReplyDeletePLC's are quite beneficial to teachers, and I agree with Steven that although we are not part of your school, we can still make up our own "virtual PLC." I think it would be quite beneficial, and as a cohort, we need to stay in contact after we finish this program to continue our own professional growth.
I like the use that you have of a reflective blog. This would be a great way to get feedback from students that would help you adjust your assignments for the best learning experience. The students will feel more comfortable blogging their assessments and suggestions than saying them in class. This is a creative use of a blog site.
ReplyDeleteReading professional journals is a great way to keep up and find new information. These are research based methods and are just not some google search. You will find good information that will provoke thought and help you on your GAME plan!
ReplyDeleteHi Ginger,
ReplyDeleteThe use of reflective blogs will definitely benefit your students. I feel that they have been of the utmost benefit to me in these courses. PLC's will be of great use to you. My wife has something similar going on at her school, but it is just between four teachers of her small learning community (SLC). The teachers get together one day a week and discuss ways in how to better serve their students. Good luck.