Reflections

//How can using a variety of materials and methods reach more of the learners within your classroom? What are the benefits of doing so? What are the challenges?// Students come to us with varied learning styles and background knowledge. One method of presentation most likely will not reach all learners nor spark their interest in the topic. Teachers need to assess their student’s interests and learning styles in order to get to build class cohesion and get know their preferred styles. This will also enable teachers to recognize the strengths and weaknesses. This also enables teachers to embrace differentiation and provide individualized assignments. Teachers need to be flexible and incorporate multiple means of presenting information and skills. This can be challenging in that a teacher may have a preferred style or are anxious about using new technologies. Other challenges include providing enough resources and a clear framework for students to present their knowledge in the most meaningful way.
 * Reflection #3**

Reflection #4 // What barriers are inherent in traditional assessments? What are the challenges in offering varied options for assessment? //

//Students with varied background knowledge, intelligences, learning styles and abilities are expected to take standardized tests. Yet, when learning, these same students are frontloaded with information, experience a variety of media and activities, may be grouped according to ability and may be given individualized adaptations. If all of these supports are utilized to TEACH, then they must be used to ASSESS. Traditional assessments do not offer CHOICE, a factor explicitly proven to increase student interest and therefore accountability.// //Challenges in offering varied options for assessment include…how valid and relevant are the options? Are the outcomes truly measureable and repeatable? What is acceptable for one teacher may not be for another so, can project based learning be objective nationwide?// //Additional thoughts…// //A traditional assessment like the PSSAs force teachers to “teach for the test” even while knowing this is not a best practice. The SATs are also skewed by financial ability of students who are able to receive additional tutoring or readiness courses.// **Reflection #5** //Given the realities of our modern age and the demands of our children’s future, is it really okay to allow teachers to choose whether or not they incorporate modern technologies into their instruction?//

Very difficult to consider! New graduates from teaching programs will undoubtedly be more familiar with current technology because they are Natives! Teachers who have been in the field for a long time are the Immigrants. Ideally, all educators should be aware and versed in how to use technology available to them to meet the changing needs of learners. However, forcing teachers to “conform” to use technology in the classroom could eventually be connected with merit pay based upon test grades and classroom performance. Very scary thought! Overall, we are educators because we have their education in our best interest. If that means getting out of our safety zone and investing ourselves in technology, then that is what must be done!