Showcase
When I applied to the Master of Arts in Education (MAED) program at Michigan State University, I knew that I would be part of a community that pushed me to think about how to use technology in the classroom, as well as various educational theories including best-pracices for science education. What I did not know was how applicable each course would be to my professional learning. Below you will find samples of my work that showcase the learning that I completed throughout the MAED program. They focus on two key themes: technology and analysis and reflection, both of which are integral aspects for teachers in the 21st century. All of the artifacts display the various skills and strategies that I have acquired through my classes, which I implement on a daily basis in my classroom.
Technology
Flipping the Classroom
Vodcast Project
In this project, I flipped the classroom-the students watched the lecture at home and completed the work in class. The flipped classroom puts more responsiblity on the student thus allowing them to take control of their learning. I created this vodcast about the groups of the periodic table as a way to introduce my students to the flipped classroom and the periodic table. By doing this, my students were able to use their devices for an educational purpose.
Repurposed Technology Lesson Plan
Lesson Plan with Reflection
This artifact shows a multi-day lesson plan that revolves around using an interactive timeline. My students were looking at the history of atomic theory and they used the website Dipity in order to create their project. Furthermore, I reflected back on the lesson and discuss how implementing technology changed the lesson for students, as well as the various modifications I would make the next time I teach the lesson.
Technology Tools
Technology Analysis
There are thousands of technology tools readily available for teachers, but deciding which one works best for a lesson can be daunting. I critiqued an app called Educreations, which serves as an interactive whiteboard that allows teachers to create podcasts using their digital device. In my review I discussed how the app works, as well as the pros and cons surrounding the program.
Technology Theory
Reflection on Technology Theory
In this essay, I discuss how technology has impacted my life by giving an autobiographical account of my involvement with technology and education. It allowed me to take a step back and think about what life is like with technology and what life would be like without technology, both of which are equally scary.
Analysis and Reflection
Teaching Science through NGSS
Lesson Plan and Reflection
In this lesson plan and reflection, I taught a lesson that contained the new Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS). This four-day lesson is centered around density for my ninth grade physical science class. The students collected data, looked for patterns within data, and had conversations with each other regarding what they found. Finally they designed an experiment based on all they have learned. My report contained a description of my lesson for each day, an analysis of if students met the performance expectations or not, and a reflection of my experience.
Literacy Learner Analysis
Case Study
This case study revolveed around the literacy skills of a struggling reader in one of my ninth grade earth science classes. I implemented various best practice literacy strategies to help him become a better reader. At the conclusion of the study I analyzed his work and summarized what I found.
Using Student Interviews to Drive Instruction
Interview Analysis
Teachers must be aware of their students' background knowledge in order to be effective. In this project, I interviewed several of my students before a unit to assess their knowledge. I examined their answers and used them to drive my instruction.
Classroom Management Theory
Reflection Essay
In this essay, I reflected upon my own classroom management techniques, as well as what I learned from my studies of classroom management. Furthermore, I discussed what I deem to be the most important factors in creating a positive educational setting.
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