Self-Directed Learners

This module has helped me think about self-directed learners and the role of differentiation because it reminds me there is more than one way to learn.  When I was in college differentiation and multiple intelligences were a major consideration when planning lessons to teach.  This module has reminded me I need to incorporate a variety of instructional methods in my classroom.  I also need to incorporate more lessons that let the students take the lead in their own learning.  Students need to discover some aspects of math to encourage higher order thinking skills but this is sometimes difficult in higher level math.  Many of the concepts would not be able to be discussed without direct instructions.  I feel that while direct instructions may be necessary, there needs to be a variety of ways which the information can be presented to allow more student access the lecture.  This will also inspire more students to get involved, which is one of the ultimate goals.

Student-Centered Assessment

This module has helped me to think about student-centered assessment because typically it is not in the front of my mind.  Typically my assessments, both summative and formative, are an opportunity for me to assess where my student's knowledge has evolved to.  It is so easy to get into the routine of homework, homework, homework, mid-chapter quiz, homework, homework, homework, review, test.  In math, just because you were tested on the material does not mean that the information will not come up in another chapter.  Refocusing my attention on student-centered assessment has allowed me to create better assessments.  The structure in mathematics is very important to most students, mainly because mathematics uses that side of the brain.  I believe that through different types of questions and other types of assessment.  I have been inspired to utilize journals to help students think about what they have learned and to help them process the information.  I think this module has helped me to think of various assessments that I can implement throughout my units.  Utilizing various assessments will help me to encourage growth of student knowledge better.   

The Digital Divide

Who's got it, and who wants it.  The digital divide is exemplified as I continue on with this grad school program.  I learn about many different ways to integrate technology into my classroom as well as work on student's 21st century skills.  The sad thing is that I don't have the means to incorporate all the wonderful finds I have discovered.  Especially with the economy the way it currently is our district has tightened the reins on department spending.  I think one of the things I can do to help with this is priorities all of the technologies I want.  I feel that I need to find unique ways to use what I have but also become creative with the ways in which I can get funds for the technology I would like to incorporate into my classroom.  This includes searching out and finding grant money for the items that our department can't afford.  There are many other digital divide issues that go on at our school.  One of which is not having the library open after school long enough for students to use it productively.  I am typically after school late, by the standard of most of the other teachers, so students will typically pop in after school to type something on the other computers in the math office.  The school needs to realize that students might not have the adequate access at home to use computers for their classroom requirements.  I know I don't have all the answers but it's important to at least bring them to our attention.