In week six of my GAME plan, I have been asked to review and revise my strategies. In all honesty, I am not ready to revise anything at this time. The NETS-T standards that I chose, Facilitating and Inspiring Student Learning and Creativity and Engaging in Professional Growth and Leadership are ongoing processes that will take some time for me to fully develop and to evaluate adequately. I have learned that while working towards the goals of both strands, I have spent much time collaborating with others and thinking more about Problem Based Learning (PBL) assignments that I can utilize with my students. I do not believe that I will fully implement PBL at this time of the school year; however I may attempt to incorporate some of its concepts into my current teaching strategies.
I am not ready to add any new learning goals at this time. I am not a fan of “a mile wide and an inch deep” teaching style, so I will continue to master the strategies that I have started before I move on. It is also that time of the year when I begin to “cram” for our state’s achievement test, so I do not have the time to try something new. I believe that when I am ready to take on a new approach, it will be the NETS-T standard Engaging in Professional Growth and Leadership, with specific focus on contributing to the effectiveness, vitality, and self-renewal of the teaching profession and of their school and community. Our district is way behind in technology and instruction using technology. In fact, our superintendent just bragged to our Board of Education about how we haven’t purchased any new computers in the past six years. This lack of leadership, or shortsightedness, must change if our students are to compete in this new century. However, it is a small town, composed of older people who lack vision. I will definitely have my work cut out for me, but that is just the way I like it!
Resources:
Cennamo, K., Ross, J., & Ertmer, P. (2009). Technology integration for meaningful classroom use. Mason, OH: Cengage Learning.
The ISTE NETS and performance indicators for teachers. (2008). International Society for Technology in Education. Retrieved November 8, 2010, from http://www.iste.org/Libraries/PDFs/NETS_for_Teachers_2008_EN.sflb.ashx
Posts
Michael,
ReplyDeleteI also see this project as a learning tool that I am not ready to fully launch this year. I believe that collaboration expands our creativity and challenges us to be better at what we do. As stated in this week's video, collaboration exposes us to new insights and diverse experienes. It also gives people a voice to share ideas and concerns.
Reference:
Laureate Education, Inc. (Producer). Integrating Technology Across the Content Areas
(DVD). Spotlight on Technology: Social Networking and Online Collaboration, Part 1 and 2. Baltimore, MD: Author
Mike,
ReplyDeleteI agree that PBL's can be difficult to incorporate at the same time of year when "teaching to the test" is expected. In fact this issue is becoming so serious in some districts that a future teacher told me that some districts will not accept student teachers in the second half of the school year. Test scores are everything and unless you can create PBL that will address several content standards and not be too time consuming then it will be frowned upon by administrators. The other day our leadership in the NJ education association recognized the need for more implementation of technology at the elementary level. The wheels of progress are being oiled but still moving at a pace too slow for digital natives.
The approach you take about setting more goals at the current time is wise and realistic. How can we help students become masters of certain skills if we do not take the time to master our own skill set? You have set a goal for addressing another indicator in the future illustrating the continuation of personal growth. This to me shows your dedication to educating students and peers.
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ReplyDeleteMike,
ReplyDeleteI agree with you on not being ready to start something you are not comfortable with. I feel that when I start something new that I am not comfortable is when I am at my worse as a teacher. I do not like that feeling, so just like you I want to master the strategies I have now than moving on to something else.