Module #5

 Two pieces of work from this Module

I included my best teaching practice, Minecraft Education. It's such a powerful tool for transforming traditional teaching methods into dynamic, student-centered learning experiences. Minecraft Education makes learning fun and interactive and equips students with essential skills for the future. 

I have included Discussion Post #16. Being a lifelong learner holds immense significance for personal growth, professional development, and overall well-being. Our students constantly evolve, and being a lifelong learner ensures that we adapt and navigate the changes effectively. When we engage in lifelong learning, we discover more creative teaching methods to meet the needs of our students.

Reflect on how the content in the Module assists you in engaging parents and providing effective program pathways for your students.

Engaging parents is crucial for student success, and the content in the Module provides valuable insights on how to foster effective collaboration between schools and families. Acknowledging and supporting learning that occurs at home is essential. Families play a significant role in their child’s academic achievement. Conversations between parents and their children about school experiences and what they’ve learned are vital to student success. Families should be involved in decision-making processes related to their child’s education. Sharing information with families about what students learn in school allows families to explore real-world connections, making math real for our students. Families play a vital role in shaping their child’s educational journey. 

Also, consider how you will continue your ongoing professional learning throughout your teaching career. 

Continuing professional learning throughout a teaching career is essential for growth and staying effective in the classroom. I plan on collaborating with colleagues by sharing experiences, insights, and challenges. Participate in PLCs where teachers discuss teaching strategies, curriculum, and student needs. As well as  I will seek mentorship from experienced educators. Learn from their wisdom and practical advice.

What new ideas, skills and approaches have you learned?

I plan on having a Parent Engagement Workshop. They are a great way to strengthen the connection between school and home. They provide an excellent opportunity for why their children learn multiple problem-solving strategies. In addition, it allows teachers to share resources that parents can use at home. And show the parents that math can be fun.

Thank You 

Module #4

  Two pieces of work completed in this Module:

Descriptive feedback is something I constantly use in my life. Not only do I employ it in my class, but I also apply it consistently while coaching my son's youth baseball team. It resonates with me because it is crucial to our students' learning. Providing specific information about their strengths and areas for improvement helps students understand their progress and identify their next steps.

I selected Assessment of Unit of Study as an artifact because it allows me to express my creativity. Moreover, it serves as an explanation of the assessment process. Assessment for, as, and of learning plays a pivotal role in teaching. It encourages students to reflect on their learning process, empowers them to set goals, monitor progress, and develop skills beyond the classroom—skills they will need throughout their lives.

Reflection on providing equitable assessment and evaluation for students: 

Assessment is one of the most challenging teaching areas because no two students are alike. I like how this module emphasized the importance of considering a student's diverse needs, backgrounds, and abilities. Assessments should also be tailored to promote equity and encourage transparency when grading our students. Assessment should include inclusive language and diverse examples because representation matters in assessment. One key takeaway was that students should be involved in assessment decisions by allowing them to choose assessment formats. 

What new ideas, strategies and approaches have you learned with respect to assessment and evaluation from this Module?

A new strategy I plan to implement in my classroom involves providing authentic assessments for my students. My goal is to establish real-world connections, enabling students to acquire meaningful knowledge and apply skills beyond traditional tests or quizzes. Whenever feasible, I aim to design assessments that reach an authentic audience beyond the teacher. This could involve having peers, community members, or professionals in the field assess our students' work, thereby increasing its relevance and impact. Lastly, I want my students to demonstrate their abilities in diverse ways. This assessment approach may encompass various techniques, including projects, presentations, portfolios, and performances.

Module #3

 Two pieces of work completed in this Module: 

I included the Leadership Philosophy of Education assignment in this Module because it highlights the guiding principles that shape my leadership and decision-making in education.

I included my Discussion Post #11 on Differentiated Instruction because it reminds me education is more effective and meaningful for every student when we use differentiated instruction. 

Reflections: 

Differentiated instruction has transformed the way I approach teaching. It’s all about recognizing that each student brings their own unique set of skills, learning styles, and interests to the classroom. By tailoring my teaching methods, materials, and assessments, I can more effectively cater to these diverse needs. Moreover, differentiated instruction creates a more inclusive environment. Students feel valued and understood, which boosts their confidence and engagement. They learn to appreciate both their own strengths and those of their peers, fostering a collaborative classroom culture. Overall, differentiated instruction has made me a more responsive and effective educator. It’s a powerful reminder that teaching isn’t one-size-fits-all; our goal should always be to reach and teach every student in the way they learn best.

Plans or make changes to your instruction in the classroom

When planning or making changes to my classroom instruction, my focus would be adaptability, engagement, and inclusivity. I will continue to explore ways to tailor lessons to diverse learning styles. I will use visual aids for visual learners, hands-on activities for kinesthetic learners, and discussions for auditory learners. I will provide varying levels of support and challenge. I will modify tasks based on student ability, offer choices in how students demonstrate understanding and use flexible grouping. With formative assessment, I will regularly assess student understanding through quick quizzes, exit tickets, or peer assessments. Use these insights to adjust instruction. In addition, I will create a culture where feedback is constructive. Encourage students to reflect on their learning and set personal goals. By implementing these strategies, my classroom instruction can become more dynamic, responsive, and effective in meeting the needs of all students. 

Module #2

Two pieces of work for Module #2

I created this Venn Diagram while researching the 2020 Math Curriculum to help me better understand the changes.

I have added the teacher resource on inclusivity and equitable practices because I have a diverse classroom and use many of them daily. 

Reflection on Module #2

After completing this Module, I reflected on two areas: the Big Ideas and the 2020 Math Curriculum. 

The area that I found most beneficial in this Module was exploring the Big Ideas. Revising their importance has helped me prioritize and organize my unit and lesson plans. It clarifies the overall goal or what it might look like. It made decisions for me on instructional strategies and student assessments. Also, it helps reduce the memory load on my students, and they can make more meaningful connections.

Also, reviewing the 2020 Math curriculum in this Module was very helpful as it further helped me understand how to approach teaching math to my students. Reviewing the curriculum helps me stay current with my instruction and ensures my lessons are relevant. I find it helps identify areas where students may be struggling, and I can adjust my teaching strategies to better support my students' learning needs. Reviewing the curriculum also reminds me that I must constantly develop new real-world connections to keep the learning relevant for my students.

What new ideas, skills and approaches have you learned?

Some of the new ideas, skills, and approaches I learned during this second Module included the need to emphasize integrating SEL skills within my math instruction. I must help my students manage their emotions, set goals, and establish positive relationships. I must also create a supportive learning environment that enhances student engagement and more resilient students. 

A new approach I learned in this Module was STEM and Indigenous Education. I need to look at new ways to incorporate them into my class. I want to emphasize the importance of STEM education and integrate Indigenous perspectives into the math curriculum to provide a more inclusive and diverse learning experience.

 

Module #1

 Artifact from Module #1 

I have chosen Mathology as an artifact for Module #1. Mathology is the Greater Essex County District School's approved math resource to teach our students math. It promotes inclusive education by offering varied teaching strategies to meet diverse student needs. It provides up-to-date, research-based content that helps teachers stay informed about best practices in math education. It demonstrates compassion and commitment to student well-being through supportive and engaging learning materials. These are some ways Mathoology follows Inclusive Practices, Standards of Practice for the Teaching Profession and Ethical Standards for the Teaching Profession.

Quote the Represents My Learning In Module #1

"Effective math instruction begins when educators have high expectations of students and believe that all students have the potential to learn and do math."

Ontario Ministry of Education. (2020). High-Impact Instructional Practices in Mathematics. .https://assets-us-01.kc-usercontent.com/fbd574c4-da36-0066-a0c5-849ffb2de96e/d7fbcc68-2f2b-4ef8-988d-3fb9b42c33cd/high-impact-instruction-math.pdf

Post that Positively Impact on Me: Discussion Post #2 - Michelle Diubaldo

For the last 3 years, I had the privilege of working with our board as a numeracy support teacher, and gained valuable insights into further implementing inclusive practices in the classroom. I now draw heavily from Dr. Peter Liljedahl’s Building Thinking Classrooms in Mathematics.  One of my most effective strategies is visible random groupings and work tasks at vertical non-permanent surfaces (VNPSs). Before each task/problem, I distribute cards to students that pair them with two other classmates, forming a random group. Sometimes, I will use ClassDojo to randomize names as well. This encourages collaboration and ensures that students work with different peers rather than sticking to the same groups.

Much of our group work is done on vertical surfaces, which fosters teamwork and active engagement. This approach provides every student with the opportunity to interact and collaborate with all classmates. 

In my previous roles as an LSST (Learning Support Services Teacher) and Numeracy Support teacher in Special Education, as well as in providing workshops on Universal Design for Learning (UDL), I found this practice also aligned well with inclusive educational frameworks. It promotes diversity in interaction and provides all students with equal opportunities to contribute and learn.

The practice of visible random grouping aligns with the Standards of Practice and Ethical Standards by fostering fairness and equity in the classroom. By ensuring that groups are visibly and randomly selected, students can see that no preferential treatment, which builds trust. Everyone is treated equally, strengthening the classroom community and upholding the ethical responsibility of creating an inclusive, respectful learning environment.

This post has positively affected me. 

The comments reflect my views on the importance of student engagement and collaboration in creating a dynamic and inclusive classroom.