Beth+H

Line of learning--How have my understanding and application of the CEI influenced my thinking and instruction.
This has been a review of past professional developments as well as current district incentives (IDM, 4R's). However, I sometimes get so caught up in all these incentives that I lose the focus which should be the STUDENTS! We must give them more activities that build their confidence and esteem as well as providing that rigor. I also need to take more time at the end of lessons for students to to evaluate and reflect on their learning and participation. I need to start this year by explicitly teaching collaorative learning excpectations and always remember: MORE STUDENT TALK AND LESS TEACHER TALK!

8/3/10 It has helped me realize the importance of putting the control of learning more in the hands of the students. I need to feel more confortable in giving up so much of my control. I also need to take the time for collaboration with individual students on a regular basis. I feel I need strategies to teach them on how to self-monitor and self-assess. I've also seen how easy it is to incorporate several strategies into one lesson. This will help to keep them engaged when presented with a variety of activities within the lesson.

8/4/10 I need to take the focus off teaching and onto the students. Instead of working just to cover the curriculum, I need to take into consideration student interests and questions, and give more power to the students to be in charge of their own learning. They need less seatwork and more concrete, hands-on activities that have more relevance for them. I also need to model for them how to monitor their own thinking and learning and provide clear-up strategies when they are struggling.

8/5/10 I now see that the concepts are more important than the procedures within that concept. I also have a better grasp of the need for a variety of ways for student presentation or demonstration of their kinowledge and understanding of the concepts. I also see more of the value in student assessments of themselves and their peers rather than it being the job of the teacher to assess everything. I still struggle with ways to transfer, but am beginning to see some ways it may work for my students.