Standard4

Evidence 1: Instructional Strategies Template (//Animal Farm// lesson rationales)
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 * Standard 4**



Rationale 1: The rationales for this //Animal Farm// lesson were written to demonstrate that the lessons I create are purposeful. Namely, I do not have students perform activities to simply fill time or include technology for the sake of using some new and flashy form of technology that doesn’t enhance learning. The rationales were written for an English 10 lesson that was taught this past school year (2012-2013.) This exhibits development as a teacher because the rationales make it evident that I put thought into the activities I do in my classroom. With so little time to meet Common Core State Standards and other curriculum requirements, classroom time needs to be used wisely. For each activity I should ask myself questions such as, “How are students going to benefit from this lesson?” and “What do they need to take away from it?” Considering rationales for each lesson should be done on some level, even if it’s just mentally so that students’ development is increased. If less time is wasted, students will have the opportunity to learn more.

KSD

4.K.2 The teacher understands principles and techniques, along with advantages and limitations, associated with various instructional strategies (e.g. cooperative learning, direct instruction, discovery learning, whole group discussion, independent study, interdisciplinary instruction).

I understand that students need to learn to perform a variety of tasks in order to be well-rounded individuals. For this reason, this lesson utilizes a variety of strategies with a solid justification of and goal for each as explained in the evidence.

4.S.2 The teacher uses multiple teaching and learning strategies to engage students in active learning opportunities that promote the development of critical thinking, problem solving, and performance capabilities and that help students assume responsibility for identifying and using learning resources.

I understand that students need to have different roles in the learning process; they need to teach and learn on a number of levels. As described In the evidence, the lesson is carefully designed to require critical thinking, recall, and performance-based tasks.

4.D.1 The teacher values the development of students’ critical thinking, independent problem solving, and performance capabilities.

I understand that students need to develop on many levels in order to maximize learning. The diverse components of my lesson with their accompanying rationales demonstrate that I value the development of all those capabilities.