1. What should be the role of assessment in elementary (K-7) education?

November 20, 2021

In the primary/elementary grades, I personally feel as though there is an emphasis on evaluating students via social-emotional learning rather than formal assessment. Students of this age require a great deal of support as they are figuring out who they are as learners, as well as simply learning how to behave within a school setting appropriately. This can likely all feel overwhelming for young learners, and as supportive teachers, I believe that we should focus on ensuring that the children understand the learning outcomes within our curriculum, as opposed to putting them in a stressful situation of a formal assessment. These formal assessments typically come with a heightened level of anxiety and stress in the students, so I would therefore argue that it is not a valuable method of gauging the students’ abilities. Informal assessment would be a much more attainable way to ensure that the learners are comprehending the material within class. These informal assessments can be completed in a variety of fashions, each of which can be unique to cater to the children’s individual strengths and learning needs. I plan on incorporating the following informal assessment practices within my classroom space: reading/writing, reflective writing, auditory comprehension, and also provide them the opportunity to utilize hands-on kinaesthetic project presentation styles. I think that students thrive when they feel safe in their learning environment and are permitted the chance to display their skills and understanding of the curriculum in a way that is suited to their independent learning styles. Teachers are able to gather adequate data to assess their students in these ways and it therefore provides an enjoyable learning experience for all. Formal assessment would be more relevant within the higher grades, such as middle school and high school specialized classes (science, math, etc.). For these reasons, I actually do agree with the ‘no letter grades’ phenomenon being discussed in local school districts. At this age, I think that students should be working to meet their own unique standards, as opposed to government-mandated requirements.

2. Why do teachers need digital citizenship and how can they be good digital citizens?

December 14, 2021

I recall learning a lot about digital citizenship within my middle/high school years. Technology was rapidly changing and becoming more commonly used, and we often educated about the benefits and drawbacks to using technology (specifically social media). Being a fairly young teacher candidate, I feel as though I have a good grasp on how prevalent technology is within student’s lives today and the addiction the accompanies owning a personal device. These aspects of technology can be a fantastic tool for education and communication, but they can also be a hinderance to those who may not be informed of the many elements within digital citizenship. Technology is very important for us as educators, as well as our students. Technology provides an opportunity for our learners to gain valuable life skills such as increasing literacy, reading skills, typing skills, and many other tools that will be relevant as they progress through their educational journey and moving into being working professionals. Being a positive digital citizen comes with many expectations. The biggest takeaway is to remember to have respect for ourselves and others, educating ourselves and others, and protecting ourselves and others. When using external resources, we are legally expected to pay attention to our rights and restrictions. Many of the students that I have worked with have a mindset of “well this resource was on Google, so it must be free for anyone to use, right?”. As teachers, it is essential for us to teach our students about copyright laws and the importance of citing any sources that are used online or in our work. Within our teachings of legal usage of sources, should be assisting our students in gaining some knowledge about the validity of the sources that are used (for example, that Wikipedia is not always our friend). For our learners, many have easy access to personal technology devices at home or at school. However, we have some students who have never used technology such as cellphones, laptops or iPads. In schools, we cannot teach about digital citizenship without allowing an equal and equitable opportunity for everyone to engage in online learning. If a student is unfamiliar with using technology, we cannot expect them to comprehend the importance of digital citizenship until they are given the chance to explore what these scenarios really look like. Another important tool to install in our students as they learn about digital citizenship is the value of digital etiquette and security. One of my biggest takeaways from middle school was learning about how technology and social media can affect your own wellbeing and others. Online bullying is becoming incredibly common (and has been for awhile) and causes a large divide in social relationships. I really appreciated the notion of treating others online in the way that you would treat them in person, and how you want to be treated. I plan on teaching the importance of kindness on all learning and social platforms repeatedly within the classroom. We also want to encourage students to consider the significance of a permanent digital footprint left in the cloud once posts have been made. Privacy settings are essential to being a good digital citizen. Caution should be used on all security settings, especially because teenagers may not consider the hinderance of having this footprint follow them throughout their lives. All in all, I think that technology can be our friend in an educational setting if it is utilized effectively and taught thoroughly. Technology is a big part of our lives and I think that teachers who gain competence in online resources and devices can share this knowledge with their students to further increase their skills both in school and in life, as well as assisting them in becoming kind-hearted individuals virtually.

3. E-Portfolio Reflection

January 21, 2022

I have found that e-portfolio has provided me a platform to present my best work as a teacher candidate, as well as allowing me to consider what I would like my professional identity to be. I have always taken caution when I have utilized online forums (such as social media) to present myself to the public, but the focus on creating a professional portfolio has given me a new lens. I do know that I have grown a lot, both as an individual but also as a learner throughout the process of formulating my WordPress site. The idea of becoming a teacher feels very real having created this website for myself and sparks a new level of excitement about where I can get to when I step foot in the teaching world. I have greatly appreciated learning more about this tool for interacting with peers and potentially my future employers in the professional setting. 

The readings about the e-portfolio displayed many fantastic methods of utilizing an online platform to connect with other professionals, coworkers, students, families, and others once we graduate the program. I learnt a great deal about the many outlets that can be extended from the creation of an e-portfolio and it’s many benefits when it comes down to applying for teaching positions. I am very much looking forward to using my e-portfolio moving forward wherever this educational journey takes me. Overall, I have been thoroughly impressed with the lengths that an e-portfolio can go to in order to enhance professional development for oneself. 

Classmate Responses:

“Your reflection was great to read. Being able to look at the e-porfolio and see the potential it has to become a professional resume is something that I am hoping to see as well. A place where everything is kept together and organized already for an employer will make it easier for you to represent yourself. I have seen from working on the e-portfolio that the benefits are outweighing the cons of not having one. A positive change from a paper copy of a resume. To grow as a student through your e-portfolio will show your commitment to education. Once in the teaching world and you attend more professional development your e-portfolio will grow in a more professional way that you can share with your colleagues. You never know, you might spark a few of them to create their own e-portfolio. “

“I am impressed by how you see yourself now, compared to some months ago. As an individual and also as a professional teacher you have surely grown. As you correctly said “E-Portfolio has provided you with a platform”. it has given you an identity which only you can see and share with the rest of the world.For me, the idea of E-Portfolio on Word Press Site was scary.At first, I did not find it user friendly and secondly, I thought “who would spend time on this new platform when people have better platforms to communicate on (Facebook and Instagram can be one of those 🙂 I was wrong! When I spent over 10 hours of learning of how to use the website and another 5-8 hours of editing my work with videos, written essays and pictures, I was exhausted by the end. I now think, it was totally worth it. E-Portfolio acts like my watch. I wear it daily and it goes everywhere with me. By taking risks and doing something outside our comfort zone makes us a stronger person. Emily, with your crisp words and now with your bold actions, I can see how well you have groomed into an all seasoned teacher.”

4. Theory of Action Statement (Educ. 398)

May 23, 2022

As a Teacher Candidate who struggled with math and science throughout school, it is my goal to approach my practice with empathy when teaching these subjects. S. Katz (2014) outlines the idea of teachers being able to impact their students’ learning through the quality of classroom instruction, which can be the greatest predictor of the learners’ success. I like to think that approaching intense subject areas, such as math and science, with a UDL and differentiated learning mindset, that I can provoke hope and inspiration in my students, rather than fear.

The challenge of my practice is already having a preconceived notion of being incapable of adequately completing math and science inquiry-based thinking. Working to adjust this mindset throughout my education and practicum has been a confrontational task. Learning about the Universal Design for Learning and differentiated instruction opened my eyes up to a whole new world of teaching, that I was not fortunate enough to experience throughout grade school. Understanding the anxiety that students encounter in subject areas that may not come naturally to them has the potential of giving me an opportunity to be a change-maker in my students’ educational journeys.

If I am teaching a class full of students who come from varying socio-economic backgrounds and experiences, then my teaching should be differentiated to accommodate their needs. I plan to enforce teaching practices that allow each student to find success to their best of their own capabilities and ensure that they feel safe exploring inquiry-based learning that fits their skillset. Building upon their foundational skills in both math and science should provide them with the confidence that they need to progress educationally. I am looking forward to embracing the challenge of embedding this practice into my teaching career and growing alongside my students.

Katz, S. [Professional Learning Supports]. (2014). Steven Katz – Teachers Matter [Video]. Vimeo. https://vimeo.com/87241809