The population of students I teach is diverse, multicultural, and enthusiastic about learning. Although my students are 98% free lunch eligible, they understand that education is safest guarantee for a better future. We carry the motto, "Every kid, Every day, and in Every Class." Our students understand that our school community is built on making good decisions that impact many.
My students are dynamic and take charge of their own education!
It is vital that we maintain a learning environment that is consistent with the current world that we live in today. All of our students are digital natives. They don't understand a world without cellphones and tablets. As our population needs change, we must adapt to the world they are living in to educate and prepare them for a world they haven't experienced yet. Implementing a technology infused classroom will close the achievement gap and help our students build the 21st century skill that all students need in order to become successful.
My Project
I have been recently trained on the implementation of Google Classrooms. This feature allows students and teachers to become more paperless with the ability to assign and submit work electronically. Teachers can engage their students in discussions by posting a higher order thinking questions. Students can receive immediate feedback and grades. Students can respond to one other and ask clarifying questions. Our teachers have the ability to monitor all discussions and allow students to expand on their ideas.
The most important reason I am adopting a rotation model for teaching and learning is because it endorses differentiated learning.
I have learned as educators that today’s students (or people in general) have become less receptive to lengthy lecture styled instruction. Our students need various learning modalities in order to benefit the most from their scheduled time in the classroom. The rotation model will allow for students to move through stations maintaining ideal pacing. The rotation model will also create various opportunities to assess mastery of Common Core Standards, which will allow me to identify the best methods for teaching any particular skill.
The rotation model also lends well to my heterogeneous population. In our classrooms, differentiated instruction is an essential part of successful teaching.
I currently have access to about five to eight Chromebooks in a class of 30+ students. If I am able to receive anther ten Chromebooks (with headphones), I will be able to better incorporate the model. Half of my students can use the Chromebooks, which allows me to serve the small group teacher-led discussion to those students who need it the most. Then, I have the ability to switch the class to implement additional enrichment lessons for other students. This model keeps a productive environment with 90 minute blocks. It would absolutely be key to blended learning environment.
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