InTASC Standard #3: Learning Environments
InTASC #3 - Learning Environments
The teacher works with others to create environments that support individual and collaborative learning, and that encourage positive social interaction, active engagement in learning, and self motivation.
Related NSTA Standard
Learining Environments - Effective teachers of science are able to plan for engaging all students in science learning by setting appropriate goals that are consistent with how students learn science and are aligned with state and national standards. The plans reflect the nature and social context of science, inquiry, and appopriate safety considerations.
Artifacts and Reflection
Artifact #1: Classroom Climate Reflection
Description: This artifact represents the summary of field observations of the of two different science classes and whether the classroom climates observed encouraged positive student interactions.
Artifact #2: Pictures - Biology Skit about Mitosis
Description: This artifact represents photos of students presenting skits on mitosis. Students collaborated in groups to develop and perform
their own skits on the process of cell division.
How Do These Artifacts Demonstrate Achievement of the Standard: Artifact #1 demonstrates this standard by identifying and reflecting upon how both classroom setup and teacher actions can help create a climate that promotes student learning. In this reflection, I identify several actions I would like to take to create a positive learning environment. Artifact #2 demonstrates one way I have attempted to create learning activities that provide opportunities for collaborative learning, promote positive student interactions, and actively engage students in the learning process. The mitosis skit allowed students to use their visual-spatial, bodily-kinesthetic, and interpersonal intelligences to learn about a complex biological process. Students seemed to enjoy the activity and one student even comments that, "they had fun and they learned something."
How Have These Artifacts Impacted My Understanding of Teaching/Learning?: Both the classroom observations and the mitosis skit activities have helped me reflect upon how both teacher-student interactions and planned lessons can encourage student engagement. Activities like the mitosis skit provide a break from more routine lessons and create some novelty in the classroom, which is one way to attract students' attention (Willis, 2011). Creating a classroom setup that is conducive to the inquiry nature of science, whether for conducting laboratories or performing skits, helps support student learning. Setting a positive tone in the classroom through words and actions that encourage students can also increase student engagement and motivation.
Strengths: One of my strengths is my ability to create assignments that are engaging and promote scientific inquiry.
Areas for Improvement: I would like to continue to work on creating a positive tone in the classroom, even when students may be struggling. When students are struggling, they may become discouraged and may feel that that efforts are not going to meet with success. It is at this point that creating a positive environment that motivates students to persevere in their efforts is most important.
References
Willis, J. (2011). Big Thinkers: Judy Willis on the Science of Learning [Video file]. Retrieved from http://www.edutopia.org/big-thinkers-judy-willis-neuroscience-learning-video