portfolio

I have truly enjoyed this semester in EDUC 5314, and the interaction I have had with my fellow students. Through this interaction as well as the readings and projects we have completed throughout the semester, I have grown in many ExCET competencies. This is an exhibit of a few ways I have grown in addition to a samples of my work that demonstrate these areas of growth. Just click on the links under each competency to see my projects from this semester.

Competency 001
The teacher uses an understanding of human developmental processes to nurture student growth through developmentally appropriate instruction.

My compare and contrast paper on experts and novices from the beginning of the semester helped me to develop this competency. I learned the process that students go through in order to become an expert, as well as the characteristics of experts and novices.

Competency 003
The teacher appreciates human diversity, recognizing how diversity in the classroom and the community may affect learning and creating a classroom environment in which both the diversity of groups and the uniqueness of individuals are recognized and celebrated.

My review and subsequent discussion of Chapter 6, "The Design of Learning Environments," from How People Learn helped in my development of this competency. This chapter discussed the importance of learner-centered, knowledge-centered, assessment-centered, and community-centered environments. I really began to understand how much the differences students bring with them into the classroom affect their learning, and the obligation we have as teachers to support these differences and teach in a manner that promotes learning.

Competency 006
The teacher uses planning processes to design outcome-oriented learning experiences that foster understanding and encourage self-directed thinking and learning in both individual and collaborative settings.

The syllabus that I wrote for a sociology class deepened my understanding of the importance of planning. By giving the students a syllabus at the beginning of the semester, I am helping promote student success in my classroom.

Competency 009
The teacher uses a variety of instructional materials and resources (including human and technological resources) to support individual and group learning.

My understanding of this competency was developed in my review of a technology site. This was a great activity because I got to look at a real project that students have participated in on the Internet. This web site showed me the impact technology can have on learning.

Competency 012
The teacher enhances professional knowledge and skills by effecdtively interacting with other members of the educational community and participating in various types of professional activities.

My response and subsequent discussion of Chapter 8, "Teacher Learning," increased my knowledge of the necessity of interacting with the educational community and continuing to be a learner even after I become a teacher. This entire class has also helped me realize how influential interacting with fellow educators can be.

Competency 014
The teacher understands how the school relates to the larger community and knows strategies for making interactions between school and community mutually supportive and beneficial.

The review I completed about a problem based learning web site helped to heighten my awareness of this competency. It was wonderful to see a project that fully integrated learning in the classroom with the community.