Domain 4
Domain Expectation 4.1
The candidate demonstrates effective problem
solving skills utilizing current research, best practice, and performance-assessment
data, using the latest available technology
Introduction
This domain focuses on the candidate's ability to use technology to solve problems. The problem should be solved by using professional studies and performance data.
Title
Student Journals
Action Steps
Data
Exhibit Explanation
Student journal writing was augmented in this year's lesson
planning in order to address the needs of the School Improvement Plan. One
of the goals that was written after an analysis of student learning data
was to improve writing across the curriculum. Two of the action steps that
were developed for this goal were to use journals and "real life"
situations in student work. One portion of the semester final also requires
that the students write two journals in class. There is a journal in English
and one in French.
Rationale
The action steps were developed from
the research that was done into best practices for improving writing skills,
. The student journals in my classes and the changes that have taken place
in the topics, grading and the use of a composition notebook for those journals
was a direct result of the work done on the improvement plan. The journal
writing has also been incorporated as a performance assessment on the semester
exam.
Self-Evaluation and Reflection
The journals enable both myself and the student to look at a history of their writing throughout the year. Their scores are based on individual problems. Once a mistake has been addressed in grading and explanation additional occurrences of that same error result in more points being deducted. The system has worked well and students do see where they have improved. This system is good and it will remain a part of the curriculum.
How Observed and/or Verified
Student journals and exams
Validation of Student Learning
The students have shown improved writing abilities from the beginning of the year. This is evidenced through the semester writing scores and evaluation notes.
Please click link to go to the exhibit.
Action Step - Real Life Topics
Please click the link to go to the evaluation form for
