Performance Standard 3: Instructional Delivery

The teacher effectively engages students in learning by using a variety of instructional strategies in order to meet individual needs. 


Artifact 1: Cooperative Learning

The views of Carol Tomlinson, the “guru” of differentiated instruction, and author of fifteen books on the subject, became known to me in my pursuit of a gifted endorsement in education.  I was inspired by her words, “we cannot reach the mind we do not engage” (How to Differentiate Instruction in Mixed-Ability Classrooms).  This can be so difficult in a course like calculus, especially when we get so deep into theory.  To help students gain a deeper understanding of the material, I try to incorporate a variety of teaching strategies, including direct instruction and cooperative learning. 

I enjoy watching the students when they are working in groups.  They communicate their ideas so well, explaining the math concepts in ways which they can relate.  They find enjoyment working together and are able to better make sense of the material we have been studying.

 

Artifact 2: Sharing Ideas

To vary the routine of reviewing homework problems, I sometimes require students to explain their solutions to the class.  This engages the students, and promotes the sharing of ideas in the event someone has a different approach for solving a problem, or if someone had difficulty finding a proper approach.  Not only do students enjoy using the SMART Board to display their work, but it gives me the opportunity to more easily check for their understanding.