D/B11

I'm taking this class because I am interested in effectively using technology in my classroom. However, because technology is ever-changing, I realize that to remain competent in this field, I will have to continue taking classes, attending different technology-related professional development sessions and personally challenge myself to seek out and use newer technologies. In a way this frustrates me because, though I love learning, the thought of continuing the education for the rest of my professional life seems quite daunting.

After looking at the various charts and graphics related to instructional competencies, one area that I think I excel in is the area mentioned in Table 27.3 under Instructor #5. I feel I am good at planing instructional methods and materials. With 20 different classes ( and 6 grades) to prepare for each week, it is essential that I stay organized in planning my lessons as well as the materials I will need. (And being an art teacher, I will need a lot of materials). My goal is always to have at least one or two weeks absolutely planned out ahead of time. On top of that, I like to have fairly solid ideas for lesson plans thought out for about a month in advance. These generally appear as notes in my written lesson plans until I fully write in all the details. In this way, I feel I am pretty good with competency #6 under instructor as well which details preparing for lessons.

While I think I do well at planning and preparing lessons, there are three areas that I've chosen as areas I'd like to develop. The first is listed in the same table (27.3) and is listed under instructor #14: Use media and technology to enhance learning and performance. Part of the reason I struggle with this area is because my classrooms don't have as much technology as I'd like. However, one of the Michigan benchmark for art reads: All students will use technology as a tool for creative expression. I'm still working on fitting that into my curriculum, and with the addition of a computer lab in one of my schools, I'm looking forward to addressing this benchmark.

Another area that I'd like to develop is listed under instructor #15: Assess learning and performance. While all teachers assess their learners, it is sometimes difficult for me, being an art teacher, because art is hard to assess. There aren't many areas of art that are really black and white in terms of assessment. I want my students to feel free to express themselves, while still addressing the requirements of the assignment. There are some areas that are easy to assess, like, draw a square, and if they've done it, they know what a square is. There are others that are harder like, draw a sad line. A lot of art is open to interpretation, but that is also why some students are really drawn to it and excel creatively.

The last area that I'd like to develop is listed under instructional designer #17: Design instruction that reflects an understanding of the diversity of learners and groups of learners. As a teacher of students from all walks of life, I want my lessons to address where they've been, where they are and where they want to go. I also want to expose them to diversity that they haven't seen. I want my lessons to address who they are as learners, as people, as citizens of this country and our future leaders all the while incorporating diverse situations, ideas and people. I feel that I do address the diversity of learners, but it is an area that I think I will always want to develop.