InTASC standard #1 is Learner Development. Learner development is based on how learners grow and develop, which plays an important part in how the student participates in the classroom. In order to be an effective teacher, I create and teach lessons that foster a variety of learning styles, and unite the class through creative approaches to lessons, low-stress assessments, and variation in instruction.
Creative approaches to basic lessons helps connect students to a curriculum that might traditionally have a difficult time staying engaged in the material. Below is an example of a lesson designed to access multiple learning styles through immersive game incorporation.
This assessment for William Golding’s “Lord of the Flies” provides a solid base for the lesson, and it also allows for alteration if the student’s comprehension exceeds the initial standard. This artifact is an introduction to close readings, through specific passages from the novel. The student first reads the descriptions of the animal, and assigns an animal to a character of the book based on the passages selected. If the class has prior knowledge of how to do a close read, the lesson can easily be altered to include another activity. Being flexible in my lesson plans allow me to develop plans that best fit the needs of my students.
Another important aspect of Learner Development is variation in instruction. Lecture classes can be very beneficial to students, but it’s important to use all kinds of teaching methods, so no student is left out. Some learning styles can be harder to reach than others, which is why it’s important to have a well-rounded unit. For example, in my Julius Caesar unit, I teach with lecture, art, and performance. The lesson is called “Shakespeare Slam”, where students compete to put together the most outrageous insult (or complement, if they prefer) using Shakespearean quotes. Participation is not required, but it puts a fun spin on reading comprehension.
