INTASC+Standard+4

INTASC.4 STANDARD: The teacher understands and uses a variety of instructional strategies to encourage students' development of critical thinking, problem solving, and performance skills.

Specific Category of Standard: INTASC.4.B K: The teacher understands principles and techniques, along with advantages and limitations, associated with various instructional strategies (e.g. cooperative learning, direct instruction, discovery learning, whole group discussion, independent study, interdisciplinary instruction). INTASC.4.C K: The teacher knows how to enhance learning through the use of a wide variety of materials as well as human and technological resources (e.g. computers, audio-visual technologies, videotapes and discs, local experts, primary documents and artifacts, texts, reference books, literature, and other print resources).

Understanding Sentence: I understand INTASC Standard 4 to be that the teacher is understands and is able to use many types of instruction and can implement a variety of materials and resources to enhance learning for all types of learners.

Artifacts
 * Direct Lesson Plan [[file:Orr_DirectLesson.doc]]
 * Inductive Lesson Plan [[file:InductiveLP.doc]]

Reflect The Artifacts, Direct Lesson Plan and Inductive Lesson Plan, are examples of Standard 4. Together, these artifacts are strong examples that I am able to create and adapt learning experiences using a variety of instructional methods. I carefully chose which method to use for teaching which concept, recognizing the benefits and advantages of both. Each involves careful planning, preparation and structuring. The Direct Lesson Plan uses direct instruction and guided practice to introduce a specific concept and builds on it to achieve understanding of a broad topic. The Inductive Lesson uses group work to introduce a broad topic and work down to the specifics. The Inductive Lesson Plan also involves the use of a video found on the Internet for instructional purposes. This shows that, as an instructor, I recognize the benefits of using media in addition to other methods of teaching to provide a variety opportunities for mastery for all types of learners.

Project The Artifacts, Direct Lesson Plan and Inductive Lesson Plan, demonstrate the type of learner I am through my observation, thorough planning, and use of resources. Through these artifacts I have learned how to explore available resources such as colleagues, and and available lesson databases. I also have learned how to apply critical thinking to adapt methods and strategies so that they will most benefit the needs of the learners. The Artifacts represent the kind of teacher that I am becoming by demonstrating my ability to create in-depth lesson plans using a variety of instructional methods. I wrote each lesson plan with the intention that it can be followed by a substitute if necessary. Each lesson plan encourages cooperative learning, critical thinking and independence by providing a controlled and supportive learning environment. I will build on this in my future practice by evaluating the needs of the students I will have in my classroom and adjusting when necessary.