Hall_ C_Journal Assignment M7_Reflection

Instructions for Journal Assignment

 Steps for Columns
o Observation Column: Make observation notes in this form related to a teaching
video uploaded in Edthena
 Identify/describe 3 to 5 observations that relate to this week’s journal
topic
o Meaning Column: Review the observation notes and write your thoughts about
what you observed. In other words, what does what you saw and wrote make
you think of?
o Research Column: Note the research that confirms or refutes your thinking,
using APA in text citations for each thought comment and/or observation, e.g.
(Author, date, pg.)

Teaching video name: Teaching Video Social Date: 11/13/18

Skills
Observation Meaning
Designing Coherent Instruction
 07:26 - I realized I should
have opened the link in
advance unfortunately,
they did not work inside
my PowerPoint.
Engaging Students in Learning
 22:13 - peekpak.com is a
website that allows k-2
students the opportunity
to explore and learn
about different social
skills.
Demonstrating Flexibility and
Responsiveness
 24:58 - I wanted to make
sure we had enough time
for centers so I cut the
game short. The technical centers are a way for me to
errors ate up a lot of time. assist the students that
Using Assessment in
Instruction
 31:50 - I wanted to show
a close-up of the
Research
Being cognizant of those Deng, M., & Harris, K. (2008)
small changes and preparing Meeting the Need of
for them can increase my Students with Disabilities in
time devoted to the General Education
assignment. The reason for Classrooms in China Teacher
the PowerPoint was to Education and Special
provide the students with Education 31(3) p. 195-207
visual and audio aides.
I found this site to be very Deng, M., & Harris, K. (2008)
helpful and would like to Meeting the Need of
order it for my students. Students with Disabilities in
However, this decision my General Education
come into conflict with my Classrooms in China Teacher
subject area expectations. Education and Special
Education 31(3) p. 195-207
Being on a cart has forced me Deng, M., & Harris, K. (2008)
to be very flexible with my Meeting the Need of
time, curriculum completion, Students with Disabilities in
and physical space. The General Education
Classrooms in China Teacher
Education and Special
benefit from small group Education 31(3) p. 195-207
teaching.
Each student completed the Stiggins, R.J., Arter, J.A.,
closure where they said Chappuis, J., & Chappuis, S.
thank you to a partner and I (2007) Classroom
Hall_ C_Journal Assignment M7_Reflection

worksheet and have a realized the tape stop. I Assessment for Student
student explain the wanted to show that they Learning. Upper Saddle River,
assignment.
understood the curriculum New Jersey: Pearson
and did very well on the
assessment. That is why I
interviewed the student at
the end of class.

Describe
This lesson on social skills was a collaboration between a general education
teacher and I. My hook for this assignment was the kid president thankful video.
Next, hey were able to interview each other to get some ideas about what their
peers are thankful for. In addition to showing them a video representation and
having them articulate what being thankful means. I also, wanted to incorporate the
PENS writing strategies I taught the students (Schumaker & Sheldon, 1998). Finally,
I found a worksheet that catered to my age group providing visual examples of what
they could be grateful for. This worksheet also included a writing component that
allowed me to assess the strategies they have acquired. This lesson provided time
for centers which allowed me to work with some students for additional time and
gave others the independence to explore social skills on their own.

Synthesize
This week I focused on differentiated assessments built into the assignment. The
students had a choice of completing various sentences based on their level of
understanding (Deng & Harris 2008). Incorporating social skills into the writing
prompt created a vessel for engagement, providing the students with choices also
heightened the completion rate.

I enjoy adding the social skill component to my curriculum and collaborating with
my peers improved center based learning in both of our classes. However, this
notion of incorporating social skills into the technology program was frowned upon
with administration, they are accepting the fact that I do it now because of my class.
Unfortunately, they do not think I should incorporate it into the STEM program.

Take away
Reflecting back on this past week, has been bitter sweet. Collaborating with my
colleagues, teaching social skills that benefit the students and expanding my
technical repertoire has been the highlight of my teaching career. This week has
also forced me to reflect on how I want to teach in the future, being able to combine
my special education and technology knowledge makes me feel like I have
superpowers for creating engaging and differentiated curriculum that can teach all
Hall_ C_Journal Assignment M7_Reflection

learners. However, the reality is becoming clear that I may have to choose
technology or special education at my current district.