Instruction
KSA #4 - Subject Knowledge
Question: Why do we teach Social Studies in schools?
Social Studies is such a complex subject because it encompasses so many things. It allows us to look into the past to better understand our country and our world's history, to understand why people made the decisions they did and how those decisions were catalysts for change. It gives students the opportunity to develop historical empathy to become more ethical citizens today. Social Studies allows us to plan for the future, understanding the government systems and economic changes that have set our society on its path. It allows for students to better understand the world in which they live and provides them with the tools they need to find their path and their role in it.
Question: Why do we teach Math in schools?
My first response to this question is always, "because its so much fun!" Really, there is a lot more to it than that. Math allows to you explore and understand the world around you. Math allows you to participate in a world filled with numbers, measurements, finances and more!Math allows us to better analyze and question the world around us. When we teach our students math we are showing them the value of a challenge and giving them the wonderful feeling of success after something difficult! In our 21st Century world filled with technology, being able to problem solve and troubleshoot is an invaluable life skill for our students to struggle with and achieve!
KSA #5 - Differentiation
Question: How have and will you address your students' different learning styles?
Whether or not you believe in Kolb's Learning Styles theory it is important to provide your students with a variety of different ways to learn and show what they've learned. One of my very favourite lessons was a "silent lesson" in which students were required to communicate with each other and with me in non-verbal ways. For many students this stretched them to write more, think more and use a lot of critical thinking. I truly believe it is also important to incorporate a lot of movement in my teaching. I try to have students up and moving at least every class, whether its for a short brain break, or to move around the classroom to gather information or ask questions. I include a lot of visuals into my teaching and try my best to write as well as speak instructions.
Question: What will you do to modify your teaching to meet the needs of a gifted student?
Gifted students have provided an interesting challenge for me throughout my Student Teaching experiences. Depending on the student, giving the student supplementary activities that showcase their skill-set while also challenging them to go to the next level. For gifted students I try to give activities that will help students reach deeper levels of thinking and application. One of the things I'm still developing is what to do with students who are gifted but struggle with independent thinking. I've encountered some students who have the skills to work at a higher level but struggle with "the struggle," they want to get it right away!