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Week 5 Blog

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Article Summary: "Professional Development with Universal Design for Learning: Supporting Teachers as Learners to Increase the Implementation of UDL" by Stephanie L. Craig, Sean J. Smith, & Bruce B. Frey Article Summary      This article examines the impact of professional development (PD) on teachers' understanding and implementation of Universal Design for Learning (UDL) principles. UDL is an educational framework that aims to improve and optimize teaching and learning for all people based on scientific insights into how humans learn.      The authors conducted a study to evaluate a PD program designed to increase teachers' knowledge of UDL and their ability to apply UDL principles in their classrooms. The study involved a mixed-methods approach, including surveys, interviews, and classroom observations, to assess the effectiveness of the PD program.      The study revealed several key findings regarding th...

Week 4 Blog

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 AI-Generated Lesson Plans MagicSchoolAI - Lesson Plan Link Part 1 Evaluation of the Lesson Plan      The lesson plan, "Exploring Kinetic Energy Relationships," is well-aligned with the NGSS 7.PS3.1 standard. This standard requires students to construct and interpret graphical displays of data to describe the proportional relationships between kinetic energy and the mass and speed of an object. The objective clearly reflects this standard by aiming to help students understand and illustrate these relationships effectively.      In terms of rigor, the lesson incorporates various levels of practice, starting with guided exercises that include scaffolded questions and progressing to independent activities where students create their own graphical displays. This approach ensures that students can build their skills and understanding incrementally. Using real-life examples and interactive discussions adds depth to the lesson, encouraging...

Week 3 Blog Post

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  How People Learn II: Chapter 6 Motivation to Learn Introduction        Understanding how to motivate students is crucial for effective curriculum design. Chapter 6 of "How People Learn II" explores the significant factors that influence student motivation and offers insights into creating engaging and effective learning environments. Chapter 6 highlights three major points impacting curriculum design: interest and engagement, intrinsic motivation, and a growth mindset. By focusing on these areas, educators can create curricula that not only boost academic performance but also foster a lifelong love of learning and resilience in students. This infographic will delve into these key points, showcasing their importance and practical applications in the classroom.

Week 2 Blog

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   Week 2 Blog  Part 1: Authentic Intellectual Work/Authentic Instruction & Assessment      Authentic Intellectual Work is a pedagogical approach that focuses on the application of knowledge and skills in real-world contexts. It emphasizes deep understanding, critical thinking, and creating work with real-world value. Unlike traditional methods that focus on memorization and standardized testing, it values understanding and applying concepts. Components of Authentic Intellectual Work      Authentic Intellectual Work has three main components.  They are Construction of Knowledge, Disciplined Inquiry, and Value Beyond School. Construction of Knowledge encourages students to think deeply and create new understanding, not just recall information. Disciplined Inquiry requires students to build on prior knowledge, explore topics in-depth, and communicate their findings effectively. Value Beyond School ensures that student work is relevant ...

Blog Post Week 1

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  Blog Post Week 1 Introduction       My career journey has transitioned from 14 years in nursing and histology to my true passion – teaching. I am currently pursuing a Master’s degree in Curriculum and Instruction with a focus on Science Education from Southeastern Oklahoma State University, graduating in July. With this advanced degree, I aim to bring innovative strategies into my classroom. I have been part of the DCMS family for six years now, and I am currently the 7th-grade science department head going into year 7.  I value every moment of guiding students through their learning journeys.  At home, I am a proud parent cheering for my son at SNU and my daughter, a DCHS student, at local equestrian events. Outside of teaching, you will often find me engaged in hydroponic gardening or supporting the Antlers, Texas Tech Red Raiders, SNU Storm, and OKC Thunder. Additionally, I have a notable collection of 46 pairs of Crocs.  Connecting...