Standard9

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** Standard 9 ** The teacher is a reflective practitioner who continually evaluates the effects of his or her choices and actions on pupils, parents, professionals in the learning community and others and who actively seeks out opportunities to grow professionally.
 * Teachers are able to evaluate themselves. **

Evidence 1: Using Technology to Increase Student Learning and Student Motivation

Rationale 1: To write a successful action research report, one needs to be a reflective practitioner; that is the purpose of action research. As the students worked on their research project, whether in the technology group or non-technology group, and when they shared their learning through presentations, assessments, and surveys, I was making constant observations. My goal as a teacher is to give students the tools to be life-long learners, and I am always evaluating my teaching techniques to be sure this is what is happening in the classroom. Although I have always done this in an informal way, action research reinforced the need for this behavior and taught me that sometimes a more formal approach is necessary to incite change. In this case, if I would like to see more technology available for our students, I will need to do more action research to prove to my principals and school board that more money needs to be allocated for it. KSD 9.K.1 The teacher understands methods of inquiry that provide him/her with a variety of self-assessment and problem-solving strategies for reflecting on his/her practice, its influences on students’ growth and learning, and the complex interactions between them.

I believe that my action research shows this to be true. In order to come to any conclusions regarding my research, I had to use different strategies to make my observations. My research shows that I used pre- and post-tests along with a survey and direct observations to make my conclusions. Earlier in my career, I taught what was in the curriculum and then when students performed poorly, I was quick to blame them for not working hard enough. After many years in this profession, I have learned that when students perform poorly, I need to reflect on my own practices to determine what I need to do differently as the teacher to meet their needs. My teaching has changed immensely over the years due to this reflection, and I think that I am a much better teacher today because of it.  9.S.2 The teacher uses classroom observation, information about students, cultural, social, and philosophical frameworks, and research as sources for evaluating the outcomes of teaching and learning and as a basis for reflecting on and revising practice.

Again, my action research is good evidence of this standard. There is information regarding the class makeup and the different needs of the two classes used in the research. There is also a literature review that gave me background knowledge allowing me to better understand the question I was researching by giving me information about research that had already been completed. When I reflected upon the information gleaned from my research, I used what I had observed during the project, what I already knew about my students, and what I had learned in my literature review to draw the conclusion that technology does, in fact, increase student motivation while increasing students’ knowledge perception.  9.D.2 The teacher is committed to reflection, assessment, and learning as an ongoing process.

This can be seen in my action research and can be seen throughout my other evidences. I am constantly reflecting, formally and informally, on my teaching practices. I observe my students throughout every class period and switch gears when necessary. I break down projects into steps that students can handle and understand at the sixth grade level. I assess their work and make changes to my teaching to lead them to mastery of the subject matter. Reflection is a very important aspect of teaching.