Standard6

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** Standard 6 ** The teacher uses effective verbal and nonverbal communication techniques as well as instructional media and technology to foster active inquiry, collaboration, and supportive interaction in the classroom.
 * Teachers communicate well. **

Evidence 1: The Five Themes of Geography PowerPoint

Rationale 1: I designed this PowerPoint to reinforce the five themes of geography to my sixth grade social studies students. I was able to use it two years now, and it was very effective in all five classes in which it was used. Students especially loved the video embedded at the end. I used the PowerPoint to lead a class review session on the five themes, and students were actively engaged and able to discuss the information they had learned prior.

I had created PowerPoint presentations before, but this was the first one that included all the bells and whistles. It took a long time to make, but I believe it will be useful for many years because the content within likely will not change too much. Creating the presentation helped me develop as a teacher because I had to try technology that I was not particularly familiar with, like using Zamzar to make conversions. I became much more confident in my technology use while I created this project. In fact, prior to this assignment, I was very much a novice in using technology. After this assignment, I felt confident enough to share my knowledge with other teachers in my building. I think my classmates in this cohort would agree that after this course and project, I seemed much more knowledgeable and needed a lot less help. KSD 6.K.4 The teacher recognizes the importance of nonverbal, verbal and media communication techniques. Communication in the classroom in extremely important and needs to be varied throughout the year and, when students are in the room many times a day as mine are, throughout the day. Using different forms of media, like this PowerPoint, increases student engagement and adds interest. Many times teachers just talk, which is great for auditory learners, but visual learners need to watch something as well. Using multimedia allows students to receive the message in a way that meets their needs.  6.S.5 The teacher knows how to use a variety of media communication tools, including audiovisual aids and computers, to enrich learning opportunities.

During my coursework, I have learned many ways to use technology and other mulitmedia aids to enrich learning, and I think that this PowerPoint is an excellent example of what I have learned.  6.D.2 The teacher values many ways in which people seek to communicate and encourages many modes of communication in the classroom. Students need to be able to communicate orally and in written form. However, in today’s world students will need to be able to communicate effectively using technology. As a teacher, I need to model many modes of communication and allow students to do the same. Using this PowerPoint models for students one way that they can communicate in their lives.