Practical Experience: The Front Lines Continued...

In my second and final practicum, I was placed at an alternative high school where I taught and developed units for the following subjects:

Journalism: 

• Grade 12--Blogging Unit

English Units:

• Grade 10--Time Management and Aboriginal Human Rights
• Grade 12-- Media Awareness and Sustainability & Environmentalism

Below is a copy of the two page Anecdotal Summative Report that "reflects the student's status as compared to expectations of a beginning professional. Each signatory has observed, discussed and assessed the student's work."

HIGHLIGHTS: You should notice the digital tools and technology, I employed as teaching strategies during this practicum.

Page 1 - Anecdotal Summative Report, 2009

Quote from the Lesson Planning and Implementation section:

"La Donna prepared two units--one for Grade 10 entitled, 'Time Management' and the other for Grade 12 designated, 'Sustainability and Environmentalism'. Her lessons  and units are planned with due research for materials.[...] Her lesson objectives were clear, which at the very outset, she announced to students and how she planned to achieve them. Her strategies included, among others, KWL, brainstorming, discussion, projects, group work, lecture, worksheets, hand outs. She used a variety of tools including computer, LCD Projector, poster paper, YouTube video, dictionary, various articles to make her lessons interesting.[...] All three mentors--Michelle, John, and Dave say, La Donna's both units had a variety of activities for students and incorporated Differentiated Instruction and Information Technology element."

Page 2 - Anecdotal Summative Report, 2009

Quote from the Professional Responsibilities section:

"La Donna has made herself a part of Argyle High School faculty. She has demonstrated creative use of technology in developing her projects and activities and continues to challenge herself with new ideas and approaches to learning, say Dave, John, and Michelle. She communicates well with other staff members and the administration. She attended Professional Development session entitled, 'Understanding By Design' at RB Russell School. [...] She took responsibility for leading the students in their monthly publication of the school's newspaper. This included the selection of stories, photography and captions, as well as layout for publication, says Dave."

RECOMMENDATIONS: 

• Increase your 21st Century Skills so that you can incorporate them into your lesson plans.
• Provide your learners with new ways to understand concepts through the application of technology.

In conclusion, I would have to say that these very different practical experiences helped me to broaden my awareness of teaching, including the ability to be adaptable!