30 Day Blog Challenge: Day Three- Observation Area for Improvement

Discuss one “observation” area that you would like to improve on for your teacher evaluation:


Our district uses Danielson's Framework for Teaching (red areas are newer additions):

1C:  Setting Instructional Outcomes
1E:  Designing Coherent Instruction
1F: Assessing Student Learning

2B: Establishing a Culture for Learning
2D: Managing Student Behavior

3B: Using Questioning and Discussion Techniques
3C: Engaging Students in Learning
3D: Using Assessment during Instruction

4A: Reflecting on Teaching
4C: Communication with Families
4E:  Professional Responsibilities


After reading Prensky's Teaching Digital Natives as a part of @CultofPedagogy's digital book club, I started spending more time thinking about how I can further personalize learning in my classroom.  As a result of the partnering survey (posted on day one), I knew that some students would feel like my partners as others would not.

My first step in this endeavor was to ask students to take notes in the fashion that was suited best for their learning style.  Additionally, when students complete e-Reflections for this semester, they will tie their entry to a passion of theirs.  For students who are unsure of their passions...Road Trip Nation's 'What's Your Road' Activity.

Ironically, during the typing of this post, a student emailed her notes and I asked her for feedback.

Note:  She is an artist and chose to make a video of the chapter:

"I found this way of note taking effective because I am a visual learner, so it made sense to me to put what I read from the chapter into images. Next time when I review the notes, I'll quickly remember the general idea of this chapter because of the images I selected."

I think my time this year is best served focusing on 4A to drive the other Domains