INTASC Standard
Principle #7: The teacher plans instruction based upon knowledge of subject matter, students, the community, and curriculum goals.
Reflection
I believe that INTASC seven involves having a holistic view of teaching. Curriculum development is one of my strengths, having been an Instructional Designer for three years. I also believe that I have a gift for being able to change directions and bring the class with me without confusion or defiance.
Perhaps a good word is flexibility. If you notice a general disconnect, then things are not going well. My own ego does not require that students learn my way. If I notice a digression, then I am more than willing to re-think the lesson or course of action. As previously stated, the ultimate in demonstrating problem solving is application (in my mind). Learning may take place from a student’s first hand account of an experience, a book, a photo, a newspaper, or a song. If, when and how that happens doesn’t always come from a complete and well thought out lesson plan. I strive to provide lessons that address the needs of students for the present and provide a link to future needs.
Content Reflection
Curriculum development in journalism follows a basic guideline. There are skills and historical information that must be learned prior to application. As the discipline is one that lends itself to a certain degree of mastery learning, it is somewhat cut and dried. Students must learn the writing style, ethics and mediums before even beginning to write or design. With the advent of the Internet and design software several interesting developments in curriculum design are emerging. The different areas of journalism are becoming streamlined, so each area is now interdisciplinary. This makes curriculum development for journalism more diverse and it now appeals to a larger audience. The media is influenced by the community, so teachers must have a deep understanding of the laws in regards to student press rights, state laws and school policies.
Course Content and Teaching Methods - Scholastic Journalism
Relevant issues, developments and trends include (but are not limited) to:
Personal Assessment
Strengths
I have experience in curriculum development having been a professional Instructional Designer. In addition, I have strong content knowledge and am able to apply this knowledge to teaching the necessary subject matter. I feel that I am creative in my approach to teaching and provide interactive experiences to aide learning and synthesis of concepts. My attempts at using alternative teaching strategies during my internship have been positive and have produced notable outcomes.
Weaknesses
I am having some trouble discerning what is appropriate for middle school students to learn about journalism. Many of the topics interconnect and it is sort of a mastery learning discipline. If the younger students are only taught the basics, I fear that they will be scared away from the subject all together. I need to learn how to effectively give them "enough" without giving them too much while leaving enough room to show the creative and fun side of the discipline.
Artifact
Rationale
During my internship at Carmel High School I worked with an award winning advisor and staff. It was an amazing experience. I was able to lend some of my own expertise to the department. The link below will take you to a comprehensive organizational plan for the HiLite on-line publication team (web team). Although the site is a recognized part of the publication staff and an award winner in its own right, there was disconnect between web team staffers and the print publication staff. I wrote this plan so the department would be able to manage and maintain the web site in the long term. The plan gives specific job descriptions and a hierarchy. It also provides a schedule that coincides with the print publication schedule. This allows for each publication staff to run in sync, yet operate individually. Please visit the HiLite on-line after viewing the web organizational plan.