Standard+4

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﻿ Standard 4 Teachers know how to teach. The teacher understands and uses a variety of instructional strategies, including the use of technology, to encourage children's development of critical thinking, problem solving, and performance skills.

Evidence:  Rationale: In my action research project, I compared language arts review activities with paper & pencil and student response systems (clickers). My study was designed for course EDT 656 and 657, and my subjects for the study were fourth graders. The study was implemented over the course of a month, and students in all seven classrooms participated. I wanted to know if clickers had a positive effect on student participation during language arts review activities. I found the results of the study to be a valuable tool in driving instructional decisions in the future. Student questionnaire responses were informative in regards to their thoughts and feelings towards paper & pencil and clicker activities. In other words, the students liked the variety of two instructional strategies.

KSD:

4.K.3 The teacher knows how to enhance learning through the use of a wide variety of materials and technological resources (e.g. computers, audio-visual technologies, videotapes and discs, local experts, primary documents and artifacts, texts, reference books, literature, and other print resources). //My research specifically analyzed the effect enhanced learning (clickers) had on student participation. While most students were enthusiastic and eager to use the clickers, some were a little apprehensive and unsure of them. Overall the majority of students preferred using clickers over paper & pencil. //

4.S.3 The teacher constantly monitoring and adjusting strategies in response to learner feedback. //Through my study, I was able to gather feedback from completed questionnaires of participating students. Even though my results were inconclusive, the overwhelming student response was to implement clickers as a review strategy. 101 out of 108 students chose clickers as a tool they would like to use more in the future. I guarantee that I have heard and will adjust to make this a reality. //

4.D.2 The teacher values flexibility and reciprocity in the teaching process as necessary for adapting instruction to student responses, ideas, and needs. //While the overwhelming majority liked using clickers, I cannot ignore the responses of those students preferring to use paper & pencil. I would give them the option to participate via paper & pencil; however, I would find time to give these individuals more guided practice with the clickers in order to increase their comfort level with regards to new technology. //