Module 7

How can I facilitate a student-centered classroom?
I feel very strongly about facilitating a student-centered classroom. First, it is imperative that the assignments are authentic, meaningful and resemble work the kids will do in real life. In addition, I must clearly outline goals and objectives. Finally, I'd like to make the work seem practical (and possibly fun!) to the kids, too.

How can I use technology to support my instructional practice?
As a business educator, I use technology in every aspect of my class. Generally, I focus on Microsoft Office, as well as Internet research. So, obviously, it's a very technology heavy class.

Module 6

How can I help my students become self-directed learners? Assisting students in becoming self-directed learners ties right in with No Child Left Behind. When we help students become self-directed we are allowing them to excel academically. We must determine how each student learns. Teachers, parents, administrators, and students must understand the concepts of student motivation, metacognition, self-efficacy, self-regulation, locus of control, and goal orientation. These concepts provide the foundation for a student seeking to become a self-directed learner. How can I support the diverse needs of learners? Diversity can come in many forms. We must determine what the student background and interests are and then we can figure out the best way to meet their needs. http://home.twcny.rr.com/hiemstra/sdlhdbk.html

Module 5

I must develop my assessment information for the project as stated in the previous activity. This will take some time, but will help the students and me in the long run. I’m getting so bogged down in some of these redundant details that I feel like I’m losing sight of the goal: helping these kids refine their goals in their subject areas. I’m finding these activities redundant and time-consuming.

The students will actively assess their project through checklists, reflective thinking and a rubric. I feel I’m giving these students the tools to create a very good unit.

Module 4

Well, I'm ready to get rolling with this project. Now that I have some of the basic knowledge, I'm anxious to begin. I often do better in a "trial and error" situation, than I do in focusing on all these preliminary plans. I feel that I am prepared to start this unit.