Effective Teaching Journal Reflection, Day 1-6

 Day 1: September 10, 2023

We seem to fail as teachers/educators if we do not challenge, or expose our students to act or make connections in real life situations. 

What is learning? 

Learning is the process of acquiring knowledge, skills, or comprehension through study, experience, or teaching, leading to a change in behavior or the ability to perform new tasks or become a problem solver. 

*As a group, we must come up with a unique learning deffiniton.

Effective learning is when you learn in a way that helps you understand, remember, and use what you've learned to the fullest. This means using methods and tricks that make it easier to grasp and remember information and using that knowledge in real-life situations. Effective learning usually means being actively involved, thinking carefully, practicing, getting feedback, and adjusting how you learn based on your own preferences and requirements.

Acquire, Advocate, Act

Creating a Learning School

Impactful quote: "One of the most important skills for success in the 21st century is the ability to learn and adapt."

" When we learn we change the way we think, feel, and act."

 Day 2: September 11, 2023

I was pleasantly surprised and intrigued to discover that, following my personal introspection and the collaborative analysis we conducted with my school's colleagues, it was revealed that both my individual belief system and our school's educational belief system resonated with the principles of a technologist.

Day 3: September 12, 2023

Today, as we delved into the concept of effective teaching, it was an eye-opening experience. We had the opportunity to analyze two cases of teaching, and it made me reflect deeply on my own teaching methods.

Reflecting on these cases, I couldn't help but consider my own teaching methods. I realize that there is always room for improvement. I aspire to be an effective teacher, infusing my lessons with passion and creativity to inspire my students. I want to ensure that I'm not just imparting knowledge but also fostering a love for learning.

This reflection has reminded me of the importance of staying adaptable and open to new teaching strategies. I can't rely on one approach; instead, I must tailor my methods to meet the diverse needs of my students. I am committed to continually evaluating and refining my teaching techniques to become a more effective educator.

Day 4: September 13, 2023

Fairness and Decision Making Process

Achieving fairness in education and decision-making in the classroom can be challenging but is essential for providing an equitable learning environment.

Day 5: September 14, 2023

Today's exploration of enduring understandings and end-of-unit assessments has provided me with valuable insights as an educator. I've come to realize the critical role these enduring concepts play in guiding instruction and assessing student learning, particularly within the framework of Universal Design for Learning (UDL).
One key takeaway is the significance of enduring understandings as the foundation of learning. These overarching concepts serve as the backbone of a subject, offering students not just knowledge but a deeper comprehension of the underlying principles. They act as a compass, guiding both teaching and learning.
Furthermore, I now see how well-aligned enduring understandings are with UDL principles. By focusing on these overarching concepts, I can design lessons that cater to diverse learning styles and preferences. This alignment emphasizes the need for multiple means of representation, engagement, and expression, ensuring that every student can access and engage with the content effectively.
End-of-unit assessments are not just evaluative tools; they are opportunities to measure students' grasp of enduring understandings. These assessments should align seamlessly with the overarching concepts, emphasizing comprehension over rote memorization. By diversifying assessment methods, I can provide students with equitable opportunities to showcase their understanding.
This reflection has emphasized the importance of continuous improvement. I understand the need to regularly review and adapt my enduring understandings and assessments to better align with UDL principles. This process ensures that my teaching remains inclusive and effective.

Moving forward, I am committed to revisiting and refining my enduring understandings and assessments with a UDL lens. I aim to create a learning environment where every student has multiple pathways to explore, engage with, and express their understanding of the enduring principles within the subject matter. My dedication to fostering inclusivity and enriching learning experiences for all students has been reaffirmed.As educators, it is vital to uphold the principles of equity and impartiality steadfastly. This entails acknowledging and proactively addressing any biases that may exist, demonstrating sensitivity and adaptability to the distinct needs of your students, and consistently making choices that foster an atmosphere of fairness and inclusivity within your classroom.

By continually prioritizing equity, inclusion, and transparency, teachers can work toward creating a fair and supportive learning environment for all students.

 Day 6: September 15, 2023

Today's Effective Teaching class covered a lot of ground, but I found Eduaide.Ai to be particularly fascinating. This tool stood out to me because, as the professor mentioned,  it's not meant to replace teachers but to assist us in becoming more effective educators.

What excites me the most is how Eduaide.Ai can help me design units and refine them better. Its potential for personalized insights and recommendations means I can customize my lessons to address individual learning needs effectively. This personalization can lead to more engaging and successful learning experiences for my students. I'm looking forward to exploring how this tool can enhance my teaching practice further.