In my educational philosophy statement, I emphasize the importance of hands-on, project-based learning that engages students in a holistic way. My Science Methods Final shows my dedication to this principle in Section I, in which I discuss my science philosophy:  “A quality science education cultivates innovative, curious, and creative young learners using a hands-on, standards-based curriculum that encourages higher-level thinking and integrates technology. My students will reach these goals by engaging in inquiry learning activities that give them a chance to ask questions and engage with NGSS concepts in the way real scientists do.” The next section of this document refers to a 5E Lesson Plan which implements these ideas. In this plan, the students are called upon to engage in an inquiry activity to design a building that withstands severe weather. Together, these two sections show my commitment to EDoT 1. Action. B.: “Facilitates student learning in authentic forms, e.g., students behaving as scientists, writers, artists, etc.” Section III of the Science Methods Final document outlines how I would enhance instruction, increase student engagement, and optimize instructional time through the use of integrated curriculum. In this section, I demonstrate attention to EDoT 1. Action. D.: “Integrate instruction to enable students to acquire knowledge and to see relationships among subject areas.” Additionally, in Section IV.B. of this document, I define and explain the various assessment strategies I will use to inform my instruction, thus exhibiting competency in Edot 5. Knowledge. A.: “Explain basic and current concepts of assessment.” 

               

 

My Math Demonstration Handout shows evidence of hands-on instruction using virtual manipulatives in the form of a fun and interactive game. In the proposed activity, students learn about relationships between shapes by completing a series of tangram puzzles. In my philosophy, I express a desire to “extend the opportunity for my students to learn through experience and discover knowledge with minimal intervention.” With the use of a virtual game to meet this end, I show my ability to “integrate computer and computer-related technology into instruction to meet student learning needs” (EDoT 7. Action. C.).