Candidates model and facilitate the use of research-based, learner-centered strategies addressing the diversity of all students. 

 

The instructional unit artifact demonstrates mastery of Standard 2.2: Candidates model and facilitate the use of research-based, learner-centered strategies addressing the diversity of all students. The appendix of the instructional unit lays out exactly what strategies were used when developing this unit. I designed this unit while working on my Master's Degree, and implemented it with my class at the time.  

 

This unit demonstrates mastery because it uses a variety of research-based, learner-centered strategies to teach students spelling patterns. During the time of the creation of this unit I was working with a very diverse group of students. The lessons in this unit were designed to ensure that they would reach all students, regardless of their different learning needs. The use of animated videos appeals to visual as well as auditory learners. I used the strategy of guided practice by having the students practice the activities with me before trying them on their own. I used small groups as each of the lessons were planned for groups of no more than 6 students. I used differentiated instruction by designing each of these lessons for a different group of students, based on what the pre-assessment indicated they needed to work on. Student demonstrations were also used by asking students to share the answers they came up with when working with their partners. Some of the activities were to be completed individually (intrapersonal strength), and some were to be completed with a partner or partners (interpersonal strength).

 

While completing and implementing this instructional unit I learned how to create a lesson that focuses on research-based, learner-centered strategies. I learned the importance of ensuring that all lessons are learner-centered, and how much more effective lessons can be when they are learner-centered. If I were to improve this instructional unit I would offer the students choices regarding which type of activity they would complete. This would give the students more control over their learning. 

 

This instructional unit has the potential to greatly impact student learning. The fact that each lesson is designed for a specific group of students, based on results from a pre-assessment, means this unit has more of a chance to be an effective teaching tool. The lessons are designed to meet the specific needs of the learners in each group. The impact of this artifact can be assessed by giving the students a pre and post assessment, before implementation of this unit and after.