This is my second go around as a fellow, and I think this time I truly understood and benefitted from the process. Technology has impacted my teaching and my students in a variety of ways. I think one of the most beneficial ways has been through a what I would call a semi-flipped class. The ability to have students be prepared through watching a video, and answering questions before coming to class for a lab or lecture has saved us time and we can spend more time on labs and hands-on activities in class. I haven’t used a total flip, but the implementation of what I have done I can say that the prior knowledge on a topic or lab has gone up. The class has the ability to be front loaded before coming to class and I have seen a better participation rate in answering questions about the topic. I have saved time going over procedures that I have had to do in the past during class time. I know I still want to work on the participation rate, and I think if I start these with guidance in class they will see the benefit of completing outside of class.
I have also used videos when I know I am going to be out of the class with a substitute. The videos have ensured my students don’t get behind with materials or instructions when I am out. It’s business as usual, and I don’t feel that I am wasting a day when I am out. I can give them notes as if I was there, go over homework, and ask them questions.
I believe I have also improved my formative assessments using technology. I have instituted Quizizzes again this year, but this time I have required the students to meet a minimum % to receive credit for the assignment. This makes it so they have to keep trying and not give up after one attempt. I have seen a greater participation rate when I tie it a grade. They also seem to do better on their tests. The students also love Quizlet live, so I really like having that available during class for a quick review before a test or quiz.
Looking Ahead...
As I think about my continued goals and next steps, there are several areas that I was able to explore with my coach this year that I want to continue to revamp.
I tried a menu assignment that I really liked this year. This assignment gave the students choice on what genetics problems to complete. They had to complete so many in a set, but they got to choose. I polled the students and they said they liked the choice. I also have given them choice in doing some assignments digital or paper. I would like to do more choice assignments in the future. There is a bigger buy-in with these types of assignments.
I am also looking into digital notebooks, and the idea of Google Sites for the students to keep their science work sounds, and looks really cool. I need to research this more over the summer to implement this next year.
I made a couple of hyperdocs this year for the students to use and follow through the units. I would like to continue this. I see the benefit of having a one stop shop for the students to see where we are going in a topic or unit.
I also need to rethink my digital labs and doing them in Google Docs or Google Forms. I was really bad about timely feedback when they are digital, so I think if I use the sites idea there could be more timely feedback. I will continue to revise and revamp my lab write-up process.
I tried implementing Classroom Dojo, and it was helpful, but not exactly what I am looking for in a randomizer. I will continue to think about this, and find the tool that works for me to make sure students are engaged and all students are participating. Overall, I think my student engagement has improved, but I still would consider this an area to continue to improve upon.
Obviously, a big thing coming is NGSS implementation, and my curriculum will be changing due to this. I have a lot of work ahead to make what I have now fit into the new standards and performance expectations.
Reflections on being a Fellow...
The fellowship has been extremely beneficial having someone to bounce ideas for curriculum implementation and revision off of. Two heads were always better than one. I believe the fellowship is only as good as what the fellow puts into it. I was willing to try most things, some failed and some succeeded, but I feel that it pushed me more than I would have normally. I enjoyed working with my coach, she was the perfect match for me. She let me vent, but then got me back on track with the work ahead. I felt if I wasn’t moving forward I was letting her down, and I didn’t want to do that. If I thought of something, and posed a question to my coach, I always knew I was going to get a response about the idea or question. I also needed the reminder of why was I doing something, was it going to enhance my teaching and the students learning, or was it just a replacement for the same. I am better at reflecting on my use of technology and when and where it is best suited.
I loved that fact that although my coach wasn’t a science teacher in her past, she always tried to find examples and ideas that suited to science. This has been a worthwhile experience, and I will continue to consider my coach as my DLC (Digital Learning Coach) even if I am not going through the coaching cycle each week with her.
My name is Kristen Hammer. I have been teaching science for 17 years. I am currently teaching Biology, and my science department’s chair.
I received my undergrad from Northern Arizona University in Zoology and my Master’s and teaching credential from National University.
I believe in making curriculum accessible and meaningful for all students. I feel that each year of teaching should look new and different with the implementation and revision of a teacher’s art; their curriculum.
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