Standard+5

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The teacher uses an understanding of individual and group motivation and behavior to create a learning environment that encourages positive social interaction, active engagement in learning, and self-motivation.
 * Standard 5: Teachers know how to manage a classroom.**


 * Evidence:** media type="file" key="Eric and Lee - Matrices.mp3"


 * Rationale:** I created this lesson for my Advanced Algebra and used it for the first time this year. In my Advanced Algebra class we do a chapter on Matrices. After going through the lesson and having students do some problems on their own I assessed them by having them make a podcast. I had students individually draw a matrix with 12 entries. They then had to then make a podcast describing their matrix by using the definitions we talked about in class (dimensions, address, etc). They then were assigned partners and had to listen to their partners podcast and try to create the same matrix as their partner by following their partners directions. They then compared each others matrices to see if they got it correct.

This lesson worked great in all three of my Advanced Algebra classes. Students loved working with the computers to make a podcast and had so much fun creating and explaining their matrices. I was surprised at how funny and creative many of my students were and how awesome their podcasts turned out. They did a great job at adding humor but at the same time showing the knowledge they had about matrices. I will definitely continue to use this lesson in the future. This lesson helped my development as at teacher because I went out on a limb to do something I have never done before and it was very rewarding to learn from my students.


 * KSD:**

This lesson requires students to work together, be creative, and offers a different form of assessment other than paper and pencil. I randomly chose partners so they get to work with students they might not be friends with which helps students get to know each other and develops more positive relationships in the classroom. Students really enjoy this lesson because they get to make a podcast while at the same time they are showing me that they have learned the material.
 * 5.K.4 The teacher understands the principles of effective classroom management and can use a range of strategies to promote routines and positive relationships, cooperation, and purposeful learning in the classroom.**

This lesson requires an individual and group component. Students must work on their own to create a podcast but then work with a partner to come up with the required matrix. Students are responsible for their own grade as well as their partners when it comes to the final product. Students love grading their partners work and it gives them a change to be the teacher which leads to powerful learning.
 * 5.S.1 The teacher creates a smoothly functioning learning community in which students assume responsibility for themselves and one another, participate in decision making, work collaboratively and independently, and engage in purposeful learning activities.**

For this lesson students check each others work and have to help their partner fix their mistakes. It allows students to take charge of their own learning along with promoting learning in their partners. They become more comfortable with their peers in the classroom which creates a more comfortable learning environment for all students.
 * 5.D.3 The teacher values the role of students in promoting each other's learning and recognizes the importance of peer relationships in establishing a climate for learning.**