Standard+7

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The teacher organizes and plans systematic instruction based upon knowledge of subject matter, pupils, the community, and curriculum goals.
 * Standard 7: Teachers are able to plan different kinds of lessons.**


 * Evidence:** [[file:stockmarketlessonplan.doc]]


 * Rationale:** This is a lesson plan created for my high school Algebra class that uses the stock market to analyze linear equations. It took three class periods and then one class period every two weeks for three months. I went over the basics of the stock market by talking about it in class and doing some activities. I then gave each student $100,000 of virtual money to invest based on what they learned about the stock market. They were expected to keep track of their investments and create a portfolio in which they discussed how their research was done, what stocks they picked and why, and the results of their investments. They also had to include a reflection piece where they discussed what they learned from the project and what they wanted to learn more about. For each stock purchased, students created a graph of stock prices, vs. time along with the calculated slope (rise/run) of each graph. They also had to include one three dimensional graph. Students then used the slope to analyze trends and make future predictions.

Student outcomes of this project were a better understanding of the material along with more participation and student engagement than previous years. Students loved this project because they were able to make some choices and could be creative while at the same time achieving the curriculum goals. This lesson helped my development as a teacher because it allowed me to teach the curriculum standards for this chapter in a different, more creative and fun approach which improved student learning. It was great seeing my students get excited about math and succeed at such a high level.


 * KSD:**

With this lesson I was able to teach the content standard while at the same time meeting the interests of my students. It took what we were learning in the class and they applied it to the stock market. In the future I think I will try to bring in someone from the community who can talk about the stock market and investing money.
 * 7.K.2 The teacher knows how to take contextual considerations (instructional materials; individual student interests, needs, and aptitudes; and community resources) into account when planning instruction that creates an effective bridge between curriculum goals and students' experiences.**

In this lesson we did worksheets and discussions on the stock market which were short-term plans and then students invested $100,000 in virtual money and tracked their investments over a 3 month period. Students were able to see over time what happened to their investments. I think it would work even better to do this project over a longer period of time so they can see more change in their investments.
 * 7.S.4 The teacher creates short-term and long-term plans that are linked to student needs and performance and adapts the plans to ensure student progress and motivation.**

This lesson required a lot of flexibility. I had to make many adjustments along the way as the students and I came across road blocks. Together we worked out the problems and the lesson turned out to be very beneficial at relating the content standard to the real-world. I have also decided that I will change some things when I do it again next year.
 * 7.D.2 The teacher believes that plans must always be open to adjustment and revision based on student needs and changing circumstances.**