Standard+2

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The teacher understands how children with broad ranges of ability learn and provides instruction that supports their intellectual, social, and personal development.
 * Standard 2: Teachers know how children grow.**


 * Evidence: [[file:iPod Lesson Plan.doc]]**


 * Rationale:** This lesson plan was created for my high school Applied Algebra class. Students learned about simple interest and how it applies to their lives. They explored how different interest rates and loan periods affect monthly payments and total owed on a purchase. I spend a few class periods going over simple interest with the students. At the end of the simple interest unit students completed the following as assessments for the unit. Students used the Internet to find their dream car and dream home. They used a spreadsheet application on their iPods to record the principle, interest rate, annual interest, total interest, total owed and monthly payments. They completed this information for a 3, 4, and 5 year loan. They could choose to use the interest rates that I provided them or they could search local banks or credit unions for a better interest rate. Students also had to create a podcast that described their results. They had to include what their dream car/ dream home is, what type loan they chose and why, what their monthly payments are, etc. Students presented what they did to the rest of the class in any way that they wanted to (powerpoint, playing thier podcast, etc) and had have to fill out a peer assessment and self-assessment form.

The students really loved this lesson and learned a lot of very valuable information that they will use in their lives. Students loved having different assessments and being able to choose the way they wanted to present their project. Some of the shy kids just did a powerpoint and did not play their podcasts where others talked about what they did and loved sharing their podcasts. I think students were able to learn using their strengths and also show what they learned in a way that they felt comfortable. They did an awesome job and did much better on the written test than previous years. This lesson was also important to my development as a teacher because I went out of my comfort zone and did something that I usually don't do. It was fun doing somthing different and seeing the positive results in my students work was great!


 * KSD:**

Students were given the option to learn in different ways. Using technology along with written assessments promoted a wider range of student abilities. Students could choose to present in the way they felt most comfortable with. Some who were really familiar with audacity did some really great podcasts with background music and other featuers and those who are not familiar with it go exposure to it but also were able to have different options that highlighted their strengths.
 * 2.K.1 The teacher understands how learning occurs -- how students construct knowledge, acquire skills, and develop habits of mind -- and how to use instructional strategies that promote student learning for a wide range of student abilities.**

Many of my students already had some experience with having a loan where they had to make monthly payments but had no idea how the monthly payments were figured out. Being able to take something that they will all want someday, a car or home, and having them look at what goes into taking out a loan and repaying it really is valuable to them. They were able to reflect on their purchases and decide if purchasing that particular car or house would be a good option for them.
 * 2.S.2 The teacher stimulates student reflection on prior knowledge and links new ideas to already familiar ideas, making connections to students' experiences, providing opportunities for active engagement, manipulation, and testing of ideas and material, and encouraging students to assume responsibility for shaping their learning tasks.**

As I graded this project I took into account the various strengths that each student had and as long as they met the requirements I gave them positive feedback. Some students did really well with the podcast but not so well with using the iPod or the write up and vice versa so I made sure to take into account the diverse talents and abilities.
 * 2.D.1 The teacher appreciates individual variation at each developmental level and shows respect for the diverse talents of all learners, and is committed to help them develop self-confidence and competence.**