PSI Goal Reflection

           The first goal I set for PSI was to “effectively differentiate for the learning needs in my classroom.” I believe I worked throughout my practicum to practice and incorporate this goal. I found research on the Montessori philosophy and my TA provided me with some background information on our orientation day. This allowed me the opportunity to understand and plan for some different modalities in my lessons.  Once I met the student’s and began to build a relationship with them I began to understand which student’s would benefit from differentiation. I made sure to allow students to present their knowledge in different ways. One example of how I achieved this is; at the end of a social unit the students had a shot quiz on the regions of Canada. One of the student’s is currently struggling with reading and writing but understands and can apply his knowledge. I had this student do an oral quiz with the map. I read out the question and had him answer orally.  This allowed him to share his knowledge without him feeling the stress and anxiety around the reading and writing portion of the quiz.

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           The second goal I set for PSI was to “Effectively engage with technology in the classroom setting for the benefit of the student learning.” This goal was actually more difficult than I expected it to be. I didn’t want to just use computers or technology unnecessarily, I wanted it to be meaningful to the students learning experience. During a social lesson I had the students break into group for a research project. I found websites appropriate to the topic and provided the student's with them, as well as bringing in hard copy resources. I think it was a good way for the students to understand research and technology. The student's are very technology driven so using the computers to aid in their research was really successful. We also had a really great discussion on how to find appropriate and credible websites with quality information.

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           My Final Goal for PSI was “To effectively include literacy cross-curriculum to enhance student learning.” One of the projects I did during my five weeks in practicum was I created a word wall for the student's. I completed to word wall by the second week and used it in many different subject areas as a reference for the students. Modeling how to use the word wall and including it in subjects they would normally not consider using it, like math, really helped the students see the value of the word wall. I think this was a successful way to include literacy cross-curriculum to enhance student learning.