Title: Amendment Lesson Plan Date: October 9, 2013 Artifact Description: My artifact is a lesson plan I constructed for a lesson

on the process of amending the Constitution. I wrote it as a sample lesson during my pre-student teaching experience. The lesson begins with the students analyzing a Bob Dylan song about changing times. I then give a quick overview of the process that must take place for an amendment to be added to the constitution. Then, they will split into two groups and simulate the process they just learned about using current day issues. After the simulation, they will do a worksheet over the difficulty of amending the Constitution to close out the lesson. If there is time left after the lesson is complete, the students will analyze political cartoons concerning some of these issues. The overall purpose of the lesson is to learn about the process of amending the constitution and to make the material relevant to them by using current day issues.

Alignment
Wisconsin Teacher Standard Alignment This experience best aligns with standard seven of the Wisconsin Teacher Development and Licensure Standards which states: The teacher plans instruction based upon knowledge of subject matter, students, the community, and curriculum goals. This experience best aligns with standard seven because I used my knowledge base of the content and students to make a lesson best suited for them. The lesson covers an important topic relevant to the chapter but also is compliments the rest of the unit. This shows that I value both long-term and short-term planning because this lesson sets the table for future lessons but is also an important lesson in itself. The simulation of the process will allow students to put themselves in the founding fathers shoes which will be more effective than listening to a lecture. Putting the lesson into present day context displays my understanding of the learning theory, subject matter, curriculum development, and student development and that I know how to use this knowledge in planning instruction to meet curriculum goals. Time is of the essence in the classroom and that is why I have the political cartoon activity as a backup plan. I believe that plans must always be open to adjustment and revision based on student needs and changing circumstances. My overall lesson shows that I am able to plan a lesson with efficiency while also meeting the necessary goals. UW-Platteville School of Education Knowledge, Skill, Disposition Statement Alignment This experience best aligns with KSD3.c of the UWP School of Education Knowledge, Skill, and Disposition statements which holds that the teacher engages students in learning. The experience best aligns with this because the lesson I constructed gets students very involved in the learning process. Even when I am at the front of the class lecturing, they are still filling out a worksheet instead of simply sitting there. I planned for learning opportunities that recognize and address variation in learning styles, learning differences, and performance modes. The best place in which I engage the students in the learning is through the simulation. This allows the students to put their newly acquired knowledge and apply it to real world situations. Since they will be split into two different groups, there will be a discussion element also present. Discussion amongst peers is one of the best ways to get students involved in activities. The other part of the simulation will be some sort of a debate which will require them to critically analyze the issue and defend their position.

Secondary Alignment: KSD1.c. Selecting instructional Goals KSD1.e. Designing Coherent Instruction KSD2.c. Managing Classroom Procedures KSD3.e. Demonstrating Flexibility and Responsiveness

Reflection
What I learned about teaching/learning I learned that it is very important to make lesson plans as beneficial for the students as possible. My cooperating teacher and I reviewed my lesson plan, and he liked how it looked but encouraged to always get students that active. Doing so always gets the students more excited for that class and more eager to learn. Therefore, I learned that involving students in the learning enhances the lesson. Also, it is more enjoyable and rewarding for teachers to see their students enjoying the learning process. What I learned about myself as a prospective educator: I learned that I need to make every single lesson plan the most important lesson I am going to teach. With that mindset, I will be able to do the necessary things I spoke of above. I also learned that there are many creative ways to get students to learn and analyze material that are more beneficial than lecturing. I realized how many resources are available to me, especially as a social studies teacher. Articles, first person sources, and video clips help enhance the overall message of a lesson. Another thing I learned is that it will be helpful to team with other teachers in my department for assistance when deciding on the best strategies to use for certain lessons.