Standard 6 Communication

Title: Teacher Work Sample - Lesson Plan

Date: 12/7/2012

Artifact Description:
The following artifact is a lesson plan that I created and presented field experience at Central
High School in La Crosse, Wisconsin. I based the lesson plan on the need for the ladies of the
young womens choir to better align their posture for better breath support and singing. It
focuses on the importance elements of knowing your body and utilizing healthy techniques to
practice proper singing. The lesson plan utilizes different styles of instruction as well as
accommodations to relate to the different intelligences. It is divided into stages by physical
realization, imagery with short lecture and group singing.

ALIGNMENT: Wisconsin Teacher Standard Alignment
This artifact best aligns with standard six of the Wisconsin Teacher Development and Licensure
standards which states: Teachers communicate well. The teacher uses effective verbal and
nonverbal communication techniques as well as instructional media and technology to foster
active inquiry, collaboration, and supportive interaction in the classroom.
This artifact aligns with standard six because of the different tools of verbal and nonverbal
instruction used in this lesson plan. There is a pre and post test that takes a moment at the
beginning and end of class for asking what the students know to solidify and then build off from
their level of understanding. Divided into three parts, this teacher work sample outlines
learning strategies that touch on the kinesthetic, audio and collaboration intelligences. By
asking questions and fostering social interaction for self-motivation, this lesson plan shows how
to facilitate students learning

UW-Platteville School of Education: Knowledge, Skill, Disposition Statement Alignment
I believe this experience best aligns with KS1.e. Designs Coherent Instruction of the UW-
Platteville School of Education Knowledge, Skill, and Disposition Statements which states: The
candidate, with appropriate student input, has the ability to develop relevant, goal-directed,
engaging, clear, and varied learning activities that progress coherently and produce a unified
instructional setting that reflects recent professional research.
I thoughtfully considered and decided on activities and concepts that would apply to different
styles of learners and instruction, which is why my teacher work sample aligns with this
standard. I utilized different strategies with room for variation within the lesson. Each level or
part of the lesson was geared toward students discovering the information rather than being
solely given to them. The different mediums and resources used show how the lesson can be
engaging and coherent. By moving from one teaching goal to the next, this artifact relates well
to the above KSD statement because of the student opportunity to give input and develop their
personal learning as well as the learning of the group.

Secondary Alignment
KS3.a. Communicates Clearly and Accurately
KS3.b. Uses Questioning and Discussion Techniques
KS3.c. Engages Students in Learning

Reflection: What I learned about teaching/learning:
Making adjustments is crucial to proper instruction methodology. Students have different
needs from day to day. What you plan for doesnt always happen (rarely, in fact) and teachers
need to be ready for teachable moments. As a teacher, this flexibility is further effective with
the foundation for student-led learning in ones classroom. Give the students time to try out
learning on their own. Especially in music, it is important for singers to explore their own
instrument (physical realization) and give each other positive criticism. It is also of value to be
able to assess student progress, making changes to instruction to accommodate where
students are lagging behind in their comprehension of the material.

What I learned about myself as a prospective educator:
Teachers ought to use as many resources as possible to give an advantage to their student. This
lesson plan was divided into obvious yet connecting stages. The alternative is on basic lesson
plan with little varied instruction. Different strategies allow for students of varying learning
styles to learn in the best way they know how. Design your lesson plan with differentiated
instruction to bring the material to the level of all your students. This takes preparation!
Although it is obviously challenging to effectively prepare a lesson plan that can reach students
at every level, it is better to try than simply mainstream. I will be sure to continuously assess my
students progress both officially and unofficially. This record-keeping will make every new day
of teaching a stepping stone from one piece of information to the next. Getting to know your
students on an educational level requires knowledge of their academic, social and even
personal level. Connecting with individuals to give them information and sometimes wisdom
that they didnt have before- this is why I want to teach.